The Learning Sciences & Human Development (LSHD) master's program focuses on research, theory and professional knowledge about learning environments in and outside of school. Areas of study include K–12 schools, community settings, youth and student voice, museums and the variety of contexts that young people navigate in their everyday lives. Although we have a primary focus on children and youth, several faculty members also study processes of teacher learning.

The program is structured in ways that emphasize the bridging of theory and practice, lending primary emphasis to academic study and research. The program is designed to provide an academic and practical foundation that prepares students for a variety of career pathways. These include, but are not limited to, work in K–12 education, youth-serving community organizations, educational research and evaluation firms, or in the private sector. Many MA students also go on to pursue PhDs in learning sciences or education research. Faculty advisors and students build programs of study that meet program goals and the student's interests.

Prior Experience

To make the most of the LSHD MA program, it is helpful—though not required—for students to have taken coursework focused on learning and human development. For example, courses that address topics such as how people learn, cognition and the social and cultural contexts of development, including the study of culture, race, ethnicity, gender or linguistics would be relevant. Commensurate professional or paraprofessional experience in educational settings—in and out of school and with youth and adults—is also a valued prior experience.

Requirements

Required Courses and Credits

Students must successfully complete 30 credit hours of approved coursework while maintaining at least a B (3.0) average in all work attempted while enrolled.

Students develop a degree plan in consultation with their faculty advisor, typically in their first semester. The frequency of course offerings varies; therefore, candidates should plan ahead so that the required 30 credit hours are completed within the four-year limit.

Core Requirements
EDUC 5716Basic Statistical Methods3
EDUC 5726Introduction to Disciplined Inquiry3
EDUC 6318Psychological Foundations of Education3
EDUC 6328Advanced Child Growth and Educational Development3
Core Electives
Choose at least 6 additional credit hours of courses at the 5000 level or above from within the School of Education, to be chosen from the following categories in consultation with your advisor. (Suggested options below.) 16
Learning and Development
EDUC 8348
Human Development in Cultural, Historical, and Sociopolitical Contexts
EDUC 8358
Critical Introduction to Learning Theory and Practice, Part 1
Curriculum and Instruction
Please consult with Faculty Advisor
Learning and Technology
Please consult with Faculty Advisor
Foundations
EDUC 5075
Sociology of Education
Area of Specialization
Students will develop their Area of Specialization in close dialogue with their advisor. Courses for the Area of Specialization may be taken outside or inside of the School of Education.6
Capstone Project6
Total Credit Hours30

Capstone Project

In the year when students anticipate completing their Capstone Project, they should enroll in a 1-3 unit professional seminar focused on community building in the program, the practices of doing research and career planning.

This seminar is meant to be taken in addition to the Capstone Course (EDUC 6945), which is taken in the spring semester.  

Time Limit

The master's degree must be completed within four years.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is defined as any credit earned at another accredited institution, credits earned on another campus of the CU system, or credits earned as a nondegree student within the CU system. Students who have transfer credits must complete the transfer of credit paperwork.

The maximum amount of work that may be transferred from another accredited institution to CU Boulder is 9 credit hours, and is accepted only after approval of the department chair/program director and under the special conditions outlined in the Graduate School Rules. All courses accepted for transfer must be graduate-level courses. A course in which a grade of B- or lower was received will not be accepted for transfer.

Transfer coursework must have been completed in the five years prior to acceptance to the program. Credit may not be transferred until the student has completed 6 credits of graduate-level coursework as a degree-seeking student on the CU Boulder campus with a 3.0 GPA.

Learning Outcomes  

By the completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Develop a deep understanding of sociocultural theories of learning and human development, as they are situated in a variety of contexts, including families, neighborhoods, schools, and community organizations.
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  • Deepen understanding in a particular domain of learning sciences and human development.
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  • Gain sophisticated understanding of research design and evidence-based reasoning, including the ability to critically review empirical articles.