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Learning Sciences, MA

Learning Sciences, MA

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Learning Sciences, MA

Anthropology of Education, Cognition, Cognitive science, Educational psychology, Innovation, Learning sciences, Learning system, Psychology, Teaching system, Technology, cultural, design, media, social

Learning happens everywhere. Use the power of design thinking to enhance learning experiences in a variety of settings. Interdisciplinary in scope and blending theoretical insight with practical tools, this program prepares you to be a creative thinker and an effective doer.

Program description
Degree awarded: MA  Learning Sciences

The MA program in learning sciences emphasizes an understanding that learning happens in many places outside of traditional school settings, and doing so focuses on the power of design thinking to improve educational systems.

The curriculum's systems-level approach includes cognitive, social and contextual factors as well as the interactions among them.

Individualized guidance provides students with the support they need to succeed in today's rapidly evolving educational environment. Students work with faculty to determine whether they'll conduct an applied project or complete a research thesis study. Applied projects provide evidence of mastery of the skills and knowledge obtained through the program, while a thesis project requires students to complete a research study within an area of inquiry in the learning sciences and also has the potential for scholarly recognition.

This program does not lead to teacher certification but can prepare graduate students for doctoral credentials in education after graduation.

At a glance
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Degree requirements

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (LSE 593), or
30 credit hours, a thesis and a written comprehensive exam

Required Core (12 credit hours)
LSE 540 Theoretical Views of Learning in the Learning Sciences (3)
LSE 542 Research Methods in the Learning Sciences (3)
LSE 570 Case Exemplars of Learning Systems (3)
LSE 571 History of the Learning Sciences (3)

Other Requirements (6 credit hours)
LSE 591 Seminar (6)

Electives (6 or 9 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours)
LSE 593 Applied Project (3) or
LSE 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students completing an applied project will complete nine credit hours of electives. Students completing a thesis will complete six credit hours of electives. Electives must be taken at the graduate level and selected in conjunction with your advisor. LSE 591 should be taken for three credit hours twice for a total of six credit hours.

With advisor approval, EDP 540 may be taken in place of LSE 540 for the core requirement.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. three letters of recommendation
  4. personal statement
  5. resume
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant's potential for success in a graduate program, and the personal statement should describe the applicant's interests and reason for seeking this degree.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Career opportunities

Students gain skills in facilitating learning using an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon cognitive science, educational psychology, computer science, anthropology, sociology, information sciences, neurosciences, instructional design and more. This prepares students to expand or pursue a variety of educational careers tailored to their professional goals.

Graduates of the program are equipped to design effective learning and teaching systems in a broad range of settings such as museums, libraries, workplaces and schools. The program prepares graduates to become leaders in the development, integration and improvement of these systems.

Career examples include:

  • educational and interactional designer
  • educator in community organization
  • educator in educational institution
  • training specialist, coordinator, manager or director
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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