Northwestern University's Learning Sciences program was the first of its kind in the nation.

Apply Online

Application Deadlines

• PhD Programs (LS & LS+CS)

  Dec. 31 before the fall start date.

  Applications for the Learning Sciences PhD programs are accepted for fall quarter matriculation only.

  Applicants interested in the PhD program are encouraged to contact program assistant Megan Redfearn at m-redfearn@northwestern.edu at any time.

• Learning Sciences
  Master of Arts

  Rolling admissions throughout the year.

  The application period for fall matriculation opens in September the year before the fall start date.
  For greater consideration submit your applications early in the admissions cycle.

  Early Decision

  Applicants seeking an early decision should submit their applications by Dec. 31 and notify adviser Caitlin Burnett by email, caitlin.burnett@northwestern.edu of their early decision preference. Early decision applicants will be notified by Jan. 31.

Application Details

***** Note:  Fall of 2020 information coming soon *****

For the fall of 2019, the admissions application cycle will open on Sept. 4, 2018. Applications are accepted for fall quarter matriculation only. All applicants must meet the deadline of Dec. 31, 2018. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission. Applicants are encouraged to contact program assistant Megan Redfearn by e-mail at m-redfearn@northwestern.edu at any time. Additional information for prospective students may be found on The Graduate School website. You may also view frequently asked questions about admissions.

Application Timeline

December  - On-line application due to The Graduate School
January  - Faculty begin reviewing applications
January/February  - Faculty issue interview invitations
Mid to late February - Learning Sciences Interview Day, Northwestern University's Evanston campus
March  - Faculty send admit letter offers
April  -  Council of Graduate Schools Admit Letter Acceptance Deadline Council of Graduate Schools

Application Materials

All application documents are required to be submitted electronically; we don't accept paper copies. The following application documents are required:

• Graduate School online application
• Application fee of $95
• Two letters of recommendation (minimum; three maximum)
• Statement of purpose
• Resume/CV
• Writing sample
  • Writing sample should be academic in nature.
  • Applicant must be the sole author.
• All post-secondary official transcripts
  • Transcripts should be official copies and in PDF format.
• GRE scores (send scores via institution code #1565; no department code)
  • GRE scores must be sent electronically directly from ETS and must be no older than five years at the time of matriculation.
• English proficiency scores for non-native English speakers (send scores via institution code #(ASK Cate Arrom our code)  and department codes #01)
  • For the TOEFL, you must score 600 or higher on the paper-based test, 250 or higher on the computer-based test, and 100 or higher on the Internet-based test. For the IELTS, you must score 7.00 or higher.
  • Scores must be no older than two years at the time of matriculation.
  • International applicants who have earned a post-secondary degree from an accredited higher education institution whose primary language of instruction is English are not required to provide English proficiency scores. English proficiency scores are required of all other international applicants.