Program Overview

Overview

The Learning Sciences & Human Development (LSHD) master's program focuses on research, theory, and professional knowledge about learning environments in and outside of school. Areas of study include K–12 schools, community settings, youth and student voice, museums, and the variety of contexts that young people navigate in their everyday lives. Although the program has a primary focus on children and youth, several faculty members also study processes of teacher learning.

Requirements

Required Courses and Credits

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

• Core Requirements:
  • EDUC 5716: Basic Statistical Methods (3 credit hours)
  • EDUC 5726: Introduction to Disciplined Inquiry (3 credit hours)
  • EDUC 6318: Psychological Foundations of Education (3 credit hours)
  • EDUC 6328: Advanced Child Growth and Educational Development (3 credit hours)
• Core Electives: Choose at least 6 additional credit hours of courses at the 5000 level or above from within the School of Education, to be chosen from the following categories in consultation with your advisor.
  • Learning and Development:
    • EDUC 8348: Human Development in Cultural, Historical, and Sociopolitical Contexts
    • EDUC 8358: Critical Introduction to Learning Theory and Practice, Part 1
  • Curriculum and Instruction: Please consult with Faculty Advisor
  • Learning and Technology: Please consult with Faculty Advisor
  • Foundations:
    • EDUC 5075: Sociology of Education
• Area of Specialization: Students will develop their Area of Specialization in close dialogue with their advisor. Courses for the Area of Specialization may be taken outside or inside of the School of Education. (6 credit hours)
• Capstone Project: 6 credit hours
• Total Credit Hours: 30

Capstone Project

In the year when students anticipate completing their Capstone Project, they should enroll in a 1-3 unit professional seminar focused on community building in the program, the practices of doing research, and career planning.

Time Limit

The master's degree must be completed within four years.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is defined as any credit earned at another accredited institution, credits earned on another campus of the CU system, or credits earned as a nondegree student within the CU system. Students who have transfer credits must complete the transfer of credit paperwork.

Learning Outcomes

By the completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Develop a deep understanding of sociocultural theories of learning and human development, as they are situated in a variety of contexts, including families, neighborhoods, schools, and community organizations.
• Deepen understanding in a particular domain of learning sciences and human development.
• Gain sophisticated understanding of research design and evidence-based reasoning, including the ability to critically review empirical articles.