Program Information
The Learning Design and Technology program prepares professionals to design and evaluate educationally-informed and empirically-grounded learning environments, products, and programs that effectively employ technology in a variety of settings.
In LDT, students collaborate with and learn from a diverse group of outstanding peers, while being guided and supported by GSE faculty. Practical experience in an internship and a deep dive into creative problem solving with the master’s project allow students to apply their learning to meaningful real-world challenges.
Overview
In this 11-month program (September through August), students take a minimum of 45 units over the course of four quarters. Students take core requirements complemented by electives from across Stanford. The required LDT seminar spans all four quarters and supports collaboration in the cohort as well as students’ project and portfolio work. The degree also requires two internships, a master’s project, and a portfolio.
Curriculum and coursework
Core courses ground students in evaluation and research methods, learning theories, and design processes. The required LDT seminar allows students to build a sense of community with their cohort while also providing the context for designing, creating, and evaluating projects.
To see the specific requirements, as well as a list of pre-approved courses, visit the Master’s Handbook.
Required courses
Each quarter students enroll in the LDT seminar, which brings students together to discuss theoretical and practical perspectives, develop their master’s projects, and build community. Students work collaboratively with their peers, and provide support and feedback to one another.
Students take at least one course in which they learn about the evaluation and research methods used in education (minimum of 3 units). These courses help students develop skills to harvest valuable insights, metrics, and frameworks from scholarship. Options include data analysis and interpretation and qualitative methods.
Students take at least one course in which they learn and apply a user-centered design process (minimum of 3 units). The list of approved courses encompasses education, computer science, and engineering courses, some of which are offered at the “d.school.” Courses may include topics such as human-computer interaction, game design, assistive technologies, and global challenges.
At the heart of the program is understanding how people learn, and students are required to take at least two courses (6 units minimum) on learning. At least one must delve into learning theories. Examples include core mechanics for learning, learning and teaching of science, and learning in formal and informal environments.
Courses in this category apply user-centered design to a learning challenge. Students take at least two courses (6 units minimum) from this approved list, and are encouraged to take more. Examples of topics include child development and new technologies, curriculum construction, and online learning.
At least one course (3 units minimum) examining technology from a critical, social, historical, or philosophical perspective.
Elective courses
Each academic year the GSE creates a recommended list of education electives for LDT students. Examples of topics include assessment, educational neuroscience, psychological and educational resilience among children and youth, entrepreneurship and innovation in education technology, and courses in social justice and education reform. Students can also approach professors for directed reading on a topic of interest to them.
Though students need to take a minimum of 30 units total in the GSE, they can also take advantage of a wide range of opportunities across Stanford. LDT students have access to courses in the schools of business, law, engineering, and humanities and sciences (with advisor approval).
Internship
To connect theory and practice, students take on an internship aligned to their program goals. The internship and affiliated workshop course are required for a minimum of two quarters. Internships might be with one of the many research projects on campus, or in an educational, technology, and/or design organization. Internships are supported by Stanford EdCareers.
Below is a partial list of past internship sites.
- BEAM, Stanford Career Education
- Cantor Arts Center
- Challenge Success
- East Palo Alto Academy HS
- Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford (the "d.school")
- Native American Cultural Center
- OpenMindSchool
- Palo Alto Unified School District
- San Francisco Unified School District
- Stanford Center for Professional Development
For more internship details for students and employers, visit the internship program overview on the GSE’s career resources site.
Master’s project and portfolio
The capstone of the LDT program is the master’s project—a major design project directed and managed by the student. To complete the project, students must identify and understand a learning problem, generate and test potential solutions leveraging findings from the learning sciences, and collect evidence of learning. Deliverables will include a project proposal, preliminary and final prototypes, presentations, and a final report that includes learner assessments. Milestones will be due each quarter as students progress through the program.
Each student also compiles a portfolio of substantial works done during the year.
LDT Expo
Each summer the LDT Expo showcases student inventions at an event that draws crowds of education and technology professionals, potential investors, and curious community members. Expo allows students to demonstrate their prototypes and get feedback from a wide variety of attendees. Part celebration, part reunion, the event itself is a learning experience for students and an opportunity to present their work beyond the GSE.
Student Voices
Hear from our students about why they chose to study learning design and technology at Stanford, what their learning journey has been like, and what advice they would give to future LDT students.
What you need to know
Admission requirements
To learn more about requirements for admission, please visit the Application Requirements page.
Financing your education
To learn more about the cost of the program and options for financial support, please visit Financing Your Master’s Degree on the admissions website.
Contact admissions
For admissions webinars and to connect with the admission office, see our Connect and Visit page.
