The graduate program in Learning and Knowledge Management focuses on two powerful and exciting aspects of an organization: its learning systems and its knowledge management systems. A modern organization (business, educational institution, government agency) needs to learn - that is, it needs to capture what it already knows and to make that knowledge available to others in the organization. This knowledge capture and knowledge sharing is generally referred to as knowledge management. Knowledge sharing also entails formal programs of study, such as training courses, e-Learning courses, and performance support systems that are targeted for a specific job or task. The design of learning materials and the development, implementation, and maintenance of these integrated learning and knowledge management systems are the primary responsibility of a graduate of the Learning and Knowledge Management Systems degree.

The LKMS MS degree is 45 quarter-credits (10 courses plus a 5-credit capstone experience) and is available in part-time, distance-learning format. To find out more about this MS program click here.

A four-course (16 credits) advanced certificate in LKMS is also available. This certificate focuses on the development of skills in planning, creating, and implementing media-based instructional systems. This program combines instructional design theory with current and emerging networked multimedia technologies for the development of media-based training for learner populations that are separated by distance, by time, or by other constraints are discussed. To find out more about this certificate click here.

Our students learn instructional design skills that enable them to develop instructional programs and materials. MS students also learn to develop computer-based knowledge objects that codify knowledge for reuse. Additionally, students learn a variety of technology tools (such as databases and prototyping tools) to enable them to design and create instructional materials and content assets. Through a variety of hands-on project and assignments, students will design and build knowledge capture, sharing, and management systems. Finally, students will learn how to gather data and evaluate systems and programs.

As previously discussed, the advanced certificate focuses on foundation instructional design skills.

What makes our programs different?

Our program at RIT features:

• hands-on development of computer-based instruction
• instructional design skills
• database, programming, simulations, and XML
• program and project evaluation

These programs combine the study of people and the study of technology and tools. There are few programs anywhere that can match the breadth and depth of this program.

What are the jobs in this field?

A recent search of Monster.com turned up well over a thousand jobs in the area of learning and knowledge management systems. These jobs are in a variety of geographic areas with job titles like:

Learning Specialist, Instructional Designer, e-Learning Specialist, Knowledge Management Analyst, Learning and Performance Solution Consultant, Knowledge Management Educational - Content Developer, Consultant for Enterprise Learning, E. Learning Web Developer

People in this field work for business and industry, academic institutions, and governmental agencies.

How are courses offered?

Both the LKMS advanced certificate and the MS degree are offered part-time (only) and are entirely available in online, distance-learning format. Generally, MS students will take two courses each quarter for six consecutive academic terms. Therefore students will complete the degree in approximately 18 months. Certificate students can finish in two to four academic terms.

Since this is a part-time, distance-learning program, RIT cannot issue I20 paperwork for study in the United States. However, international students are welcome to study with us at a distance.

MS students are invited to campus twice each year to attend a Learning and Knowledge Management Systems conference and orientation. At that time, students can network with their classmates, present selected papers and projects, and work face-to-face with instructors.

For More Information

Download the MS/LKMS Handbook .

Call us at:
(585) 475-5416 or (585) 475-6179