Take a science-based approach to education in a discipline that welcomes people with backgrounds in psychology, sociology, computer science, mathematics, and anthropology, as well as education.

In the Learning Sciences program, you’ll assess learning environments and create environments which include digital media, games, and other technologies. Join our research team and investigate the use of technology to help people learn in formal settings, such as K-12 schools and universities, as well as informal environments, such as after-school and museum education programs.

This 36 credit hour degree program prepares you for a career as an educational consultant or researcher, among many other possibilities.

Degree Requirements (36 cr.)

Learning Sciences Core Requirements (15 cr.)

Required Courses (6 cr.)

• P544 Applied Cognition and Learning Strategies (3 credits)
• P640 Thinking and Learning in Social Contexts (3 credits)

Electives in Major (9 cr.)

Students complete three additional courses in the major with at least one at the 600 level. Courses are typically selected from the following list, with substitutions relevant to the major at the discretion of the advisor and department chair:

• P507 Assessment in Education (3 credits)
• P540 Learning and Cognition in Education (3 credits)
• P545 Educational Motivation (3 credits)
• P573 Learning Sciences Apprenticeship (1-3 credits, max of 3 credits)
• P574 Topical Seminar in Learning Sciences (3-6 credits)
• P600 Topical Seminar in Learning, Cognition, and Instruction (3-6 credits)
• P631 Studying Learning in Context (3-6 credits)
• P632 Designing for Learning in Context (3-6 credits)
• P633 Theorizing Learning in Context (3-6 credits)
• P650 Topical Seminar in Educational Psychology (3-6 credits)
• P674 Advanced Topical Seminar in Learning Sciences (3-6 credits)

Inquiry Requirements (9 cr.)

Select three courses from the approved Inquiry Course list. (9 cr.)

A list of approved inquiry courses may be found at https://education.indiana.edu/docs/graduate-program-documents/approved-inquiry-courses.pdf.

Philosophy, Sociology, History or Anthropology of Education (3 cr.)

Choose among any education course, typically with an H-prefix, or an alternative agreed to by the advisor.

Curriculum and Instructions (3 cr.)

Choose from any Curriculum and Instruction course, or an alternative agreed to by the advisor.

Elective Requirements (6-12 cr.)

Electives may be from fields inside or outside the School of Education that are outside the Learning and Developmental Sciences.  Students may take electives in any area of interest to complement their program of study.  Electives must bring the total to 36 credit hours and must contribute to the integrity of the student’s program.