Learning Sciences and Educational Technology, EdM
Transform the future of learning. Build the skills to create, evaluate and lead technology-enhanced experiences that improve education in schools, workplaces and communities.
Innovate Learning
Design and improve technology-driven learning across classrooms, organizations and communities. The practical track offers hands-on experience in instructional design, UX and technologies for immediate career impact. The research track deepens your understanding of how people learn and equips you to design equitable environments. Both tracks build a strong foundation in learning sciences to advance your career or prepare for doctoral study.
Learning Sciences Revolution
UB has launched the Institute for Learning Sciences, a groundbreaking interdisciplinary hub exploring how people learn within communities, cultures, institutions and technologies. Directed by Chris Hoadley, the institute unites experts from anthropology to AI to design equitable, real-world learning systems. Ready to explore the future of education and innovation? And how UB aims to reshape learning at every level.
Points of Distinction
Evidence-based, learner-centered design helps you develop the skills to create learning experiences for all learners from pre-K to adulthood, grounded in research not guesswork.
Equity, inclusion and community impact guide your ability to design environments that expand access and opportunity for diverse learners in schools, workplaces and communities.
Theory meets practice with technology as you work with digital tools and research methods that prepare you to lead innovation across educational contexts and edtech industries.
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Master of Education (EdM) |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 30 |
| Time to completion | 4 to 5 part-time semesters, 2 to 3 full-time semesters, if course scheduling allows |
| Program delivery | Online (with optional hybrid opportunities available) |
Application deadline | Priority Deadlines Spring: Nov. 1, then rolling until Jan. 10 Summer: Feb. 1, then rolling until May 10 Fall: Feb. 1, then rolling until Aug. 10 |
Required Courses (18 credits)
Core Courses (15 credits)
- ELP 500 Nature of Inquiry
- LAI 615 Intro to Curriculum, Instruction and the Science of Learning (CISL)
- LAI 649 Learning Theories
- LAI 675 Design Based Research
- LIS 503 User Experience and Human Computer Interaction
Capstone (3 credits)
- LAI 700 Project
Electives (12 credits)
Work with your advisor to select courses that align with your goals, choosing from the Practical or Research emphasis areas.
Practical Emphasis – Applied Design & Technology
This track is for students who want to build and apply skills they can use right away in classrooms, organizations, or the EdTech industry. Coursework emphasizes instructional design, UX, policy, and the integration of digital tools into diverse learning environments. With advisor guidance, students choose electives that align with their professional goals and build a portfolio of applied projects. Sample courses may include:
- CEP 506 Introduction to Educational Technology
- ELP 537 Educational Technology Policy & Planning
- LAI 640 Designing Course Curriculum Using Digital Resources
Research Emphasis – Inquiry & Scholarship
This track is for students preparing for doctoral study, research-based careers, or roles requiring advanced inquiry and evaluation skills. Coursework emphasizes theories of learning, equity-focused learning environments design, and critical perspectives on technology’s role in society. With advisor guidance, students choose electives that help them develop a strong foundation for conducting and disseminating research. Sample courses may include:
- LAI 573 Technology as a Social Practice
- LAI 647 Research in Online Education
- LAI 671 Philosophy of Technology
Additional information about the program’s curriculum, requirements, and resources can be requested by contacting Program Director Dr. Yunjeong Chang.
Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and an interest in learning sciences at the graduate level.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
Contact information for two individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter. The individuals must be academic or teaching/professional references, not personal references.
Statement of Purpose (2–3 pages)
Tell us your story as a learner, teacher, or professional in education. We’d like to see:
- Your Interests: What learning or educational challenge have you noticed in your discipline, workplace, or community that you want to explore further?
- Your Goals: Where do you hope this program will take you—career growth, doctoral study, or applied design work?
- Your Alignment: How the program’s Practical or Research track connects with your goals.
- Resume/CV highlighting your education, professional experience, and any work with instructional design, instructional technology, or educational research.
Former/Birth Name: Please provide us with your former/birth name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/birth name.
Admission Decision: Applications are reviewed carefully and holistically. We will notify you promptly once a decision has been reached. Admissions decisions are final.
Supporting Documentation
All supporting documents must be uploaded and attached to your online application. This includes unofficial copies of your transcripts and any other documents required for review.
In-State Residency Tuition
To qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you must provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months before your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload three documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores—dated within two years of submitting your application—for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic.
- TOEFL minimum score is 250 for computer-based test, 600 for paper- based test and 96 for internet-based test
- IELTS minimum score is 7.0 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- Financial documentation: International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application and dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
Graduates of the EdM in Learning Sciences and Educational Technology will be prepared for careers that connect education, technology and research. With skills in design, evaluation and technology integration, you’ll be ready to contribute in schools, universities, cultural institutions, nonprofits and the EdTech industry. Potential roles include:
- User Experience (UX) Designer – improve the design and usability of educational technologies and learning platforms.
- Learning Experience (LX) Designer / Instructional Designer – design engaging courses and training programs that integrate learning technologies to empower diverse learners.
- Curriculum Designer – create evidence-based materials that support learning across K–12, higher education, and workplace training.
- Educational Technology Consultant – help schools, organizations, and communities in integrating technology and evaluating its impact effectively.
- Museum or Informal Learning Designer – design interactive exhibits and programs in cultural and community spaces.
- Educational Researcher – study how people learn to inform practice and policy, with opportunities to collaborate across fields such as medical education, engineering education, and more.