Learning Sciences & Human Development

The Learning Sciences & Human Development program emphasis takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying learning, teaching, and development. We examine learning and development as it happens in and across a range of settings, including schools, community organizations, families, and peer groups. 

In their research and courses, babyÖ±²¥app engage with pressing questions of policy and practice. Program babyÖ±²¥app enact innovative teaching practices that are attuned to our current technological and socio-political climate. Our interdisciplinary approach encourages students in the program to cultivate a strong commitment to and develop a strong record of working in partnership with schools and communities to organize innovative practices that open up opportunities for transformative learning.

Our learning sciences program is on the leading edge of the field in its theoretical and practical explorations of social and spatial justice, technology and design, and culture and diversity in learning. Our babyÖ±²¥app and students are experts in building partnerships with schools, districts and state agencies, as well as youth and community organizations.

What can you do if you study Learning Sciences and Human Development?

Our graduates bring their deep expertise about learning, teaching, and the role of research in promoting equitable participation and social justice to professional arenas that include tenure-track babyÖ±²¥app at research universities, school district administration, non-profit organization leadership, and evaluation and policy analysis firms.

  Explore MA program       Explore PhD program 

Meet Our Faculty

Emily Gleason

Faculty DirectorAssociate Teaching Professor
Teacher LeadershipLearning Sciences & Human Development

Susan Jurow

Professor
Learning Sciences & Human Development

Kalonji Nzinga

Assistant Professor
Learning Sciences & Human Development

William Penuel

Distinguished ProfessorDirector
Learning Sciences & Human DevelopmentNational Center for Research in Policy and Practice

Joseph Polman

Associate Dean for Research Professor
Learning Sciences & Human Development

Ricarose Roque

By CourtesyAssistant Professor in Information Science
Learning Sciences & Human Development

Vandna Sinha

Associate Research Professor
Learning Sciences & Human Development

Program Chair

Ben Kirshner

Professor and Program Chair
Learning Sciences & Human Development

Interested in our graduate programs?

Graduate students

We offer babyÖ±²¥app’s top-ranked graduate education in multiple program areas and would love to to provide you with relevant information about our programs. We look forward to learning about your graduate studies journey!

Fall 2023 Information Sessions

   School of Education Graduate Studies Preview Day (in-person)

Please join the School of Education for our Graduate Studies Preview Day on Saturday, Nov. 9. This program will be hosted in person and is open for all prospective Master's and PhD students. The program will include an overview of the application process and education program areas, breakout sessions with babyÖ±²¥app by program area of interest, and a current graduate student panel for Q&A. Registration is required.