Specializations

Specializations (Areas of Focus)

LTXD, G4L, and PhD students have the option to choose a specialization, or "area of focus," as part of their degree by completing at least three related courses. Specializations allow students to dive deeply into popular areas of interest, though students are also welcome to pursue a more generalist or exploratory path.

Note: Specializations are optional, not required, and will not appear on your transcript.

User Experience Design (UXD)

This specialization equips students to create impactful, learner-centered technology and experiences through a deep understanding of user needs and iterative design processes. Students will gain skills in UX research, prototyping, and presentation, using techniques such as empathy mapping, personas, and ideation to develop effective designs.

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Artificial Intelligence and Education (AI-Ed)

(coming soon- Spring 2025)
This specialization provides students with foundational knowledge of AI that are relevant to teaching and learning. Students learn to design AI-enhanced educational experiences that are user-centered and responsive to diverse learner needs and through critical evaluation, assess AI tools for effectiveness, ethics, and accessibility across various educational contexts. A focus on AI literacy and responsible use, supports skills to research and address AI's impact on learning, cognitive and social development.

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Research

(coming soon- Spring 2025)
This specialization is for students prepares students to investigate and address contemporary issues in education using foundational theories from cognitive science and the learning sciences. Students will develop skills in selecting appropriate research methods, critically evaluating existing research, and translating findings into practical insights for learning design. This specialization emphasizes effective communication of research to a range of audiences, including designers, academics, and educational stakeholders.

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Games for Learning* (G4L)

The Games for Learning concentration (exclusive to LTXD students) centers on creating, using, and evaluating digital games for both formal and informal learning environments.

Curious about the difference between a specialization and a concentration? Click the “More Info” link below to learn more!

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Custom specializations

Want to choose your own path? You can work with your advisor to create a unique area of specialization, tailoring your program of study in areas including UX for learning, emerging media AR/XR/VR, edtech entrepreneurship, and more.

(specialization no longer being offered as of Spring 2025)

Learning Analytics and Educational Data Science (LADS)

Harness the power of data to improve learning and teaching. Learn how to design and create information and decision-making tools for educational settings based on data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

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Transformative Learning Design (TLD)

This specialization focuses on emerging technologies and innovative approaches to learning. You will build on emerging trends afforded by new media and technologies (AR/VR, AI, social media, etc) and the latest findings in learning sciences and learning experience design to design engaging experiences for K–12, higher education, and adult learning environments, both in formal and informal settings.

Specializations