Learning Sciences
Graduate Certificate
Online
Course Delivery
9
Total Credits
$893
Total Credits
8 Months
Minimum Duration
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
- 31st among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- A Top 100 Global University — Times Higher Education and U.S. News & World Report
Dr. Liz Owens Boltz
Program Director and Assistant Professor
As Director, Liz is dedicated to supporting students and the diverse goals, needs, and backgrounds they bring to MALXD and MAET programs. Liz is a graduate of Michigan State University’s Educational Psychology & Educational Technology program, where she studied videogames for learning. She has been an instructor for the Master of Arts in Educational Technology program since 2013, and has taught in the online, hybrid, and overseas formats. Liz writes and plays music, and also enjoys drawing and playing video games.
Course Information
Students must complete 9 credits:
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.
Key Dates
Fall Semester
July 1, 2024
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$893
$1,137
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 here.
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
- 31st among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- A Top 100 Global University — Times Higher Education and U.S. News & World Report
Dr. Liz Owens Boltz
Program Director and Assistant Professor
As Director, Liz is dedicated to supporting students and the diverse goals, needs, and backgrounds they bring to MALXD and MAET programs. Liz is a graduate of Michigan State University’s Educational Psychology & Educational Technology program, where she studied videogames for learning. She has been an instructor for the Master of Arts in Educational Technology program since 2013, and has taught in the online, hybrid, and overseas formats. Liz writes and plays music, and also enjoys drawing and playing video games.
Course Information
Students must complete 9 credits:
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.
Key Dates
Fall Semester
July 1, 2024
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$893
$1,137
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 here.
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 for more than 160 years.
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 for over 20 years. 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.