The LSTE Program at UA Little Rock is a nationally competitive master’s degree program that blends instructional design, technology integration, and leadership development. With a strong focus on human-centered design and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, extended reality (XR), and learning analytics, the program prepares graduates to lead innovation in schools, universities, and learning organizations. Whether you’re designing curriculum for a district, building an educational app, or scaling access to learning through accessible technologies, the LSTE program empowers you with the skills and mindset to make a transformative impact. The Program provides a diverse array of focused coursework integrated into our graduate degree, graduate certificate, and endorsement offerings. These offerings are designed to cater to the varying needs and objectives of students at different points in their academic and professional pathways.

The LSTE M.Ed. program features three integrated components:

• Master’s Degree – A comprehensive 33-credit-hour graduate program focused on instructional design, learning theory, emerging technologies, and digital content development.
• Embedded Graduate Certificate – Students earn an 18-credit-hour graduate certificate in Learning Systems Technology as part of their degree progress, enhancing their credentials and career mobility.
• Online Teaching Endorsement (K–12) – The program includes 12 hours of coursework that satisfies the requirements for the Arkansas Online Teaching K–12 Endorsement, preparing licensed educators to deliver effective, standards-aligned instruction in virtual and blended classroom environments.

Focused Coursework

Please contact the Program Coordinator for special advising if you would like to take coursework that focuses on the following areas:*

• K-12 Online Teaching
  • Focus on accessibility, mobile learning, and staying attuned to emerging trends ensures that you will be well-prepared to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of the modern classroom.
• Instructional Design
  • Gain a comprehensive insight and applied knowledge of the instructional design process, preparing you for a rewarding career.
• LSTE 7350 Internship
  • Our Internship Course (LSTE 75003 ) is specifically designed for students who wish to enrich their educational journey with hands-on experience in instructional design. After completing all LSTE required coursework, students are invited to immerse themselves in the instructional design process by collaborating with experts in our eLearning Department here at the University.

*Focused coursework receives the general LSTE MEd or Graduate Certificate and will not be denoted on your degree or certificate as an emphasis.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must submit a Biographical Data Form.

Regular Admission (additional requirements)

• Baccalaureate degree from an institutionally or regionally accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.7 (4.0 scale), or
• Master’s degree from an institutionally or regionally accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00.

Program Requirements

Performance Requirements

• A minimum grade of B is required for each course in the program; therefore, all students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 to be considered in good standing.
  • A required course with a grade of C does not satisfy the degree requirement and must be repeated.
  • Those not maintaining at least a GPA of 3.00 will be placed on academic probation.
  • Students who fail to remove the probationary status by raising their cumulative GPA to 3.00 or better within the next 12 credit hours are subject to dismissal from the LSTE program.
• Deviation from the degree plan requires the approval of the LSTE coordinator.