Learning Science - Ph.D.

The Learning Science Ph.D. program provides advanced training in research and theory to prepare you for a leadership role in education.

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Program Information for Learning Science - Ph.D.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Learning Science provides an advanced and interdisciplinary study in the principles of human cognition, learning and development. The program provides rigorous training in the theoretical foundations of cognition, learning and development, as well as research design, instrumentation, quantitative analysis and research application.

Graduates are qualified to become faculty at the university level and are also prepared for careers in a variety of industry and government settings conducting research and guiding the application of evidence-based practices.

Admissions for Learning Science - Ph.D.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate and graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Minimum 18 credit hours of courses in psychology, education or related fields (including a course in statistics)
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Research experience and broad background in educational psychology, psychology or related fields
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Interview
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: January 1
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Inform and enhance practice based on deep knowledge of research, theories and principles of cognition, learning and development.
  2. Synthesize and critically evaluate scholarly articles and texts.
  3. Apply principles of research design to create rigorous experiments and studies.
  4. Analyze and interpret quantitative data using appropriate cutting-edge methodologies and tools.
  5. Develop scientific writing skills in order to effectively communicate research findings to the scientific community and practitioners.
  6. Design and conduct empirical research to investigate the cognitive and developmental basis for effective teaching and learning practices.
  7. Disseminate original, empirical research through scholarly presentations, conferences and publications.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
Quantitative Research and Statistics Electives, choose from the following:12
LRNS 76510
INTRODUCTION TO R FOR EDUCATIONAL AND LEARNING SCIENCES
LRNS 76511
STATISTICAL PROGRAMMING IN R FOR LEARNING SCIENCE
RMS 75510
STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
RMS 78713
MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
RMS 78716
STATISTICS II: ANOVA AND NONPARAMETRIC TESTS
RMS 78728
MULTIPLE REGRESSION
RMS 78735
STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING
RMS 78745
HIERARCHICAL LINEAR MODELING
RMS 85515
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN AND ANALYSIS
RMS 85517
ADVANCED QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Learning Science Electives, choose from the following: 6
EPSY 75520
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT
EPSY 75523
LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT
EPSY 75524
LEARNING THEORIES
EPSY 75529
EDUCATIONAL MOTIVATION
EPSY 78905
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
EPSY 87450
PSYCHOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION
EPSY 89091
SEMINAR IN LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
EPSY 89095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Educational and Psychological Science Foundations Electives, choose from the following:6
EPSY 70093
VARIABLE TOPIC WORKSHOP IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
EPSY 75520
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT
EPSY 75523
LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT
EPSY 75524
LEARNING THEORIES
EPSY 75529
EDUCATIONAL MOTIVATION
EPSY 78905
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
EPSY 87450
PSYCHOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION
EPSY 89091
SEMINAR IN LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
EPSY 89095
SPECIAL TOPICS IN LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
LRNS 75525
INFORMAL LEARNING
PSYC 70413
COGNITIVE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
PSYC 70453
INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
PSYC 70604
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
PSYC 70895
ADVANCED TOPICS IN EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSYC 80491
SEMINAR IN COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Additional Program Electives, choose from the following: 121-60
LRNS 89096
INDIVIDUAL INVESTIGATION IN LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
LRNS 89098
RESEARCH IN LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Other courses from categories above, or with advisor approval
Culminating Requirement
LRNS 80199DISSERTATION I 230
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Baccalaureate Students108
Minimum Total Credit Hours for Post-Master's Students75
1

Post-baccalaureate students may use additional program electives to fulfill requirements for the M.A. degree. These courses may be taken at either the doctoral or master's level.

2

Upon admission to candidacy, each doctoral candidate must register for LRNS 80199. It is expected that a doctoral candidate will continuously register for Dissertation I for a total of 30 credit hours, and thereafter LRNS 80299 each semester until all requirements for the degree have been met.

Candidacy

Students who have been admitted into the doctoral program will be considered for Ph.D. candidacy after they have met all requirements for the master's degree. In addition, the department reserves the right to separate from the program a student who, in the opinion of a duly constituted departmental committee, is not likely to succeed professionally despite earning acceptable grades.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • The doctoral program requires a minimum of four years of full-time attendance for holders of the bachelor's degree.
  • All doctoral students complete a (1) program of basic core courses, (2) select additional courses and seminars with the aid of a faculty advisor and (3) master's thesis and a doctoral dissertation.
  • A limited number of graduate courses outside the department may be credited toward graduation.
  • Doctoral program aspirants who do not hold a master's degree upon starting the program must complete all the requirements for the M.A. degree in Learning Science.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Learning Science - Ph.D.

Examples of Possible Careers
  • University professor
  • Human behavior researcher
  • K-12 teacher
  • Data analyst
  • Curriculum specialist
  • Academic counseling
  • Assessment specialist
  • Educational research
  • Program evaluation
  • Data scientist
  • Researcher for business/industry
  • Marketing
  • Advertising

Educational Psychology - M.Ed.

Explore the Educational Psychology M.Ed. program at Kent State University! Learn how to apply psychological principles to teaching and learning in a supportive and engaging environment.

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Schedule a visit

Program Information for Educational Psychology - M.Ed.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Education degree in Educational Psychology provides advanced study for students interested in the application of psychological principles to learning and instruction. It encompasses a variety of different disciplines, including cognitive psychology, human development and learning theory. Students are exposed to the latest research findings regarding how people learn most effectively and efficiently. They also apply these principles to the design of instruction, and study how to most accurately assess different types of learning.

The M.Ed. degree program is appropriate for classroom teachers, professionals in a variety of settings and students wishing to pursue graduate-level training in educational psychology.

The Educational Psychology major includes the following optional concentration:

  • The Gifted Education concentration focuses on gifted learners, their unique needs and the application of educational psychological principles to the education of gifted learners.

Admissions for Educational Psychology - M.Ed.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Gifted Education optional concentration only: A valid standard teaching certificate or provisional or professional teaching license from the State of Ohio (requirement removed starting spring 2025 admission term)
  • Gifted Education optional concentration only: (starting with spring 2025 admission term) Evidence of valid Resident Educator or Professional State of Ohio teaching license
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: January 1
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
    • Spring Semester
      • Rolling admissions
    • Summer Term
      • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Describe the various schools of learning theory that have informed educators.
  2. Conduct literature reviews and design empirical research to examine issues associated with how individuals learn.
  3. Apply principles of human development and learning when developing and selecting educational approaches.
  4. Identify best practices for maximizing student learning.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of theories and principles of learner motivation.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
EPSY 65520CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT 3
EPSY 65524LEARNING THEORIES 3
EPSY 65529EDUCATIONAL MOTIVATION 3
EPSY 68901PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION 3
EPSY 68905EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 3
Additional Requirements or Concentrations
Choose from the following:15-18
Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration
Gifted Education Concentration
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30-33

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

Major Requirements
Specialty Area Electives, choose from the following:15
EPSY 50093
VARIABLE TITLE WORKSHOP IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
EPSY 65523
LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT
ETEC 57403
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN
ETEC 57427
TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING
LRNS 66510
INTRODUCTION TO R FOR EDUCATIONAL AND LEARNING SCIENCES
LRNS 65525
INFORMAL LEARNING
RMS 55610
CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT
RMS 65510
STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
RMS 65511
RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
RMS 65515
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN AND ANALYSIS
Advisor-Approved Electives
Minimum Total Credit Hours:15

Gifted Education Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements
EPSY 63531CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT FOR GIFTED LEARNERS 3
EPSY 63532GIFTED PROGRAM DESIGN, ASSESSMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 3
EPSY 63535SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF THE GIFTED AND SPECIAL SUBPOPULATIONS 3
EPSY 63540NATURE AND NEEDS OF GIFTED 3
EPSY 63545INSTRUCTIONAL PROCESSES FOR GIFTED CHILDREN 3
EPSY 64892ADVANCED PRACTICUM: GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • The M.Ed. degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate coursework.
  • Students have six years from the term of first enrollment to complete the program.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Educational Psychology - M.Ed.

Examples of Possible Careers
  • K-12 teacher
  • Data analyst
  • Curriculum specialist
  • Academic counseling
  • Assessment specialist
  • Educational research
  • Program evaluation

Learning Science - M.A.

Advance your knowledge and skills in education with the Learning Science M.A. program. Our innovative curriculum and experienced faculty prepare you to create effective learning environments and improve student outcomes.

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Information
Schedule a visit

Program Information for Learning Science - M.A.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Learning Science provides advanced study for students interested in the application of psychological principles to learning and instruction. It encompasses a variety of different disciplines, including cognitive psychology, human development and learning theory. Students are exposed to the latest research findings regarding how people learn most effectively and efficiently. They also apply these principles to the design of instruction and study how to most accurately assess different types of learning.

The M.A. degree program is appropriate for classroom teachers, professionals in a variety of settings and students wishing to pursue doctoral-level training in learning sciences.

Admissions for Learning Science - M.A.

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Priority deadline: January 1
      Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Describe the various schools of learning theory that have informed educators.
  2. Conduct literature reviews and design empirical research to examine issues associated with how individuals learn.
  3. Apply principles of human development and learning when developing and selecting educational approaches.
  4. Identify best practices for maximizing student learning.
  5. Systematically design effective instructional programs to meet the academic needs of learners.
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of theories and principles of learner motivation.
  7. Describe social learning principles and their application to instructional practice.
  8. Evaluate teaching and learning practices with a variety of types of assessments.
  9. Competently evaluate educational programs and approaches.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
Specialty Area Electives12
Major Electives, choose from the following: 21
EPSY 50093
VARIABLE TITLE WORKSHOP IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
EPSY 65520
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT
EPSY 65523
LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT
EPSY 65524
LEARNING THEORIES
EPSY 65529
EDUCATIONAL MOTIVATION
EPSY 68905
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
LRNS 65525
INFORMAL LEARNING
LRNS 66510
INTRODUCTION TO R FOR EDUCATIONAL AND LEARNING SCIENCES
LRNS 66511
STATISTICAL PROGRAMMING IN R FOR LEARNING SCIENCE
RMS 65510
STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
RMS 65511
RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Culminating Requirement
LRNS 60199THESIS I 6
Minimum Total Credit Hours:39

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • The M.A. degree requires a minimum of 39 credit hours, including 6 credit hours of thesis.
  • Students have six years from the term of first enrollment to complete the program.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Learning Science - M.A.

Examples of Possible Careers
  • K-12 teacher
  • Data analyst
  • Curriculum specialist
  • Academic counseling
  • Assessment specialist
  • Educational research
  • Program evaluation

Gifted Education Endorsement Preparation - Non-Degree

The Gifted Education Endorsement Preparation program that is designed to help you gain the expertise and experience necessary to work with gifted students. With this program, you'll learn about advanced teaching strategies and techniques, as well as how to develop individualized education plans that meet the needs of gifted students.

Contact Us

Apply Now
Request Info
Schedule a Visit

Program Information for Gifted Education Endorsement Preparation - Non-Degree

Program Description

Program Description

On This Page

Full Description

The Gifted Education Endorsement Preparation non-degree program will prepare students to obtain the Gifted Intervention Specialist (K-12) endorsement. Completion of the coursework is a prerequisite to being recommended by Kent State University for licensure, and licenses are granted by the Ohio Department of Education. Students in this program will learn about gifted learners, their unique needs, and the application of educational psychological principles to the education of gifted learners.

The non-degree program is not a master's degree program. Students interested in obtaining a teaching license and a master's degree from Kent State University must also be fully admitted into the master's degree program and complete the prescribed coursework on the master's degree prospectus, in addition to courses that are prescribed here for licensure.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for Gifted Education Endorsement Preparation - Non-Degree

Admissions

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Valid standard teaching certificate, or provisional or professional teaching license from the State of Ohio (no longer required starting with spring 2025 admission term)
  • Starting with spring 2025 admission term: Evidence of valid Resident Educator or Professional State of Ohio teaching license

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Describe gifted learners and their unique needs.
  2. Identify and assess gifted students.
  3. Describe and identify national, state and local guidelines and standards for gifted education.
  4. Apply principles of human development, learning science, cognitive science and socio-cultural theories when developing and selecting educational approaches for gifted learners.
  5. Identify best practices for maximizing learning, motivation and engagement for gifted students.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Endorsement Requirements

Endorsement Requirements
EPSY 63531CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT FOR GIFTED LEARNERS 3
EPSY 63532GIFTED PROGRAM DESIGN, ASSESSMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 3
EPSY 63535SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF THE GIFTED AND SPECIAL SUBPOPULATIONS 3
EPSY 63540NATURE AND NEEDS OF GIFTED 3
EPSY 63545INSTRUCTIONAL PROCESSES FOR GIFTED CHILDREN 3
EPSY 64892ADVANCED PRACTICUM: GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours:18

Progression Requirements
  • Must maintain a minimum 3.000 overall GPA

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000

Licensure Information

Prior to program completion, the candidate must demonstrate proficiencies in the following areas (including but not limited to): data literacy and analysis; use of research and assessment data; leadership and collaboration; utilizing and supporting appropriate technology for the discipline; and application of professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization.

Candidates seeking Ohio teaching licensure are required to pass specific requirements in order to apply for licensure from the Ohio Department of Education. Students should consult the Educational Psychology program area for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education - Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Gifted Education Endorsement Preparation - Non-Degree

Special education teachers, all other

8.5%

much faster than the average

36,600

number of jobs

$62,820

potential earnings

Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school

2.9%

slower than the average

193,000

number of jobs

$60,620

potential earnings

Special education teachers, middle school

2.6%

slower than the average

84,700

number of jobs

$61,820

potential earnings

Special education teachers, preschool

8.3%

much faster than the average

23,000

number of jobs

$61,400

potential earnings

Special education teachers, secondary school

3.2%

about as fast as the average

143,000

number of jobs

$62,320

potential earnings

Teaching assistants, except postsecondary

3.6%

about as fast as the average

1,395,900

number of jobs

$28,900

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
Kent State at the 2024 OMEA Professional Development Conference
College of the Arts

OMEA Booth Photo

Kent State will present another impressive showing at the 2024 Ohio Music Education Association Professional Development Conference, running Feb. 1 through Feb. 3. Our faculty, students and alumni will offer presentations and performances over the course of the three-day conference. See below for our schedule and make sure to check the Guidebook App, if you're attending, for updates. OMEA Alumni and Friends Reception A gathering for KSU alumni, students and faculty.  When: Friday, Feb. 2, 6:15-7:45 p.m. Where: Hyatt Regency Columbus, CC205 350 North Hi...

Pathfinders

This exhibition brings together recent work of six creatives, each of whom is defining their own pathway amidst the ever-changing industries of fashion, social media, and design. Their experiences reveal a rich array of experiments, trials, multiple jobs, and networking, all underpinned by hard work, determination, and imagination. All are also alumni of the KSU School of Fashion and have at least 6 years of experience beyond graduation.

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