Students in our Learning Sciences Ph.D. program come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, from math and science to psychology and computer science. What unites them is a desire to understand the connection between how people learn and the environments in which they learn, and to make those environments more effective.
Learning Sciences
Ph.D. in Learning and Developmental Sciences – Specialization in Learning Sciences
- Application Deadlines
Starting Semester Deadline Fall Dec 1 December 1 is the priority funding deadline for the Dean’s Fellowship and University Graduate School diversity fellowships. Eligible applicants will automatically be considered for fellowships – no separate application is necessary. International students are encouraged to apply early to allow extra time for their materials to arrive. - Admissions Requirements
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate Studies Office will accept unofficial transcripts and self-reported test scores for admission reviews. Any admission made with these documents would be conditioned on receipt of official documents, which should be provided as soon as possible.
Note: If you are currently enrolled or have applied in the past year, you should qualify for an application fee waiver. Click here for criteria and how to obtain the waiver.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 out of 4.00
- Completed online application that includes:
- Personal statement
- Resume (required from international students only)
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE scores
- Minimum 79 TOEFL score or minimum 6.5 IELTS score (international students only)
- Program Requirements
- Tuition and Fees
Per credit hour
Residency Tuition* IN Resident $450.93 Non-resident $1515.17 *Does not include fees, which will vary depending on the number of credits enrolled. Find more information and calculate your expected costs at Student Central.
- Funding
- Learn about the variety of fellowships and assistantships that are available to graduate students.
- Visit Student Central for information about financial assistance.
- Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
- Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit the Center for Veteran and Military Students to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why earn your doctorate at the IU School of Education? Ph.D. or Ed.D.—which is right for you? Get answers to these questions and more.
Read the FAQ
We believe that learning science problems are solved through interdisciplinary collaboration. You’ll collaborate with researchers in related fields, such as cognitive science. As a candidate, you will establish and defend your personal research agenda. Learn to apply relevant social scientific theory, psychological theory, and educational design theory to our research. In addition, you will prepare a research grant proposal tailored to the needs and interests of major foundations and government agencies that support advances in learning sciences.
New Doctoral Minor
Interested in studying race and racism within educational contexts? Check out our new interdepartmental Minor in Race and Racism in Education, open to doctoral students from across IU.
Learn more