Learning Sciences & Human Development

The Learning Sciences & Human Development program emphasistakes an interdisciplinary approach to studying learning, teaching, and development. We examinelearning and development as it happens in and across a range of settings, including schools, community organizations, families, and peer groups.

In their research and courses, faculty engage with pressing questions of policy and practice.Program faculty enact innovative teaching practices that are attuned to our current technological and socio-political climate. Our interdisciplinary approach encourages students in the program to cultivate a strong commitment to and develop a strong record of working in partnership with schools and communities to organize innovative practices that open up opportunities for transformative learning.

Our learning sciencesprogram is on the leading edge of the field in its theoreticaland practical explorations of social and spatial justice, technology and design, and culture and diversity in learning.Our faculty and students are experts inbuilding partnerships with schools, districts and state agencies, as well as youth and community organizations.

What can you do if you studyLearning Sciences and Human Development?

Our graduates bring their deep expertise about learning, teaching, and the role of research in promoting equitable participation and social justice to professional arenas that include tenure-track faculty at research universities, school district administration, non-profit organization leadership, and evaluation and policy analysis firms.

Meet Our Faculty

Emily Gleason

Faculty DirectorTeaching Professor
Teacher LeadershipLearning Sciences & Human Development

Susan Jurow

Professor
Learning Sciences & Human Development

Kalonji Nzinga

Assistant Professor
Learning Sciences & Human Development

William Penuel

Distinguished ProfessorDirector
Learning Sciences & Human DevelopmentNational Center for Research in Policy and Practice

Joseph Polman

Associate Dean for ResearchProfessor
Learning Sciences & Human Development

Ricarose Roque

By CourtesyAssistant Professor in Information Science
Learning Sciences & Human Development

Vandna Sinha

Associate Research Professor
Learning Sciences & Human Development

Blanca Trejo

Assistant Teaching Professor
Learning Sciences & Human Development

I was born/raised on the traditional homelands of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, hinono’eino’ biito’owu’, Tséstho’e and Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ and +48 Indigenous Nations, aka Denver, CO. My ancestral lineage is Mexica, Totonaca and Spaniard. I identify as Mexican-American, Xicana and Latina and use She/Her/Ella pronouns. I am first generation to hold U.S birthright citizenship; first gen to earn a BA, an MA and now a PhD.Because of my personal and familial lived experiences, I am intimately aware of intersecting societal ...

Program Chair

Ben Kirshner

Professor and Program Chair
Learning Sciences & Human Development

Interested in our graduate programs?

Graduate students

We offer Colorado’s top-ranked graduate education in multiple program areas and would love to to provide you with relevant information about our programs. We look forward to learning about your graduate studies journey!

Fall 2023 Information Sessions

School of Education Graduate Studies Preview Day (in-person)

Please join the School of Education for ourGraduate Studies Preview Day on Saturday, Nov.9. This program will be hosted in personand is open for all prospective Master'sand PhD students. The program will include an overview of the applicationprocess and education program areas, breakout sessions with faculty by program area of interest, and a current graduate student panel for Q&A. Registration is required.