BY DANIELLE LEGARE
As technology continues to reshape how people learn in classrooms, workplaces and communities, GSE’s new EdM program in learning sciences and educational technology equips students to lead that change.
Designed for educators, designers and professionals across sectors, the program blends learning science, equity-centered design and hands-on experience with emerging technologies. The result is a flexible graduate degree that prepares students to improve learning wherever it happens.
“The learning sciences and educational technology (LSET) master’s program empowers students to become innovative leaders in technology-enhanced learning,” said Yunjeong Chang, associate professor in the Department of Learning and Instruction. “Graduates develop the expertise to design, evaluate and lead impactful learning environments that transform education in schools, workplaces and communities. With two flexible tracks—a practice-oriented track and a research-focused track—the program enables students to personalize their pathway based on their interests, strengths and future career aspirations.”
The practical track focuses on applied design and technology, offering training in instructional design, user experience, digital tools and policy. Students build a professional portfolio through applied projects, gaining skills they can apply immediately in classrooms, organizations or the educational technology industry.
The research track is designed for those pursuing doctoral study or inquiry-driven careers. Coursework strengthens students’ abilities to investigate how people learn, design equitable learning environments and critically examine technology’s role in society.
Comprising 30 credits of coursework, the program emphasizes evidence-based design, learner-centered approaches and the meaningful use of technology. Students engage with foundational courses in learning theory, user experience, design-based research, and curriculum and instruction. The program culminates in a capstone project aligned with their professional or scholarly interests.
This new master’s degree arrives at an exciting moment for UB. The recently launched Institute for Learning Sciences—led by scholar Christopher Hoadley—brings together experts from anthropology to artificial intelligence to explore how people learn across homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Students in the EdM program benefit from this growing, interdisciplinary community focused on designing learning for equity, access and innovation.
Graduates will be prepared for diverse roles, including UX designer, instructional or learning experience designer, curriculum specialist, educational technology consultant and researcher. Whether working in schools, universities, nonprofits, cultural institutions or tech companies, alumni will be equipped to design and evaluate learning experiences that expand opportunity and improve outcomes for all learners.
Prospective students can explore the program’s curriculum on GSE’s website.