Learning technology experts work in a wide range of corporate, school, and government settings to design, build, or deliver online or technology-enhanced training and education programs. Some LT experts create online courses, while others train teachers to integrate technology into the classroom, and others create and test the effectiveness of corporate training programs. This is a growing field, with many different career paths available.
Applied Management - Learning Technologies, B.S
Our information society is evolving quickly, and that's fueling a tremendous need for experts in learning technologies (LT)in business, government and educational sectors. Careers that harness technology to maximize human performance and productivity are among the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. Our primarily online bachelor's degree completion program provides you with occupationally relevant skills and knowledge in instructional design training, learning media development, human performance technology and assessment and evaluation.
Our program is designed for students holding an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in a discipline directly related to the program's emphasis, including computer software development, graphic design, management or web development, or for professionals who hold either an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree. Whether you're currently working or just finishing your degree, our BSAM-LT program prepares you for a range of positions designing, using and evaluating instruction delivered via computer technology.
Why Choose the NIU BSAM-LT Degree?
- Quality, affordable education from a leading public university.
- The chance to bridge directly from a discipline-related A.A.S. degree or an A.A./A.S. degree to a B.S. with prior learning credit for the relevant technical knowledge and skills you have developed.
- Award-winning online instruction.
- Hands-on experience with a variety of instructional technologies.
- An A.A.S. degree in a discipline directly related to the program emphasis or an A.A./A.S. degree with demonstrated professional experience related to the program emphasis.
- A college GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Additional prerequisites may be required in the area of communications, media production, computer applications, psychology and math.
- Because prerequisites and proficiency credits will vary among applicants, each applicant's transcript and professional experiences will be reviewed to confirm eligibility.
The NIU College of Education embeds diverse, practical learning opportunities in our programs.
- You will participate in either an internship or portfolio development to gain valuable hands-on experience in the working world and boost your potential for future employment.
- You'll also enjoy hands-on experience through a variety of instructional technologies and real-world case studies.
NIU is the state's largest public university producer of educational technology graduates. Our faculty-designed online graduate courses received U.S. News & World Report and Blackboard Exemplary Course Program distinctions for several consecutive years. Our program entails 40 specific upper-division credit hours in addition to your general education requirements. You can complete these upper-division courses in as little as two-and-a-half years, depending on how many courses you take each semester.
You must take 40 hours of coursework at the 300 and 400 levels. In some cases, additional prerequisites are required in the area of communications, media production, computer applications, psychology and math.
Core Requirements (21 credits)
- ACCY 288 Fundamentals of Accounting (3)
- ETR 340 Survey Methods for Training and Evaluation (3)
- ETR 431 Program/Performance Evaluation (3)
- ETT 311 Instructional Media Literacy, Prototyping and Publication (3)
- ETT 329 Learning in the Digital Age (3)
- ETT 464 Human Performance Technology (3)
- ETT 490 Workshop in Instructional Technology (3) or ETT 430 Survey in Instructional Technology (3)
Additional Required Courses
- ETR 450 Data Analysis for Design and Evaluation (3)
- ETRA 490 Professional Portfolio Assessment (1)
- ETT 310 Instructional Design Models, Strategies and Tactics (3)
- ETT 448 Instructional Architecture for Learning Applications (3)
- ETT 459 Learner-Centered Educational Courseware Development (3)
- ETT 492 Special Topics in IT/Research and Assessment (3)
- ETT 497/492 Independent Study in IT/Research Assessment (3)
Frequently Asked Questions
The BSAM LT program is designed so students with an AAS degree can bridge directly to a BS. If you have an AAS degree related to computers, business, graphic design, or library and information studies, as well as a 2.0 GPA and a few prerequisite courses, you might qualify for the program. Prerequisites include a course in psychology, a course in computers, a media technology class, and COMS 100.
To apply for the BSAM LT degree, you will need to complete the Transfer Student Application, which you can do through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. To find out about application deadlines, how your credits will transfer, and any other application requirements, you can contact NIU Admissions.
View transfer student deadlines and requirements.
Once you have completed your application, you will be given a MyNIU account. At any time, you can log into this account to check the status of your application and find out whether your supporting documents have arrived. Take a look at the Next Steps for Transfer Huskies for details.
You will need regular access to a computer that meets certain minimum requirements in order to successfully complete online coursework. Visit NIU Online to see a checklist of minimum computer requirements and to take a browser test to see whether your computer checks out. On the same site, you can take an online course readiness survey and view a sample online lesson to see if online courses are a good fit for you
The BSAM LT degree requires 46 specific upper division credit hours in addition to general education requirements. These upper division courses may be completed in as little as two-and-a-half years, but they may take longer, depending on how many courses you take each semester.
Yes! All BSAM LT students will participate in either an internship or portfolio development to gain valuable hands-on experience in the working world and increase their chances for future employment.
Yes! If you join the program, your advisor will be Judy Puskar, and she is available by phone or email for off-campus students. Contact Judy at 815-753-6085 or jpuskar@niu.edu.
While the entire program is available online, you will still have to attend some scheduled meetings, either in person or through video conferencing. If you are taking this program from a distance, you will be able to attend meetings through video conferencing as long as you have a camera on your home computer.
Yes! As long as you have your AAS and meet all the other requirements, international students are welcome.
Careers in Learning Technologies
- Computer Software Development
- Graphic Design
- Website Design and Development
- Library and Information Studies
- Digital Media
- Business Management
- Computer Information Systems
- Administrative Office Management
- Marketing Management
Fast Track to a Master’s Degree
We offer accelerated programs that lead to the BSAM-LT degree and either the M.S. in educational research, evaluation and assessment or the M.S.Ed. in instructional technology. Begin graduate study while an undergraduate and obtain both degrees in less time. Contact your advisor to get started.
Contact Us
Department of Learning Innovation, Leadership and Technology
Graham 223
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-9339
lilt@niu.edu