MA in Learning Sciences & Human Development

The Learning Sciences & Human Development master's program focuses on research, theory, and professional knowledge about learning environments. Areas of study include K-12 schools, community settings, museums, and the variety of contexts that young people navigate in their everyday lives, including digital media and gaming.

The program focuses on children and youth, and also the processes of teacher learning. The program is structured in ways that emphasize the bridging of theory and practice, lending primary emphasis to academic study and research. The program is designed to provide an academic and practical foundation that prepares students for a variety of career pathways. These include, but are not limited to, work in K–12 education, youth-serving community organizations, educational research firms, or in the private sector. Faculty advisors and students build programs of study that meet program goals and the student's interests.

Program Requirements

Students must successfully complete 30-31 credit hours while maintaining at least a B (3.0) average in all work attempted while enrolled.

Sample Courses

The following 3 credit hour courses are core requirements:

EDUC 5716 Basic Statistical Methods
EDUC 5726 Introduction to Disciplined Inquiry
EDUC 6318 Psychological Foundations of Education
EDUC 6328 Advanced Child Growth and Educational Development

An additional 9 credit hours of Education Core electives to be chosen from the following categories:

Learning and Development
Curriculum and Instruction
Learning and Technology
Foundations

Students have the option to choose to complete a thesis (EDUC 6954 Master's Thesis, 10 credit hours) or a comprehensive examination (9 credit hours) to complete credit hour requirements.

Scholarships

Applicants to our Master’s programs will be considered automatically for a handful of scholarships at the time of admission. Applicants do not need to do anything to be considered apart from completing the application for admission by the posted application deadline. Automatic-consideration scholarships for MA students are only available for applicants to the Fall or Summer terms. All scholarships are one-time awards and will be applied across the Fall and Spring semesters. Applicants to the MA in Learning Sciences & Human Development program will be automatically considered for the Carol Robinson Reynolds and Charles L. Reynolds Endowed Scholarship ($2250).

Admissions Requirements

A Personal Statement
3 Letters of Recommendation
Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts required after admission)
If international, TOEFL scores
Application Fee ($60 domestic application/$80 international) along with the application

Admission to all our graduate programs is competitive and based on multiple criteria, including undergraduate academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement, evidence of special accomplishments, and relevant past experience. Criteria are considered in the aggregate. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. For more information, contact edadvise@colorado.edu.