Learning Sciences

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

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
• Submit all official university transcripts

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.