Learning scientists explore questions related to human learning in various contexts and across the lifespan. They are experts in the science behind how people learn. Learning scientists influence what we know about educational assessment, contexts for teaching & learning, instructional design, brain and human development.

Program Overview

The combined Bachelors-Masters provides a pathway for eligible, highly qualified Miami undergraduate students to concurrently pursue a Baccalaureate and a Master's degree. Also referred to as a 4+1, students who combine their undergraduate and graduate program interests may graduate in five years by combining their programs of study. If pursued separately, these degrees may take 6 years to complete.  

The Learning Sciences and Human Development combined master’s degree program offers a customizable course of study in areas related to Family Science, Psychology and Educational Psychology. Students in the program may be able to double-count 9 hours of graduate coursework toward their undergraduate degree. They may count the graduate courses toward their major, minor, electives, and university requirements.

Graduates may be well equipped for careers and continued education such as:

• Compiling and analyzing research for social service agencies, nonprofits, or educational institutions
• Ascending to upper professional career opportunities and leadership positions in the family and social work arena
• Becoming clinical research coordinators, organizational trainers or educational consultants
• Pursuing doctoral degrees in educational or other areas of psychology, family science, or related fields

Our combined program is available to any Miami undergraduate student regardless of major or minor program of study. The main requirement for academic performance includes having completed 64 credit hours and earned a cumulative 3.0 GPA. The specific pathways outlined below provide for all of the benefits of the 4+1.

Students enrolled in majors or minors not included in the established pathways may be limited with regard to double-counting the graduate credits earned toward their undergraduate credit requirements. One's major and available electives will determine how many hours may be available to double count. Your academic advisor will be able to assist in making the determination.

• Bachelors of Arts: Psychology and Master of Education in Learning Sciences and Human Development with a Learning Sciences concentration

The five-year, combined degree program assembles course work from the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (B.A.) with the terminal Masters of Education in Learning Sciences and Human Development (M.Ed.). This program allows for the completion of both programs, what would typically take about six years of study, into five or fewer years.

• Family Relationships or Child Studies and Youth Development minor with a Human Development & Family Studies concentration

The five-year, combined degree program assembles course work from the Family Relationships or Child Studies and Youth Development minors with the terminal  Masters of Education in Learning Sciences and Human Development (M.Ed.). This program allows for the completion of both programs, what would typically take about six years of study, into five or fewer years.

• Bachelors of Science: Family Science and Master of Education in Learning Sciences and Human Development with a Human Development & Family Studies concentration

The five-year, combined degree program assembles course work from the Bachelor of Science in Family Science (B.S.) with the terminal Masters of Education in Learning Sciences and Human Development (M.Ed.). This program allows for the completion of both programs, what would typically take about six years of study, into five or fewer years.

Students should apply for full admission by the end of the first semester-junior year. Students in their senior year may also apply. Students may officially apply for full admission upon earning a minimum of 64 credit hours and having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. 

Students apply via Miami University’s Graduate School application. All application materials will be uploaded via the Graduate School's application portal.

• Indicate in the online application system that you are applying for a combined degree program
• Unofficial transcripts are accepted
• A one to two page resume with relevant work and academic experience
• Two professional letters of reference from faculty or other persons who can provide information about your potential for graduate study and your interpersonal skills
• A personal statement of at least 500 words indicating one's academic interests, professional goals and reasons for selecting the graduate program

Notification of acceptance is usually within a few weeks of receiving a completed application.

Students must complete a minimum of 145 credit hours.

• • Complete all undergraduate degree requirements

  • 30 graduate level credit hours to earn the graduate degree

  • • 9 hours of graduate coursework may be double counted toward the bachelor's degree

• Students complete a comprehensive project in an area of interest