Master of Education in Education and Human Resource Studies in Learning Design and Training Specialization

2 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Colorado State University

Program Overview

The M.Ed. in Education and Human Resource Studies with a specialization in Learning Design and Training prepares professionals to design effective learning experiences, develop instructional materials, and improve workforce education. The program combines learning theory, instructional design, and practical projects, making it suitable for educators, trainers, instructional designers, and professionals involved in employee development.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Learning Design Foundations: Students develop an understanding of how people learn and how to design effective educational and workplace training programs. They explore instructional methods, learning needs, instructional material development, and assessment strategies.

Year 2 – Applied Learning Design and Training: Students apply their knowledge through individual and collaborative projects addressing real-world learning challenges. They complete either a research-focused thesis (Plan A) or a professional portfolio (Plan B), demonstrating their ability to design and evaluate learning programs.

Focus Areas

Instructional design, learning theory, workforce training, adult education, instructional materials development, learning assessment, online learning, professional development.

Learning Outcomes

Develop effective adult education programs, assess and evaluate educational initiatives, lead and facilitate adult learning environments, and apply contemporary theories of adult learning.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that it meets rigorous academic standards and prepares graduates for professional success.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Colorado State University consistently ranks highly in employability, with strong connections to industry and a robust alumni network that enhances job placement opportunities for graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Colorado State University combines adult learning theory with practical assignments and project-based experiences, allowing students to apply instructional design concepts to real workplace and educational environments. The online, asynchronous format supports flexible learning while maintaining interaction with faculty and peers. Students develop practical examples of their work and demonstrate their professional capabilities through individual and collaborative projects.

Program-specific practical opportunities include:

Project-Based Assignments: Develop practical learning and training solutions that address real-world workforce and individual learning needs.
Collaborative Projects: Work with peers on projects that reflect professional learning environments and organizational training requirements.
Instructional Design: Create and develop instructional materials and structured learning programs.
Research Experience: Plan and conduct workplace-related research through the research component of the degree.
Professional Portfolio: Plan B students develop a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating their knowledge, expertise and practical application of learning design.
Thesis Research: Plan A students complete a thesis addressing an important concern in adult education and training.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Colorado State University's M.Ed. in Education and Human Resource Studies – Learning Design and Training specialization can pursue careers in adult education, instructional design, corporate training and workforce development. The program develops the skills needed to create educational content, deliver professional training and improve learning experiences across educational institutions and organizations.

Career Opportunities:

Instructional Designer
Corporate Training Specialist
Adult Education Instructor
Learning and Development Specialist

University Career Support:

Graduate Career Development: CSU provides specialized career development resources, workshops and professional preparation for graduate students.
Beyond Graduate School: An on-demand platform offering career exploration resources, job-search strategies and guidance on preparing resumes and CVs.
Job Search Support: Students can use Handshake to explore employment opportunities available to CSU students and alumni.

Employment Statistics and Salary: Program-specific graduate employment rates, placement statistics and salary figures are not published on the official program page.

University–Industry Partnerships: Specific industry partnership agreements for this specialization are not mentioned on the official program page. However, its project-based curriculum is designed around practical workforce and organizational learning needs.

Long-term Accreditation Value: A specific professional accreditation for this specialization is not stated. The degree provides academic preparation in adult education, instructional design and workforce training.

Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can apply their learning to new careers, progress into different roles within their existing organizations or move into new organizations. The university also identifies doctoral study as a potential progression route.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the M.Ed., graduates interested in advanced research, academic careers or organizational learning leadership can explore doctoral studies. Colorado State University offers a Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies, including the Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change specialization, which develops advanced expertise in organizational effectiveness, workplace learning, research and change management. Admission and transfer-credit eligibility are subject to doctoral program requirements.