This 30-36 credit MA program focuses on the design, use, and evaluation of digital tools, media and learning experiences for varied contexts such as K–12 schools, universities, workplaces, museums, nonprofits, and international development. Students learn to design impactful learning tools and experiences including traditional and emerging media, VR/AR/XR, simulations, apps, games, maker spaces, learning analytics, artificial intelligence, and more. They produce designs and prototypes that apply research-based principles of design and practice for enriching learning experiences across a spectrum of contexts — from informal to formal, and from face-to-face to online.
Students may choose an area of focus specialization including User Experience Design for Learning, Learning Analytics and Educational Data Science, Transformative Learning Design, Games for Learning, or create their own area of focus. Students who take three of the four foundational courses in Games for Learning may declare a formal concentration in Games for Learning.
Admissions
Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:
See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.
Program Benefits for International Students
If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in our program may also be eligible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT.
12 additional credits are required to complete the program minimum of 30 credits. Students may take up to 6 additional credits for a program maximum of 36 credits. All elective courses, including 1-3-credit internships, to be determined by advisement. A Games for Learning concentration is available.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
Demonstrate competency in media and technology skills to a) make informed choices about tools for design and project management; b) communicate with colleagues and colleagues; c) understand affordances and limitations of established and emerging media and technologies for supporting learning.
Apply theories in the learning sciences and cognitive science to design, implement and evaluate learning technologies, systems, applications, and instructional materials for multiple learning contexts and modalities.
Discuss the role of social, cognitive, emotional and cultural dimensions in the design, implementation and evaluation of educational media, technology, and learning experiences.
Draw from instructional design, human-centered design and HCI/User experience practices to design effective, innovative, equitable, and sustainable designs for wide-ranging educational and training settings.
Policies
Program Policies
STEM OPT Benefits for International Students
If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible to apply for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in this program may also be eligible to apply for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT.