College of Education and Human Development

Department of Educational Psychology

Learning and cognition and educational technology MA and PhD

Make improvements in education through psychology, science, and technology

As a student in the program, you’ll study the psychological processes critical to education. Research in our program focuses on cognitive development, including high-level cognition and factors shaping and enhancing learning throughout the lifespan. Our faculty and students explore the basic mechanisms of thinking and learning in academic disciplines through precise, controlled laboratory experiments. We also put our research to work—in local schools on programs to improve students' reading, science, and mathematics outcomes as well as informal learning environments.

Connect with Faculty How to Apply

What to expect

    Careers
    • Faculty (Ph.D only)
    • Research associates at universities
    • Research scientists at companies
    • Researchers in:
      • Government agencies
      • Research and development centers
      • Other educational settings (e.g., K-12 school research offices)
    Coursework

    A master's degree is not required to apply for the doctoral program.

    Master's of Arts (MA)

    MA curriculum (33-34 credits)

    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

    PhD curriculum (72 credits)

    What you'll study
    • Cognitive and learning processes
    • Scientific reasoning
    • Mathematical thinking
    • Reading comprehension
    • Narrative text comprehension
    • Creativity and intelligence
    • Socio-scientific misconceptions and biases
    • Development and use of learning technologies
    • Lab-, classroom-, and community-based research
    Tuition, funding, and financial aid

    Tuition

    Visit the College of Education and Human Development's Finance and Funding page for information on tuition.

    Fellowships and awards

    Submit your application materials by the December 1 deadline, and you’ll automatically be considered for Graduate School fellowships and departmental awards based on scholastic achievement. Notification of awards will be sent in March.

    Graduate assistantships

    Get paid to work as a teaching assistant, graduate instructor or research assistant. Graduate assistantships are available through the department, College of Education and Human Development, and the University.

    Note: Applicants who complete their applications by the March 1 deadline will be less likely to receive graduate assistantships than students who meet the December 1 deadline.

    Additional funding

    Visit the College of Education and Human Development's Finance and Funding page for more information on funding.

    Financial aid

    Visit OneStop Student Services for more information on available financial aid.

    Faculty and instructors

    Laura Allen

    Bonnie Westby Huebner Chair in Education and Technology

    William M. Bart

    Professor

    Jeffrey Bye

    Lecturer, Lab Coordinator & Affiliate Faculty, Learning Informatics Lab

    David DeLiema

    Assistant professor

    Hyejin Hwang

    Assistant professor

    Panayiota (Pani) Kendeou

    Distinguished McKnight University Professor, Guy Bond Chair in Reading

    Caitlin Mills

    Assistant professor

    Keisha Varma

    Program coordinator, associate professor, associate vice provost, Office of Equity and Diversity

    Martin Van Boekel

    Teaching assistant professor