Learning sciences advances understanding of the learning process and the design of innovative learning environments. This interdisciplinary, research-based field originated at Northwestern University, where the School of Education and Social Policy started the first learning sciences program in the world to help people develop the skills needed for an increasingly complex world.
PhD in Learning Sciences
Students become qualified as researchers, developers and practitioners who advance the scientific understanding and practice of teaching and learning.
PhD in Computer Science and Learning Sciences (CS+LS)
This program builds on enduring and growing connections between research on learning and computation.
Meet Our Learning Sciences Alumni
Alumni of the Learning Sciences program advance to leadership positions in academic, nonprofit and business organizations. Master's graduates work as educational designers, consultants, training providers and school technologists. PhD graduates excel as researchers with universities, government agencies and private firms.
See what our Learning Sciences PhD alumni are doing.News
Stay current with the latest news from our Learning Sciences program.
Off You Go: A Routine for Culturally Responsive Math
A visually rich mathematical routine for teachers leverages a child’s background and helps students build bridges between school math and culture, according to an article co-authored by assistant professor Jen Munson.
Pinkard Appointed Alice Hamilton Professor
School of Education and Social Policy alumna Nichole Pinkard (PhD98), a leading thinker on the design of educational ecosystems, was appointed the inaugural Alice Hamilton Professor of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy.
Mike Horn Promoted to Full Professor
Michael Horn, whose research has modernized museums and introduced musical approaches to coding, has been promoted to full professor at Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy.