College of Education and Human Development

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

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What can you do with a master’s in instructional/educational technology?

If you’re curious about how people learn and how technology can make that learning more engaging and effective, you’re not alone! The field of learning technologies is growing fast, and for good reason. From classrooms to corporate boardrooms, the demand for innovative, technology-driven solutions has never been greater. 

So, what is learning technologies? 

Learning technologies (LT) is an exciting interdisciplinary field that blends creativity with research-based practice to improve education and training. It combines elements like instructional design, online learning, multimedia development, learning analytics, and technology integration to create powerful, accessible learning experiences.

Students in this field learn how to: 

  • Design engaging online and in-person learning environments 
  • Create interactive digital courses and training modules 
  • Use data and analytics to improve learning outcomes 
  • Integrate the right tools to meet different educational needs

Whether you want to shape the future of education and training, improve corporate training programs, or work in community-based learning programs, an MEd in learning technologies offers you the skills to lead that change. 

Career paths with a master's in learning technologies 

A master's degree in this field opens up a wide range of career opportunities across industries, including: 

  • Higher education and K-12 schools 
  • Corporate training and development 
  • Nonprofits and NGOs 
  • Healthcare organizations 
  • Government agencies

Learning technologies MEd alumni work as: 

  • Instructional coordinators 
  • Training and development managers 
  • Training and development specialists 
  • E-learning designers 
  • Instructional designers 
  • And many more!

Job outlook and salaries for a master's degree in learning technologies

The job market for instructional design and learning tech professionals is strong and projected to continue growing through the next decade.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023):  

Instructional coordinator

Demand for instructional coordinators is expected to grow 2% from 2023-33. The median annual wage was $74,720 as of May 2024, about 1.5 times more than the average of all occupations. About 20,100 openings for instructional coordinators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 

Training and development specialists

Demand for instructional coordinators is expected to grow 12% from 2023-33, much faster than average for all occupations. The median annual wage was $65,850 as of May 2024, about 1.3 times more than the average of all occupations. About 42,200 openings for instructional coordinators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Training and development managers

Demand for instructional coordinators is expected to grow 7% from 2023-33, much faster than average for all occupations. The median annual wage was $127,090 as of May 2024, about 2.5 times more than the average of all occupations. About 3,600 openings for instructional coordinators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 

Why pursue an MEd in learning technologies?

A master’s in learning technologies doesn’t just prepare you for a job but prepares you to lead in an evolving digital world. You’ll graduate with marketable skills that are valued across education, tech, business, and healthcare industries. 

Whether you’re looking to advance your career, shift to a new role, or deepen your understanding of how technology enhances learning experiences, this degree gives you the tools to make an impact. 

What makes the University of Minnesota’s LT MEd program different?

Traditional learning technologies programs focus mostly on tech skills or corporate training. In the University of Minnesota’s learning technologies MEd program, you’ll learn not only how to build digital tools, but you’ll also explore when, why, and whether they should be used. With a future-focused, flexible, and customizable curriculum, the program helps you dive into real-world use of technology in education, while challenging you to consider its limitations, ethical implications, and long-term impact. 

If you’re ready to shape the future of learning, consider an MEd in learning technologies at the University of Minnesota. Here’s what sets it apart: 

  • 100% online format–study from anywhere 
  • Flexible, customizable curriculum 
  • Learn at your own pace 
  • No thesis required!

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about earning your MEd in learning technologies at the University of Minnesota.