College of Education and Human Development

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Learning technologies MA / PhD

To ensure the success of all of our C&I MA and PhD current students, enhance the student experience for future graduate students, and based upon changing federal education guidelines and available funding, the Department of Curriculum & Instruction is pausing admissions on this program for one calendar year. No students will be admitted to start this program in the Fall 2027-Spring 2028 academic year. Admissions processes will resume in Fall 2027 to admit students for Fall 2028. All updated admissions information will be available by September 2027.

The pause of admissions only applies to the MA and/or PhD program on this page. This does not affect the admissions and enrollment procedures for other programs such as the Curriculum & Instruction's MEd programs or certificates. Those programs will continue to admit and enroll students without pause. 

The PhD track in learning technologies prepares students to conduct research and engage in technology-related practices in higher education, K-12, and business settings. Core focus areas include learning analytics, K-12 technology integration, online distance learning, and multimedia design and development.
 
The MA program has been recommended for closure and is no longer accepting applications. To explore a similar academic program and professional path, we encourage you to check out the Master's of Education (MEd) in Learning Technologies.
 
The PhD program is still accepting applications.
 

I’m really fortunate to work with faculty who are extremely knowledgeable, very approachable, and who have had a lot of impact on the way I started looking at my research and career.

Rukmini Avadhanam
PhD candidate, 2023

Coursework

Curriculum

Coursework in learning technologies includes hands-on learning and use of current technologies, development of technological solutions, consideration of theory and research, and conducting educational research. 

The MA in learning technologies is designed for students interested in a stronger research orientation compared to those who pursue the MEd degree in learning technologies. Students complete a thesis (plan A) or a final paper (plan B). View the required courses in the graduate catalog under subplan "learning technologies." 

The PhD experience is based upon your research interests with your faculty adviser. To view the curriculum requirements in detail visit the course catalog go to Requirements, go to program sub-plan, and scroll down to Learning Technologies. 

Research opportunities

Students can engage in research that ties into their area of interest. Faculty work closely with each cohort to achieve research and educational goals. Learn more about the student research experience in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. 

Areas of research include: 

  • Learning analytics 
  • Technology integration in K-12 classrooms 
  • Computer science education 
  • Educational technology 
  • Instructional Design 
  • Remote and distance online learning 

Sample plan of study

  • Core courses: CI 8131 + CI 8132 (6 cr) 
  • Research courses: CI 8134 + CI 8135, OLPD 5056, OLPD 5528, ESPY 8251, ESPY 8252 (18 cr) 
  • Major courses: CI 5331, CI 5330, CI 5365, CI 8391, CI 8395 (15 cr) 
  • Supporting courses: CI 5472, ESPY 5151, CI 5651, CI 5641 (12 cr) 
  • Elective course: CI 8461 (3 cr) 
  • Thesis credits: 8888 (24 cr) 

Career outlook

MA graduates engage in advanced media and software design and development, lead K-12 technology integration initiatives, and work as researchers. MA students often apply to PhD programs.

PhD graduates earn academic positions in higher education institutions and become leaders within community organizations, K12 schools, and businesses.

Current students and recent graduates have found employment in the following positions:

  • Academic Developer in the Teaching and Learning Innovation Center at Goldsmiths College, University of London

  • Academic Technologist, University of Minnesota 

  • Assistant Professor of Digital Marketing Technologies, University of Wisconsin-Stout 

  • Associate Professor + Canada Research Chair in Innovative Learning and Technology, Royal Roads University 

  • Instructor of Instructional Technology, University of South Florida 

    See faculty who teach in this area

    Bruna Damiana Heinsfeld Bruna Damiana Heinsfeld

    My research is rooted in the field of Critical Studies of Education and Technology (CSET), focusing on critically examining the complex intersections of technology, society, and education.

    Bruna Damiana Heinsfeld faculty profile photo

    Angelica Pazurek Angelica Pazurek

    • Teaching Associate Professor of Learning Technologies
    • she, her, hers
    • 612-625-0320
    • pazur003@umn.edu

    My scholarship bridges practice and research in learning technologies, and it largely focuses on critical digital pedagogy, learning science, and learning design in higher education.

    Angelica Pazurek headshot

    Cassie Scharber Cassie Scharber

    • Associate Professor of Learning Technologies, Director of the L+T Collaborative, Bonnie Westby Huebner Chair in Education and Technology
    • she, her, hers
    • 612-625-6607
    • scharber@umn.edu

    I am troubled by the narrow conceptions and practices of literacy and learning that proliferate in schools and current educational inequalities that are rooted in the gendered, racist, and classist histories of U.S. schooling.

    Cassie Scharber

    George Veletsianos George Veletsianos

    • Professor of Learning Technologies, Bonnie Westby Huebner Chair in Education and Technology
    • he/him/his
    • georgev@umn.edu

    I pursue a research agenda focused on understanding, questioning, and improving the use of technology in education.

    George Veletsianos
    Please configure this component to see content.

    Request information

    We’re here to help. Simply complete the form below and a member of our department will be in touch

    Request PhD Information