Master of Science in Education Secondary Education with a Concentration in Learning, Design, and Evaluation (MSEd)
4301 Educational Building
Hampton Boulevard, Darden College of Education and Professional Studies
Department of STEM and Professional Studies, Norfolk, VA 23529
757-683-5163
John Baaki, Graduate Program Director
The Master of Science in Education – Secondary Education - Learning, Design and Evaluation concentration prepares professionals who can design, implement, and assess effective learning and development initiatives across educational, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. Grounded in educational psychology, instructional design, and program evaluation, the program equips students with the theoretical understanding and practical tools to improve learning outcomes and organizational performance. Students learn to apply evidence-based instructional strategies, leverage technology to enhance engagement, and use data to evaluate and refine programs for continuous improvement.
LDE graduates will be prepared to serve as instructional designers, learning and development specialists, assessment coordinators, and program evaluators across industries where Virginia maintains a strategic advantage—including cybersecurity, environmental management, maritime, education, and healthcare. They will design and implement onboarding and professional development programs, integrate technology-enhanced learning solutions, and evaluate learning outcomes to inform strategic decisions. Through these roles, graduates will help bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that Virginia’s workforce remains future-ready and globally competitive. The LDE program thus not only advances individual career trajectories but also contributes directly to Virginia’s long-term vision of inclusive, sustainable, and knowledge-based economic growth.
The MSEd - Secondary -- instructional design and technology concentration is offered online only via 8-week, asynchronous courses. However, there are many opportunities to interact with students and faculty if you wish.
Admission
Students must:
- Hold an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
- Have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in the undergraduate degree. If the GPA falls in the range of 2.5-2.9, conditional admission will be considered;
- Apply for admission to the ODU Graduate School;
- Submit a current, professional resume.
- International applications will have the following additional requirements-- English Proficiency: the minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 PBT or 79-80IBT for non-native English speakers.
Deadlines
New students may apply and are admitted for the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Courses start every 8 weeks.
Deadline for priority Summer admissions is March 1.
Deadline for priority Fall admissions is April 1.
Deadline for priority Spring admissions is Nov. 1.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Core Courses (18 Credits) | ||
| LDE 610 | Instructional Design Principles and Practice | 3 |
| LDE 611 | How People Learn | 3 |
| LDE 612 | Basic Research Principles | 3 |
| LDE 613 | Evaluating Learning and Programs | 3 |
| LDE 614 | Statistics for Design and Evaluation | 3 |
| LDE 630 | Capstone for Learning, Design and Evaluation | 3 |
| Complete one of the following tracks: | 12 | |
| Instructional Design & Technology | ||
| Human Performance Technology | ||
| Project Management & Consulting | ||
| Instructional Technology | ||
One elective course chosen from existing LDE or Instructional Design & Technology (IDT) Courses (3 Credits) | ||
| Educational Psychology | ||
| Assessment | ||
| Human Development & Learning | ||
| Motivation and Metacognition | ||
One elective course chosen from existing LDE or Instructional Design & Technology (IDT) Courses (3 Credits) | ||
| Program Evaluation | ||
| Assessment | ||
| Project Management & Consulting | ||
| Advanced Statistics for Learning, Design and Evaluation | ||
One elective course chosen from existing LDE or Instructional Design & Technology (IDT) Courses (3 Credits) | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Additional Requirements
Program Requirements
Capstone
All students will be expected to complete a Capstone (LDE 630) in a learning, design or evaluation setting where you will have the opportunity to apply, develop, and demonstrate the competencies acquired in core courses and electives.
Continuance
Students must:
1. Maintain a grade point average of 3.00 in the degree program;
2. Have regular and reliable access to a multimedia computer (headphones, microphone, and web cam) and a high speed internet connection; and
3. Complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) modules during the first twelve graduate credit hours at Old Dominion University. For more information review the instructions at: https://www.odu.edu/impact/responsible-conduct-of-training.
Exit
Students must:
- Have a 3.00 grade point average;
- Have completed all course and credit hour requirements; and
- Submit an application for graduation.