Graduate-Level Professional Education and Training

Ready to build skills that matter—without committing to a full degree?

Explore LDT’s professional and non-degree learning options today:
More Details

Register for an information session:
Register

Graduate-Level Professional Education and Training in Learning Design and Technologies

You don’t need to be a degree-seeking student to benefit from high-quality, graduate-level learning, and an expanded network.

The Learning Design and Technology (LDT) program at George Mason University offers select graduate courses for non-degree–seeking professionals who want rigorous, applied learning that translates directly to workplace impact.

This option may be ideal if you:

  • Already hold a master’s degree or have a bachelor's degree and want to upskill
  • May have significant professional experience in L&D, education, UX, training, Instructional Design, E-Learning Development, Learning Engineering, Human Resource Development, and other adjacent areas
  • Or were promoted into a learning role and want formal preparation
  • Or need specific skills rather than a full program right now
  • Or want to invest in your professional development personally
  • Have access to employer tuition benefits (optional)

Why Take LDT Courses as a Non-Degree Student?

Unlike many short-term or non-credit professional development options, LDT courses:

  • Can be applied immediately on the job
  • May offer live client consulting project experiences that results in authentic portfolio artifacts and stories to tell during future interviews
  • Are taught by faculty actively engaged in consulting, research, and other professional practice
  • Are for-credit graduate courses
  • Include accountability through grades, projects, and feedback
  • Offer opportunities to grow your network and employment opportunities
  • Emphasize design thinking, leadership, ethics, accessibility, and impact—not just tools

Many professionals begin with one course and later choose to pursue:

Sample Topics & Courses Offered

Course topics may include:

  • Principles of Adult Learning
  • User Experience (UX)
  • Learning Experience Design (LXD)
  • Instructional design (ID)
  • Accessibility and Inclusive Design
  • E-Learning Design
  • ELearning Developer Tools
  • Learning Analytics
  • Training Facilitation
  • Workforce Training
  • The Business of Learning and Development (L&D)

Course availability and prerequisites are determined by faculty and term.

Who These Courses Are Designed For

These courses are well suited for professionals working in:

  • Federal agencies and government organizations
  • Corporate learning and development teams
  • UX, product management, or design-adjacent roles
  • Education, higher education, and training organizations
  • Organizations integrating AI into learning ecosystems

Students frequently report applying course knowledge immediately — and in some cases, being asked to train others on their teams as a result of their upskilling experience.

How to Get Started

  1. Apply as a Non-Degree–Seeking Student
  2. Select an approved LDT course
  3. Register and begin your coursework

Some courses may require prior coursework or professional experience.

Cost, Support & Advising

  • Courses are billed at standard graduate tuition rates
  • Employer tuition benefits are often applicable
  • Our team can help you understand:
    • Course fit
    • Registration steps
    • Pathways into certificates or degree programs

Contact us for more information!