Master of Education in Learning Design with AI and Emerging Technologies (LDAI)

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Learning Design with AI and Emerging Technologies (LDAI) online program prepares professionals to lead innovation in instructional designin a variety of settings, including PK-12, higher education, military, nonprofit and corporate learning environments. This fully online program equips you with the skills to design, implement, and evaluate inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning experiences using cutting-edge technologies.

Through this program, you will:

• Earn a master’s degree from a school with a strong reputation among employers.
• Continue working full time while taking fully online courses.
• Learn to apply current research in learning and motivation.
• Gain the skills to leverage AI tools and emerging technologies in curriculum design and learning assessment.
• Prepare to design and implement learning experiences in face-to-face, online and blended learning environments.

Curriculum

The LDAI online program curriculum is designed by the program’s practitioner-scholar faculty with input from an advisory board of industry-leading professionals. The program will prepare you to meet three key outcomes:

• Apply learning and motivation principles to create instructional activities for diverse learners in a variety of settings and cultural contexts.
• Selecting and implementing AI-powered tools and media to enhance accessibility and learner engagement.
• Designing evaluation strategies that use AI and analytics to measure instructional impact and support equitable learning opportunities.

Rather than focusing solely on the acquisition of technical skills, the program emphasizes a holistic understanding of instructional design. As the capstone project, you will design a learning experience for a real-world application that demonstrates the application of theories and concepts. 

Online Learning Experience

The online learning experience blends interaction with student colleagues and faculty during live class sessions and self-paced coursework assignments submitted through the learning management system. Faculty facilitate live class sessions that include interactive, engaging and collaborative small-group discussions.

Career Support

In addition to coursework, the LDAI online student support team provides opportunities to build your professional skills and job prospects. These include:

• Paid internship roles such as junior instructional designer with USC Bovard College or Keck Medicine of USC.
• Resume review and check-ins about career goals.
• Networking opportunities with industry-specific organizations.
• Mentorship opportunities.
• Instructional design job search webinars and resources.

Scholarships

As an applicant, you will be automatically considered for limited, merit-based scholarships ranging from to $15,000 to $20,000. There is no need to submit a separate application for these scholarships. The admission committee selects recipients based on academic achievement, demonstrated dedication to the USC Rossier mission and other distinguishing characteristics. Priority consideration is given to those who apply by the Rossier Scholarship Deadline. All USC Rossier scholarships are awarded at the time of admission. 

View USC Rossier’s scholarship finder to identify other scholarships and funding opportunities. You do not have to be admitted to apply to these scholarships. Carefully note the scholarship application deadlines, which may occur before the final program application deadline.

Financial Aid

The USC Office of Student Financial Aid provides information regarding various types of financial aid and financing options.

To be considered for financial aid, you must apply for the FAFSA. After you apply, the financial aid office will determine your financial need and inform you of the federal or private loans that are available to you.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the program are prepared to design, develop, implement, and evaluate learning environments in a wide variety of settings. Potential jobs include:

• Educational program designer
• Learning and development strategist
• Instructional design and evaluation specialist/instructional systems designer
• Performance assessment manager
• Performance and learning analyst
• Training director/manager
• Director of digital or distance learning
• Education coordinators and directors in the following settings:
  • Museums
  • Science centers
  • Aquariums
  • Tutoring centers