Learning Sciences, Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Learning Sciences is a fully online, 3-course graduate certificate program offered by our Master of Arts in Learning Experience Design (MALXD) program. Students in this program will study the factors, influences, processes, and identities of adult learners to better understand the complex nature of learning, its cultural embeddedness, and how it involves the active construction of knowledge. Leveraging learning sciences, graduates will develop well-informed educational experiences that meet the cognitive, emotional, and socio-cultural needs of their learners. This graduate certificate can be earned as a standalone certificate or as a part of the MALXD degree.

This program is designed for individuals who want to supplement their academic and/or professional knowledge in key areas related to learning design. It has been intentionally designed with full-time working professionals in mind and courses are context-rich so that learners have supported experience applying theory to their professional practice.

Program Outcomes

Graduate Certificate in Learning Sciences alumni will be able to:

Understand the complex nature of learning, its cultural embeddedness, and how it involves the active construction of knowledge.
Describe the multiple influences on learning, including learners’ prior knowledge, identities, contexts, and personal epistemologies.
Distinguish among approaches to conception, design, analysis, and use of research via case examples.
Develop understanding of who adult learners are, why they participate in educational programs, and barriers to participation and learning based on research, data, empathy, and understanding.
Compare major approaches to understanding diversity and differences in how adults learn.
Apply major cognitive, emotional, and socio-cultural processes involved in adult learning.
Design with an understanding of adult learning to enhance planning and instruction in adult contexts based on research/data.
Use strong research fundamentals and practices to ensure strong alignment between design and user needs.

Career Outlook

Graduate Certificate in Learning Sciences alumni will meet the growing industry demand in a wide range of professional settings. This certificate is ideal for individuals who are looking to specifically advance their knowledge in the theory and application of learning sciences in their professional contexts. Relevant fields include:

Instructional design
Educational and e-learning content development
Professional and continuing education
Corporate training development
IT and computer training
Learning services
Project management

A Top-Ranked Education

29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
#22 in Best Education Schools— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#13 in Best Online Master's in Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#3 in Online Graduate Programs for Curriculum and Instruction— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#3 in Online Graduate Programs for Special Education— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#7 in Online Graduate Programs for Educational/Instructional Media Design — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
#6 in Graduate Programs for Education Policy — U.S. News & World Report, 2026

Tuition & Fees per credit

In-State Tuition

Out-of-State Tuition

$978.25

$1,814.75

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.

Course Information

Core Courses

CEP 800 The Psychology of Learning in School and Other Settings (3 Credits)
EAD 861 Adult Learning (3 Credits)
CEP 822 Approaches to Educational Research (3 Credits)

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
3 letters of recommendation from previous or current colleagues, mentors, or supervisors. Provide contact information for your recommenders and the MSU application system will provide instructions to them.
Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate institution(s)

To apply to this program:

Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
Send all official transcripts to the university.
Submit all required materials to the application portal.

This graduate certificate program can be completed in two semesters: Fall and Spring. Learners are able to start every Fall semester, with an annual application due date of July 1. The program admits learners on a rolling basis until July 1. This means applications can be submitted at any time before the due date so that learners can prepare for their graduate certificate journey. Applications are evaluated as they come in and applicants will be notified of an admission decision within 1-2 weeks of submitting their application.

Learning Sciences

Graduate Certificate

Online

Course Delivery

9

Total Credits

$978.25

Credit Hour

8 months

Minimum Duration

Dr. Liz Owens Boltz

Director of MAED, MAET, and MALXD Programs