Master of Arts in Educational Studies - Designing for Innovation: Learning, Instruction, and Technologies

The Designing for Innovation concentration in the Master of Arts in Educational Studies program focuses on preparing professionals for designing a wide range of learning environments in formal and informal settings. Design takes many forms and can span the design of technology, curriculum, new pedagogical approaches, and even innovative spaces for learning. The concentration is centered on the processes of learning and how to design experiences to improve learning outcomes for all in a manner that also supports our commitments towards educational equity and justice more broadly. Designing for Innovation students integrate ideas from contemporary research in learning sciences, educational equity and justice, and other theoretical perspectives on learning. Students explore research that describes the cognitive processes and sociocultural, political and ethical practices at play as people construct, produce, use, understand, and critique information. This concentration is ideal for prospective students with a strong interest in the learning sciences, the sociocultural aspects of learning, or learning experience design and its intersections with equity and justice. Many Designing for Innovation students have intersecting interests with designing for equity, leadership, policy and educational research. There are many opportunities for students to take courses across MA concentrations in Educational Studies. Graduates of the concentration have the expertise to examine theory, research, and design with a critical eye towards improving outcomes for learners. Our graduates have found great success as: learning experience designers; doctoral fellows; and in many educational roles working in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.