Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A.Broadly, Learning Sciences is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that examines what, how, and why people learn in and across various settings. Learning scientists design and study learning environments to consider what works for whom under what circumstances. This field draws on expertise across educational sciences, linguistics, sociology, cognitive science, psychology, educational technology, and STEM education, among other fields. Learning scientists are interested in learning across educational settings, including K-12 education, higher education, informal learning environments, and professional learning environments. Furthermore, learning scientists use a variety of qualitative, quantitative, and computational research methods that utilize approaches such as design-based research, ethnography, experimental design, computational modeling, eye-tracking, learning analytics, data mining, and conversation/interaction analysis. Technology is foundational to the field, as learning scientists examine learning in technology-rich settings. Advances in technology also enable the field to answer new questions and conduct new analysis rooted in contemporary approaches. If you are interested in studying how people learn, then we encourage you to consider applying to our program.

A.This program follows a mentor model, in which students work closely with program faculty on research projects. Typically, students enter the program with a Learning Sciences faculty member being their assigned mentor. Early on in the program, the student will work closely with the faculty member, often on an existing research project. This might involve collaboration around data collection, data analysis, writing up research results, and/or communicating those results to a larger professional community. Over time, as the student grows their research skills, they will take on more responsibilities and ownership over the research projects as they work towards and complete a dissertation. For these reasons, it is important that the research interests of the student align with those of existing faculty in the Learning Sciences program.

A.The Learning Sciences master's degree requires 40 credit hours. The Ph.D. requires an additional 48 credit hours.

A.It typically takes students 2-3 years to complete a master's degree, and then an additional 2-3 years to complete the Ph.D.. If students enter the program with a research-based master's degree, the average time to finish is approximately 4 years.

A.Students typically take 6-9 credits per semester (See the Program Handbook or Course Requirements for details on curriculum/credits by semester).

A.Classes are offered both during the day and in the evening. If you are a full-time graduate student, please be prepared to attend daytime and evening classes at various times in the program.

A.It is possible to work part-time and go to school. Because required classes vary as to whether they are offered during the day or in the evening, a flexible part-time work schedule is ideal.

A.A small number of LS classes are taught in a hybrid format with a mixture of in-person and online synchronous meetings. Many LS classes are in-person only, and none of the LS classes are completely online. For a research-based program, the nature of the curriculum and learning goals requires active attendance and face-to-face involvement with the materials, instructors, and other students. The reason for this is that part of our commitment to high quality programming involves fostering a close, collegial atmosphere with your instructors and your peers.

A.Class sizes vary, as some courses are required for students in multiple programs, and some are required only for Learning Sciences students. 

A.Working with your advisor and committee, you will plan a program of study. Depending on your area of interest, there are opportunities to take courses outside of the Learning Sciences program.

A.The Learning Sciences program does not offer professional internships. However, because students work closely with their faculty mentors, they receive detailed training in their specific research area throughout their degree program.

A.Because the Learning Sciences program does not train students to work in fields requiring professional licensure (e.g., psychologists or counselors), it does not undergo an accreditation process.

A.A research-based master's thesis is required for the MS degree in Learning Sciences. Students entering the Ph.D. program with a non-thesis master's degree may be required to complete an additional research project before embarking on their dissertation research. Dissertation research is expected to produce new knowledge that is of publishable quality.

A.Up-to-date tuition rates can be found by consulting the following link:

Cost of Attendance Graduate General

A.While there are no scholarships specifically for Learning Sciences students, there are  scholarships provided through the College of Education for which students may apply. In addition, students are funded via mechanisms such as faculty grants, departmental work-study positions, and department teaching and research assistantships. There are also occasional opportunities to work on campus or assistantships outside the program that can be filled by Learning Sciences students. Most department teaching positions and research assistantships come with a monthly stipend, waived tuition benefits, and access to the Graduate Subsidized Health Insurance Program (GSHIP). 

Tuition Benefit Program Guidelines

A.Most of what you need to know about the process of applying to the Learning Sciences program is contained within the standard application process for the Department of Educational Psychology. When completing your application be sure to check the box to indicate your interest in being considered for the Master's or Doctoral Program in Learning Sciences.

Before applying to the program, interested applicants should review the Learning Sciences faculty profiles and identify the faculty member(s) with whom they would like to work. Their interests in specific faculty research should be clearly stated in the Personal Statement included as part of the department application. 

A.Graduates of the Learning Sciences program are prepared for several career paths. Those receiving the doctoral degree are prepared for university and college teaching and research. Other options include employment in research and development centers, government and human service organizations, professional schools, school systems, and other types of applied settings. Additionally, business, industry, and the military need people who are skilled in analysis and applied research.

A.At this time, the director for the Learning Sciences program is Dr. Lauren Barth-Cohen. Email at lauren.barthcohen@utah.edu.  You may also contact our Academic Programs Specialist by phone at (801) 581-7148