Learning Sciences, MA
Sharpen your ability to analyze, design and improve educational experiences and systems across diverse settings. This graduate degree builds the practical, hands-on skills you need to strengthen how people learn wherever teaching happens.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program. Students interested in attaining a degree or certificate within education are encouraged to explore the wide range of degree options offered by MLFC.
Degree description
Learning Sciences master's description
The Master of Arts 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 you with the support you need to succeed in today's rapidly evolving educational environment. You work with faculty to determine whether you 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 you to complete a research study within an area of inquiry in the learning sciences and has the potential for scholarly recognition.
This program doesn't lead to teacher certification but can prepare you for doctoral credentials in education after graduation.
Why study learning sciences at ASU?
At the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, your studies are built for forward-thinkers who want to lead in instructional design, behavior analysis, learning sciences, educational technology and more. Coursework keeps you at the forefront of emerging technologies and learning design, because education is evolving and so are the skills needed to shape its future. Whether you're just starting out or deepening existing expertise, you'll be equipped to design inclusive, tech-forward learning experiences that make a real impact in industries across the professional spectrum.
Additional details
You take part in every tradition and tap into all the resources available through ASU, while also connecting with the more intimate MLFC community, people who share your passions and professional interests.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
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) Other Requirements (6 credit hours) Electives (6 or 9 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information With advisor approval, EDP 540 may be taken in place of LSE 540 for the core requirement.
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)
LSE 591 Seminar (6)
LSE 593 Applied Project (3) or
LSE 599 Thesis (6)
Students completing an applied project complete nine credit hours of electives. Students completing a thesis complete six credit hours of electives. Electives must be taken at the graduate level and are selected in conjunction with the student's advisor. LSE 591 should be taken for three credit hours twice, for a total of six credit hours.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Evaluate the impact of different theoretical perspectives on learning environments.
- Conduct research utilizing appropriate methods.
- Develop collaborative partnerships that address challenges or opportunities in learning design or learning systems.
Evaluate the impact of different theoretical perspectives on learning environments.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. Applicants must 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: Additional Admission Information 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.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this learning sciences master's degree prepares you for
Graduates possess skills in facilitating learning using an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on cognitive science, educational psychology, computer science, anthropology, sociology, information sciences, neurosciences, instructional design and more. They are prepared to pursue a variety of educational careers tailored to their professional goals.
Graduates are equipped to design effective learning and teaching systems in a wide variety 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
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Division for Advancing Education Policy, Practice
|
ED 118
GraduateEducation@asu.edu
480-965-5555
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
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.
