PhD in Education with an emphasis in Learning Sciences and Human Development

Learning Sciences and Human Developmentcenters on issues of culture, social justice, and equity in its approach to understanding learning and development.Thisprogram emphasis prepares you for research on how people learn and develop new forms of participation in the context of organizing more equitable social futures. We centerissues of culture, social justice, and equity in its approach to understanding learning and development. You will learn how research can inform social change that can improve learning and teaching. Students are encouraged to participate in the International Society of the Learning Sciences, the American Educational Research and Association, and professional associations related to their areas of focus.

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All of our doctoral students are awarded generous funding packages. Stipends and grants cover tuition costs and provide experiential graduate assistantships that further prepare you for your future as a researcher, educator, and leader in the field.Fellowship and assistantship packages are awarded on a competitive basis and vary for each student, but allfunding packages coverfive years of full-time study.

A typical package will include a total of a 50% appointment (~20hr/week) through a Graduate Research Assistantship and/or Teaching Assistantship, full tuition remission and a fellowship to assist with student fees, the majority of theAnthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), and a stipend of approximately $27,000 per academic year. Please note that these figures are subject to change and summer funding is not guaranteed.

Admissions Requirements

  • A Personal Statement
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts are required after admission)
  • Optional GRE test score
  • English Proficiency Requirement (international applicants only)
  • Application Fee ($60 domestic application/$80 international). Application fee waivers are not available.

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. In an effort to safeguard educational equity and access, the CU Boulder School of Education has adopted a test-optional policy for the GRE requirement for prospective doctoral applicants. Students may still submit GRE scores for consideration, which will be reviewed as a part of a holistic process. However, not submitting GRE scores will in no way make your application less competitive for admission to the School of Education. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Deadline

  • December 1, domestic
  • November 10, international

For more information about courses and program requirements, .

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