Digital Learning Institute Partners with University of Maryland Global Campus to Offer Master's Degree Pathway for Digital Learning Professionals

Dublin, Ireland / Adelphi, Maryland — 27 July 2026

The Digital Learning Institute (DLI) and University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) today announced a formal academic partnership that enables graduates of DLI's Professional Certificate in Digital Learning Design (CDLP) to transfer 12 credits toward UMGC's 30-credit Online Master's Degree in Learning Design & Technology.

As organizations accelerate investment in learning design and AI-enabled training, demand for professionals who combine hands-on expertise with postgraduate-level credentials is intensifying. This partnership is a direct response to that shift, formally recognizing that rigorous professional certification and academic study are complementary, not competing, routes to professional excellence, and providing a structured, affordable pathway from industry-recognized certification to an accredited US postgraduate qualification.

UMGC's MSc in Learning Design & Technology is a fully online program designed for working professionals, with a strong emphasis on practical, industry-ready outcomes, making it a natural fit for the applied focus of DLI’s CDLP.

Chris Motz, Chief Partnerships Officer at UMGC, said: “UMGC is excited to partner with one of the leading professional instructional design training providers offering opportunities in a much-needed and fast-growing career field. We're delighted to recognize DLI’s certificate and welcome graduates to continue their learning journeys with UMGC.”

John Kilroy, Founder and CEO of DLI, said: "Digital learning professionals are operating in an increasingly competitive market, and the demand for postgraduate-level credentials is real. This partnership means our graduates don't have to choose between professional certification and academic recognition; they can build on what they've already achieved. We're proud that UMGC, a leading online provider in higher education, has validated the academic standing of the CDLP at Master's level."

DLI graduates who apply to UMGC's MSc in Learning Design & Technology will have four core modules covering learning theories, instructional design models, instructional media, and UX design recognized as transfer credits, accounting for 12 of the program's required 30 credits. Combined with a 25% discount on remaining course fees, graduates save approximately $8,340 (€7,175), reducing the total cost of completing the MSc to approximately $9,380 (€8,070). For part-time students, completion time drops from a typical two years to between one and one-and-a-half years.

For DLI graduates interested in the UMGC MSc pathway, further information is available here www.umgc.edu/business-partners/corporate-learning-solutions/digital-learning-institute

The Digital Learning Institute is a global provider of professional qualifications in digital learning design, instructional design, and learning technology. Its programs are internationally accredited, university credit-rated, and trusted by over 800 leading organizations worldwide. DLI’s qualifications are designed to equip digital learning professionals with the practical skills and credentials to build, deliver, and lead outstanding digital learning experiences.  

For more information: www.digitallearninginstitute.com 

University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military service members. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and more than 100 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland.

For more information, visit www.umgc.edu/business-partners/corporate-learning-solutions/digital-learning-institute