Learning Design and Learning Sciences
Designing the Future of Learning: Being, Becoming, and Belonging
The Learning Design & Learning Sciences program prepares creative and adaptable learning scientists and designers who can transform learning in diverse contexts. Our program uniquely defines learning as a process of "becoming" and the construction of knowledge, meaning, self, and the world. Our cutting-edge curriculum is based on learning sciences theories, methodologies, and technologies that will help enable you to design complex and transformative learning experiences for rapidly evolving contexts.
Learning design in the learning sciences is the practice of creating engaging and effective learning experiences grounded in deep understanding of learners and learning theories. After successful completion of the coursework, you'll master an iterative design process informed by diverse theoretical frameworks, including constructionism, social constructivism, situated cognition, and complex systems theory. Our program emphasizes human-centered design, learner agency, and the holistic nature of learning—encompassing cognitive, identity, motivational, social, and emotional aspects. The program helps prepare graduates for a range of careers, including learning experience designers, learning scientists, learning engineers, researchers, educational consultants, learning officers, instructional designers, corporate trainers, and EdTech entrepreneurs.
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Available Degrees
What does the LDLS Program offer? You will:
- Analyze and understand learning as a complex, emergent process of becoming.
- Engage in hands-on, project-based learning centered on design thinking and collaboration.
- Explore and apply principles from cutting-edge learning theories.
- Develop competencies in data, media, and AI literacies for 21st-century learning environments.
- Create innovative, inclusive designs for diverse learners.
- Gain expertise in cutting-edge methodologies, including design-based research and complex systems analysis.
- Design learning experiences with real-world impact, focusing on immediate application rather than hypothetical scenarios.
The UAB Master of Science in Learning Design and Learning Sciences program helps prepare professionals for careers in learning experience design, research, and innovation across various contexts. This program is not designed as a teacher certification pathway.
- This fully asynchronous online 39-hour program aligns with the latest research and advancements in the learning sciences.
- Focus on fostering learner agency, creativity, and innovation.
- Eight core courses provide a strong foundation, while three specialization courses allow you to tailor your learning to your career goals.
- A 6-credit research practicum provides valuable hands-on experience.
- The asynchronous format accommodates working professionals, allowing flexibility to balance work and studies.
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Learn about specific program details, admissions requirements, scholarships, and more!
Curriculum
The MS in Learning Design & and Learning Sciences program helps prepare students to understand, research, and design innovative learning experiences across diverse contexts. Our curriculum integrates cutting-edge learning theories, design methodologies, and research approaches from the learning sciences. Core courses explore foundations of learning sciences, learning experience design, research methods, design thinking, learning analytics, and multimodal learning design. Through specialization courses and a research practicum, students develop expertise in areas such as game-based learning, artificial intelligence in learning design, complex systems, and creativity in learning.
Why Choose the UAB’s Learning Design and Learning Sciences Program?
100% Online
Learning and design can be done from anywhere which is why we have adopted that same mindset for our IDD program. All courses are taught 100% online, so the working professional has the flexibility to complete their coursework while working full-time.
Simple Admissions Process
Newly Revamped
Our MS in Learning Design and Learning Sciences recently went through a curriculum update. The enhancements made will allow our students to focus on instructional design and learning sciences principles.
People
Staff
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Graduate Recruiter Mary Frances Lembke
Faculty
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Program DirectorAssistant Professor Jonan Donaldson PhD