Rigor

Our program offers online access to a meaningful graduate education at a reputable institution. The university holds SACS accreditation, membership in the Online Learning Consortium, and is an institutional member of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). JMU's College of Education holds CAEP (formerly NCATE) accreditation. These organizations promote high-quality online courses and degree programs. The M. Ed. with a concentration in Learning Design and Technology and Certificate Programs are aligned to AECT and ISTE-C professional standards.

U.S. News and World Report ranks JMU #2 in Top Public Schools, and #8 in Regional Universities South.

Quality

After completing our learning design and technology programs, you will be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions to:

1. Apply foundational knowledge and skills to the collaborative design and use of content, pedagogy and instructional technologies.
2. Create conditions for learning by applying theories (e.g. learning theories, curriculum theory and communications theories) to authentic scenarios involving diverse populations.
3. Use modern technologies and techniques (e.g. collaborative teamwork and rapid prototyping) to design and develop learning materials, media and environments that promote near and far transfer of content knowledge.
4. Design and develop a strategic vision and plan for the implementation, management and evaluation of educational technologies, programs and systems.
5. Use quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry to make data-driven decisions that inform practice in the discipline.
6. Lead, facilitate and advocate for positive change and innovation in the educational technology workplace as new technologies, techniques, and theories of learning, design and change emerge.
7. Engage in and reflect upon one’s own professional development, dispositions and growth in the discipline.
8. Develop and evaluate professional development programs and initiatives that advance the technological, pedagogical and content knowledge of learners.
9. Engage in ethical reasoning and decision-making by applying frameworks, policies and standards of ethical practice such as the AECT and ISTE-C professional standards and the JMU Ethical Reasoning in Action Eight Key Questions framework for ethical decision-making.

Student Testimonials

Owen Longacre, M.Ed. graduate

"I am currently a High School Social Studies Teacher and have been for the past 3 years. I was attracted to the JMU Learning Design and Technology program because of its applicability to my current job. In addition I believe that this degree will open up many new career paths that I am excited to explore. I enjoy working with professors and peers who have had extensive experience in different technology fields and bring a vast array of background knowledge to every class. I am looking forward to completing this program in the next two years and seeing where it may lead me."

Taylor Moore, M.Ed. graduate

"I recently graduated from The University of Virginia, where I studied a combination of Education and Technology! Due to my passion and interest in both of these areas, I decided to pursue the field of Learning Design and Technology. JMU's M.Ed. with a concentration in Educational Technology Program is run by knowledgeable and supportive professors, and offers a great variety of courses! Both of these factors led me to pick this program, and I am glad I did so! When I am not in class or refining my tech skills, I am teaching  third grade students in Fredericksburg, VA. Upon completion of my graduate studies, I hope to dive into the field of Corporate Training and utilize my knowledge of Learning Design and Technology!"

Katie Thomas, M.Ed. graduate

"I'm a graphic designer and illustrator with a background in animation, both 2D and 3D. I decided the M.Ed. with a concentration in Learning Design and Technology Program was for me when I realized most of my professional career was dedicated to helping others expand their knowledge. It was a natural fit. I particularly enjoy the hands-on approaches the program employs to give us real-world experiences. There are things I never would have tried if it weren't for my classes. I intend to take what I've learned and apply it to future endeavors which might include a second graduate program in games and learning. Learning is life-long and it's never too late to start."