Learning Sciences, Ph.D.

Students within the Learning Sciences program may seek answers to questions regarding best strategies for ensuring that students excel across a variety of subject domains. They may explore the underlying processes that support learning, the multiple contextual and social influences on learners, the use of digital media to accomplish cognitive tasks or create innovative environments for learning, and the diversity of methods for systematically studying complex learning in a variety of settings. Graduates may pursue employment in higher education, Fortune 500 companies, school settings, the military or a host of other industries, working in research and development, school administration, curriculum design, program evaluation, assessment design, or digital media and game development.

The interdisciplinary nature of the Learning Sciences Ph.D. program offers students flexibility to customize a program of study tailored to meet their learning or career goals. Our graduate program builds on the rich experiences and expertise of faculty and students to provide an educational environment in which both groups share in research, exploration, and inquiry. The result of this synergy is impact — on our community and beyond.

Students in the Ph.D. program in Learning Sciences will:

• develop, deliver, revise, and evaluate effective learning experiences.
• gain scholarly expertise through rigorous training in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method research.
• design and implement rigorous research studies in areas related to the learning sciences.
• analyze existing research and participate in scholarly discourse in the field.
• apply leadership skills in areas such as academia, business, government, or health care.

The program is offered through a HyFlex option, and can be completed through traditional face-to-face instruction or online synchronous instruction.

Embedded within a R1 public university and designed for working professionals and full-time students alike, the Clemson Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning program is offered through a HyFlex option and can be completed through traditional face-to-face instruction or synchronous online instruction.

Our in-person option offers courses via our main Clemson campus. Classes may be offered Monday through Thursday evenings, beginning no earlier than 4:30 p.m. EST.

Our synchronous online option provides students the chance to join our in-person courses virtually. Through the synchronous online option, students have the opportunity to develop relationships with peers and faculty and pursue the degree while maintaining their current employment and living situation.

Admission to the Program
The Learning Sciences doctoral program admits students for a fall entrance term. Only complete applications are considered for admission. To ensure consideration for an assistantship or University Fellowship, applicants are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline.

Application Deadlines
All application materials must be submitted by the following deadlines:

• January 15 – Applications will be reviewed and considered for assistantships

Application Requirements

To be considered for the Program, applicants must:

• Have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a recognized international university with a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelors.
  • A master's degree is preferred, but not required. Master's applicants with a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale;
  • GPA exceptions are considered for applicants with extremely rigorous academic programs.
• Submit an online Graduate School application which requires:
  • Unofficial transcripts – (official transcript(s) will be required if you are accepted into the program.)
  • A current resume
  • Two recommendation forms
    • Recommendation forms are emailed directly to recommenders via the online application process
• Letter of intent
  • Writing sample that communicates the applicant's professional philosophy and goals, research interests and purpose for seeking the doctorate.
    
    • The letter should be two to three pages in length.
  • Official TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students
• Participate in an on-campus or virtual interview (meritorious applications only)

Additional information concerning supporting materials

Learning Sciences Ph.D. (61 credit hours minimum):

Core Courses (12 credit hours): 

Two doctoral seminars: 

EDF 9010 – Seminar in the Learning Sciences I – fall

EDF 9020 – Seminar in the Learning Sciences II – spring

Two doctoral-level Learning Theory Courses approved by committee – suggestions:  

EDLT 9000 – Sociocultural Theories of Learning  

EDF 9300 – Bioecological Perspectives on Development and Learning  

EDF 9550 – Theoretical Bases of Instruction

Cognate Courses (minimum 18 credit hours): 

Cognate courses will be selected from the following programs: Architecture; Communication Studies; Computer Science; Digital Production Arts; Education; Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Educational Foundations; Educational Leadership; Literacy; Middle Level Education; Secondary Education; Special Education; Family and Community Studies; Graphic Communications; Health, Education, and Human Development; Human-Centered Computing; Psychology; Rhetoric, Communication, and Information Design; and Sociology.

Research Courses (minimum 13 credit hours): 

EDF 9270 – Quantitative Research Designs and Statistics for Educational Contexts  

EDF 9770 – Multiple Regression/General Linear Model in Educational Research  

EDF 9790 – Qualitative Research in Education 

One advanced research methods course – approved by committee

Dissertation course (minimum 18 credit hours):

EDF 9910 – Doctoral Dissertation Research

Tuition and Fees
Explore information on tuition and fees using the Student Financial Services’ tuition and fee calculator (be sure to choose the correct tab - ‘graduate’ and indicate your modality via the ‘program location’ dropdown: on campus for in-person OR off campus for online). The selected modality, either in person or synchronous online, will determine the fee structure used in the tuition and fee calculator.

Financial Aid
For information regarding Financial Aid, please contact the office of Student Financial Aid.

Assistantships
A limited number of graduate assistantships are available each year through the department, and they tend to be competitive. Assistantships are available to full-time students (enrolled in at least nine credit hours per semester) and typically require a 20-hour per week work commitment. To be considered for an assistantship, we encourage applicants to submit their applications by the priority deadline.

Review our College of Education Graduate Calendar to view upcoming events and information sessions.

For more information regarding the program or questions associated with applying to the program, please contact Madison Hudson at mhedden@clemson.edu.