Learning Design and Technology Stanford University

Overview

The Learning Design and Technology programme at Stanford University provides a rigorous foundation for professionals aiming to design and evaluate technology-enhanced learning products. This 11-month curriculum spans four quarters, requiring a minimum of 45 units to graduate. Students engage in a collaborative cohort model that bridges theoretical learning with practical, real-world application.

The course structure is designed to foster a deep understanding of how people learn while developing technical proficiency in user-centered design. Beyond the core requirements, participants have the flexibility to select electives from various departments across the institution, including the schools of business, law, and engineering.

Why Learning Design and Technology at Stanford University?

Students benefit from a unique blend of academic excellence and practical experience, supported by the world-renowned Graduate School of Education faculty. The programme features a dedicated LDT seminar that runs throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of community and providing a platform for peer feedback. A distinctive highlight is the LDT Expo, an annual summer event where students showcase their inventions to industry professionals, investors, and the wider technology community.

The institution provides extensive resources for professional growth, including access to the "d.school" for design thinking and various research labs. The requirement for two separate internships allows students to connect with prestigious research projects or leading industry organisations. This hands-on exposure is complemented by the master's project, where students manage a major design challenge from initial problem identification to final learner assessment.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 21180 per semester
• National fee: USD 21180 per semester
• Local fee: USD 13240 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Learning Design and Technology Seminar
• Evaluation and Research Methods
• User-Centered Design Process
• Learning Theories
• Design of Learning Experiences
• Perspectives on Technology
• Educational Neuroscience
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Education Technology
• Curriculum Construction

Careers with Learning Design and Technology

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in various sectors where education and technology intersect. The programme's strong links with industry and research labs provide pathways into educational technology companies, design firms, and academic research centres. Past students have secured internships and roles at organisations such as Autodesk, Common Sense Media, and the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design.

The focus on creative problem solving and empirical evaluation makes alumni highly sought after for roles involving product design, instructional design, and educational consultancy. By completing a comprehensive portfolio and a major design project, graduates can demonstrate tangible evidence of their expertise to potential employers in both the public and private sectors.