PhD in Education with an emphasis in Learning Sciences and Human Development
Learning Sciences and Human Development centers on issues of culture, social justice, and equity in its approach to understanding learning and development. This program emphasis prepares you for research on how people learn and develop new forms of participation in the context of organizing more equitable social futures. We center issues of culture, social justice, and equity in its approach to understanding learning and development. You will learn how research can inform social change that can improve learning and teaching. Students are encouraged to participate in the International Society of the Learning Sciences, the American Educational Research and Association, and professional associations related to their areas of focus.
Financial Support
All of our doctoral students are awarded generous funding packages. Stipends and grants cover tuition costs and provide experiential graduate assistantships that further prepare you for your future as a researcher, educator, and leader in the field. Fellowship and assistantship packages are awarded on a competitive basis and vary for each student, but all funding packages cover five years of full-time study.
A typical package will include a total of a 50% appointment (~20hr/week) through a Graduate Research Assistantship and/or Teaching Assistantship, full tuition remission and a fellowship to assist with student fees, the majority of the CU Student Health Gold Insurance Plan, and a stipend of approximately $21,400 per academic year. Please note that these figures are subject to change and summer funding is not guaranteed.
Admissions Requirements
- A Personal Statement
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts are required after admission)
- Optional GRE test score
- TOEFL scores for international students
- Application Fee ($60 domestic application/$80 international) along with the application
Admission to all our graduate programs is competitive and based on multiple criteria, including undergraduate academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement, evidence of special accomplishments, and relevant past experience. In an effort to safeguard educational equity and access, the CU Boulder School of Education has adopted a test-optional policy for the GRE requirement for prospective doctoral applicants seeking Fall 2022 admission. Students may still submit GRE scores for consideration, which will be reviewed as a part of a holistic process. However, not submitting GRE scores will in no way make your application less competitive for admission to the School of Education. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
Deadline
- December 1, domestic
- November 15, international
For more information about courses and program requirements, .
We warmly invite you to apply for the Doctoral Mentorship Pathway Program for 2024-25
This program is designed to create a pathway for historically underrepresented and marginalized education scholars and practitioners who are considering doctoral studies in Fall 2025. We hope to use this program to make the sometimes mystifying process of applying to a PhD program more visible, to provide an opportunity for you to get to know our students and faculty, and participate in sessions where we’ll talk about how to apply and what the realities are for students of color studying in a predominantly white research institution.
