Learning Sciences, M.Ed.

The Clemson Master of Education in Learning Sciences is a 100% online graduate program to prepare learners for careers in academia, industry, corporations, military, non-profit organizations, and beyond. Students will gain in-depth knowledge related to research concepts and skills, learning theory, human learning and assessment, instructional design of digital learning environments, and effective online teaching and learning. Our students have the option to choose between two concentration areas: Instructional Design or Effective Online Teaching. Graduates of our program will utilize their knowledge to design effective learning environments, assess human learning, and integrate interdisciplinary concepts to apply theoretical and practical skills to their area of specialization. This program is open to learners in all discipline areas who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree and are seeking to further their expertise in a related field.

This program will:

• Equip students with the ability to critically analyze and conduct research in the field of learning sciences, enabling them to apply evidence-based practices in educational settings.
• Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various learning theories, including cognitive, social, and constructivist perspectives, and their application to instructional design and assessment.
• Prepare students to design, develop, and implement effective instructional materials and digital learning environments that cater to diverse learner needs and contexts.
• Train students in the principles and practices of effective online teaching and learning, ensuring they can create engaging and inclusive digital learning experiences.
• Integrate interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning by combining research, data, technology, and practices from various fields to address complex educational challenges.

The Learning Sciences Masters of Education program admits students for a fall entry date. Only complete applications are considered for admission. Application decisions will be made shortly after the posted deadline below.

Application Deadline

All application materials must be submitted by April 15

Application Requirements

To be considered for this program, applicants must:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Submit an online Graduate School application, which requires:
  • Unofficial transcripts (official transcript(s) will be required if accepted into the program)
  • Current resume/CV
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • Recommendation forms are emailed directly to the recommenders via the online application process
  • Personal statement
    • Statement should describe applicant’s goals/interests and reason for applying to the program
  • Official TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students

Learning Sciences, M.Ed. (30 credit hours minimum)

Required Core Course (18 credit hours):

EDF 8110: Foundations of Learning Sciences
EDF 8040: Adult Learning and Development in Context
EDF 8090: Assessment of Human Learning
EDF 8120: Design of Equitable Digital Learning Environments
HRD 8800: Research Concepts and Skills

Instructional Design Concentration (12 credit hours):

HRD 8470: Instructional Systems Design
EDF 8230: Instructional Design and Assessment
HRD 8450: Learning Analytics
EDF 8180: Cognitive Approaches to Instructional Design

Effective Online Teaching Concentration (12 credit hours):

EDF 8200: Effective Online Teaching
EDF 8210: Online Course Management
EDF 8220: Web Tools to Enhance Online Engagement
EDF 8230: Instructional Design and Assessment

*Students who choose the Effective Online Teaching concentration area have the opportunity to apply for the Effective Online Teaching Certification

With the support of CU Online, Clemson uses the most advanced online technology to provide a rich, supportive, seamless learning environment. Courses will be asynchronous thus allowing students to access courses when and where they need.

While students have great flexibility in asynchronous learning, there are key deadlines in each course when learning modules must be completed. Students will be provided with timely support from instructors and technology personnel so that learning is maximized.

Canvas, a very user friendly learning management system, is used for all courses to guide the learning experiences. An orientation module will be provided before the start of the program to allow students to become comfortable with expectations and the technologies before classes formally start.

Tuition and Fees
Explore information on tuition and fees using the Student Financial Services’ tuition and fee calculator (Be sure to choose the ‘Go to Online’ tab at the top of the page).

S.C. Teacher Incentive
The Literacy M.Ed. offers a South Carolina Teacher Incentive reducing tuition by 10% for all SC K-12 teachers/leaders.

Federal TEACH grant
Students may qualify for the TEACH grant (High need areas of ESOL and Reading Specialist).

Financial Aid
For information regarding financial aid, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

The College of Education recognizes the prevalence of online teaching and learning, and as a result, offers a four-course Certificate of Online Teaching. The certificate utilizes learning sciences principles to address foundational concepts such as instructional design and development, strategies to enhance engagement and cognition, and effectively collecting and analyzing the data needed to evaluate the learning and performance of individuals, programs and organizations. The certificate is recommended for anyone interested in teaching online, including:

• K-12 educators who are interested in supporting student learning through digital media in traditional, blended or fully online classrooms. This certificate offers a South Carolina Teacher Incentive reducing tuition by 10% for all S.C. K-12 teachers/leaders. Note: South Carolina teachers who successfully complete the certificate will be able to apply for a South Carolina Online Teaching Endorsement and employ the 12 credit hours in this certificate program towards the state’s outlined teacher pay increase associated with the 18+ graduate credit hours beyond a bachelor’s degree.
• Faculty and graduate students who are currently or plan to teach at the university level.
• Professionals leading, developing, and engaging in training and learning functions in organizations.

Can I work full- or part-time while completing the program?

Yes! The program is designed to support students who may be working full or part time in any field. We encourage individuals to bring in any relevant practical or work experience they have gained into their coursework and learning in the program.

Do I need to be online or in class at a certain time?

No, all coursework is asynchronous. You will have established deadlines within each course, but will not have required live sessions. However, faculty will be available to assist and support students.

Does the program lead to any additional certifications?

Yes. If you choose the Effective Online Teaching concentration area, you will have the opportunity to apply for the Online Teaching Certificate. More information about the certificate can be found here: https://www.clemson.edu/education/academics/certificates-endorsements/online-teaching-certificate.html

Does the program require any practicum experiences?

No, the program does not require any additional practicum or field experiences in order to graduate.

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.