About
The Ph.D. program in the Learning Sciences is designed to enable students to conduct research and evaluation of learning environments, including but not limited to technology-based environments. The focus of the program is on the design, assessment and understanding of learning environments and of the organizational and educational systems in which they are embedded. Data analytics and psychological process are also addressed in the program.
Please see the documents and downloads section below for a list of participating faculty.
Available Options
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Post-Master's Track
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Post-Bachelor's Track
Accreditation
For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Understand and be able to analyze key theories related to learning, cognition, and development.
- Understand how to design and modify technological and other types of learning environments to promote more effective learning.
- Critically evaluate research studies based on each study’s methodology, literature support, and significance.
- Understand and use advanced statistical research methods (including computer technology for the analysis of data); understand the role of causation in science and the threats to causal inference posed by invalid research design and methodology.
- Understand (a) qualitative approaches to exploring phenomena related to educational and other social contexts, (b) the theoretical and practical considerations of conducting and interpreting case studies, ethnographies, participant observations, narrative reports, and design- based research, and (c) criteria for establishing goodness of qualitative studies.
- Develop plans for test construction, item and test specification, item writing and selection, test preparation and administration, test and item analysis, item and test revision to enhance reliability and validity, and various methods for validating tests, such as factor analysis, item response theory, and current issues in measurement.
- Serve as independent scholars who can design, implement, and prepare reports of research studies, and make significant contributions to the learning sciences.
- Develop an identity relative to some aspect of the learning sciences, actively contribute to the profession, and understand aspects of ethical and professional functioning in the chosen domain.
Career Possibilities
- University and college faculty.
- Community college faculty.
- Instructional designer for school districts, textbook publishers, educational gaming companies, museums and other informal learning environments.
- Curriculum or professional development specialist.
- Educational technology director for school districts, human services agencies, hospitals, businesses etc.
- Education program evaluator.
- Organizational consultant for schools.
- Policy position in government or nonprofit sector related to educational reform and accountability.
Requirements
Documents/Downloads
Doctor of Philosophy - Learning Sciences
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Plans of Study
Syllabi
Additional Downloads
- Ph.D in Learning Sciences Study Form321.64 KB
- Participating Faculty117.19 KB
Related Links
Contacts
Graduate Coordinator
E. Michael Nussbaum, Ph.D.
Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education
The Department of Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Higher Education delivers and provides instruction in innovative research that informs the educational process from early childhood through higher education. Our curriculum prepares graduates for leadership positions in diverse settings and roles, provides foundational support for programs across the university, and investigates educational policy to inform practice in P-12 through higher education.
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College of Education
The College of Education creates an intellectual environment that promotes quality instruction, significant research, and professional service. With four unique departments, graduates receive the necessary tools and experiences to make an impact on local, national, and global scales.