Learning sciences degree overview

A learning sciences degree focuses on understanding how people learn and how learning experiences can be improved. Students explore how people think, solve problems, develop skills, and learn from others in places such as schools, workplaces, museums, and online environments. They also study how teaching methods, technology, culture, and the learning environment can affect the way people learn.

This degree is a good fit for people who are curious about how learning happens and want to find better ways to help people learn. Graduates may work in education, research, technology, curriculum development, instructional design, or educational programs, where they help create and improve learning experiences. Their work can involve designing educational tools, studying how people learn, developing new teaching approaches, or using research to make learning more engaging and effective.

Learning sciences programs are available primarily at the graduate level, although some universities also offer undergraduate concentrations and related areas of study. Programs bring together ideas from education, psychology, technology, design, and research to better understand how people learn and how learning experiences can be improved.

• Master’s Degree in Learning Sciences: Focuses on understanding how people learn and using that knowledge to create better learning experiences. Students may study learning theory, cognition, educational technology, research methods, and the design of learning environments.
• Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in Learning Sciences: Combines the study of psychology and education with a focus on how people learn in different settings. Students explore areas such as cognition, motivation, instructional design, educational technology, and research.
• Doctoral Degree in Learning Sciences: Provides advanced training for students who want to conduct research on learning and develop new ways to improve teaching and learning. Students study areas such as cognition, culture, technology, learning environments, research methods, and the design of educational experiences.

A learning sciences degree helps students understand how people learn and how to create better ways of teaching, training, and sharing information. Along the way, they develop practical skills in research, design, technology, and problem-solving that can be used in many different learning environments.

• Understanding How People Learn: Learn how people develop knowledge, build skills, solve problems, and remember information. Explore how factors such as motivation, experience, and the learning environment can influence the way people learn.
• Learning Experience Design: Learn how to create activities, lessons, programs, and environments that make learning more effective and engaging. Use an understanding of how people learn to design experiences that meet different needs and goals.
• Educational Research: Learn how to study questions about learning, teaching, and educational experiences. Develop skills for gathering information, analyzing results, and using research to better understand what helps people learn.
• Educational Technology: Learn how digital tools and technology can support teaching and learning. Explore ways to use online platforms, interactive tools, and emerging technologies to create useful learning experiences.

A learning sciences degree can prepare graduates for careers focused on understanding how people learn and creating better learning experiences in schools, workplaces, technology companies, and other organizations. Common career paths include:

• Instructional Designer: Create educational and training materials for schools, colleges, businesses, and other organizations. Combine teaching methods, technology, and an understanding of how people learn to develop effective courses and programs.
• Learning Experience Designer: Design courses, activities, digital tools, and other learning experiences that help people understand and remember information. Use research about how people learn to make learning more engaging and effective.
• Learning Sciences Researcher: Study how people learn in different settings and what can make learning more effective. Conduct research on areas such as teaching methods, technology, motivation, collaboration, and learning environments.
• Educational Technology Specialist: Help schools and organizations choose and use technology that supports teaching and learning. Work with educators and other professionals to introduce digital tools and find practical ways to use them effectively.
• Curriculum Specialist: Help develop and improve curriculum, lessons, and educational programs. Use research about learning and teaching to create materials and approaches that better support learners.
• Educational Consultant: Work with schools, businesses, nonprofits, or other organizations to improve learning and educational programs. Use research and knowledge of learning to recommend new approaches, technologies, and ways of designing learning experiences.