The Media, Technology, and Learning Design programs at Appalachian State University prepare professionals to lead at the intersection of education, media, and technology. Whether pursuing a master’s degree or a graduate certificate, students gain the creative, technical, and analytical expertise to design meaningful learning experiences and advance innovation in their fields.

Master of Arts in Media, Technology, and Learning Design

The online Master of Arts in Media, Technology, and Learning Design (MTL) at Appalachian State University blends innovation and creativity through the design, production, application, and evaluation of media and technology.

Students explore both traditional and emerging technologies, gaining the skills to apply them across educational and professional settings. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in instructional technology, media design, and digital learning across K–12, higher education, and industry environments.

View admission information and deadlines for the Media, Technology, and Learning Design (MA)

Program Benefits

  • Flexible pathways: Choose from multiple concentrations aligned with your professional goals.
  • Hands-on experience: Learn through design projects, applied research, and collaboration.
  • Career preparation: Build leadership and technical expertise for evolving media and technology roles.
  • Expert faculty: Learn from professors who integrate scholarship, innovation, and real-world application.

Available Concentrations

Current course descriptions and programs of study can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

  • Instructional Technology Specialist – Designed for a variety of educational settings, including higher education and industry environments, this concentration develops knowledge of utilization practices and application for instruction and training.
  • Instructional Technology K-12 Facilitation (Licensure) – Prepares students for educational leadership roles in the use of instructional technology in K-12 public schools, libraries, and related settings. Provides eligibility for North Carolina advanced licensure in Computers (077) or Technology Facilitator endorsement (079) through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
  • Online Design, Communication and Engagement – Focuses on the design, development, and assessment of online learning and professional development environments. Students gain technical, aesthetic, and analytical skills to create engaging, inclusive online experiences using constructivist and community-based learning models.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate certificate pathways are appropriate for students who want to add additional licensure eligibility to their degree program or for professionals who want to enhance their existing degree or professional experience with a specific area of specialization. Graduate certificate programs are offered in an online format.

Current course descriptions and programs of study can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Post-Master's Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology Leadership

Designed for students with a completed Master's degree or interest in pursuing Instructional Technology and Educational Media as a concentration in the Doctoral program in Educational Leadership, this certificate program provides preparation for leadership roles in technology in educational environments.

View admission information and deadlines for the Instructional Technology Leadership Graduate Certificate

Instructional Technology Facilitator (077 Licensure) Graduate Certificate

Designed for students enrolled in education master's programs, current Media Coordinator (076) license holders, and K-12 teachers needing additional endorsements for their classrooms, this program prepares students for advanced licensure in Instructional Technology Specialist - Computers (077) or Instructional Technology Facilitation (079).

View admission and deadline information for the Instructional Technology Facilitator Graduate Certificate

Online Design, Communication, and Engagement Graduate Certificate

Designed for students enrolled in graduate degree programs and professionals interested in developing knowledge and skills in instructional design, this program builds creativity and foundational understanding of how learning happens across diverse settings.

View admission and deadline information for the Online Design, Communication, and Engagement Graduate Certificate

Digital Media Literacies Graduate Certificate

Designed for graduate students and professionals interested in the intersections of media, education, and culture, the Digital Media Literacies graduate certificate provides the foundation for understanding media, including production and industry applications, and its impacts on audiences in a continuously evolving digital world.

View admission and deadline information for the Digital Media Literacies Graduate Certificate

Contact

Dr. Patrick O'Shea
Program Director
osheapm@appstate.edu