About the Program

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The Learning Sciences degree provides training in cognitive processes and emotion regulation, learning and instructional practices, and research methodology. Students explore foundational theory in the learning sciences, as well as how theory informs the design and development of effective educational materials and interventions. A central focus is on investigating how, when, why, and for whom learning occurs in varied contexts.

Program Handbook

Program Model

Students in the Learning Sciences area work closely with a faculty member under a mentorship model, a principal focus of which is conducting research. This includes, but is not limited to, theses and dissertation projects.

The program consists of four components:

Required Core Coursework

Students complete a set of required core courses that ensure a thorough foundation in psychology and educational psychology, research methodology, and learning and cognition. Students who enter the program without sufficient background may need to complete additional coursework beyond the requirements outlined in this document. In addition to substantive courses in psychology and education, this coursework includes a strong background in statistics and research design.

Area-Specific Coursework

Students complete a set of courses tailored to their individual interests and career goals. These courses are selected with the approval of the student's major advisor.

Collaborative Research

Students work in collaboration with a faculty member on research projects, including the required 3 comprehensive projects. This provides the student with “hands on” experience conducting research under close supervision of an experienced researcher and supervisory committee.

Independent Research

Students conduct independent master’s and/or doctoral research on a topic chosen in collaboration with his or her major advisor. Students who are admitted for the Ph.D., but who have not completed a M.S. or M.A. with an empirical thesis in Educational Psychology or an area related to educational psychology, are required to earn the M.S. degree en route to the Ph.D.. Those coming into the program with an appropriate Master’s Degree that did not include a thesis will be required to complete a thesis-like research project prior to their dissertation research.

Research Projects and Labs

Our Faculty