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Master of Education in Learning Sciences and Human Development

Are you fascinated by how people develop and learn? Are you an educator seeking to enhance your teaching? Are you interested in educational research and program assessment? If so, pursuing a graduate degree in learning sciences and human development may be for you.

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Quick Facts

30

Credit Hours

18-24 Months

Program Duration - Full Time

4+1

B.S./M.Ed. 4+1 Program Options

100%

Post Graduation Success Rate

About the Program

The learning sciences and human development field integrates branches of psychology (e.g., developmental psychology, behavioral, and cognitive psychology) to provide a comprehensive conceptual map of human information processing and life span development.

Educational psychologists influence what we know about the human condition, the world of educational assessment, contexts for teaching and learning, instructional design and development, influences of brain development on learning, and human development over the life span.

Email or call 513-529-2767 if you have general questions about the program or submitting application items. You are also welcome to contact professors in the program as well.

  • Dr. Boone is our graduate program director and is fluent in German.
  • Dr. Davis is our graduate program coordinator and is fluent in Spanish.
  • Dr. Wang is fluent in Chinese.

Admission Requirements


Why Miami?

Educational psychologists work in a variety of settings that include schools, government, and community agencies, as well as private research centers and industry. The learning sciences and human development discipline continues to grow, and we invite you to contribute to that growth through your study and inquiry. In consideration of the array of opportunities, the Learning Sciences and Human Development master’s degree program at Miami University offers you a customized course of study considerate of your academic and career aspirations.

Our graduates have varied career goals. Some of our students are licensed educators who intend to apply the study of learning to their classroom teaching craft. Others who come from family and child development positions will improve their current positions, or secure new opportunities in educational settings. Many students choose to further their educations and pursue doctoral or other advanced degrees and may become college professors. Students who wish to focus their studies on program evaluation or assessment may find themselves working for school districts, educational service centers, or social service organizations.

In addition to the curriculum, our program provides many additional learning opportunities for students. Students may participate in workshops, conduct research and report their findings at national conferences.

Culture and Learning

The program has a rich history of providing an inclusive international environment for our students. Cross-cultural understanding and development have been integral components to the program experience. In addition to their studies, international students in our program participate in many on and off campus activities, engage in U.S. travel and attend professional conferences while completing their master's degree studies. Students also have considerable engagement with U.S. citizens and opportunities to share their language and culture with others.

International Student Resources

Program Features

  • Customized to academic and career aspirations
  • Integral research and presentation events
  • Inclusive international culture experiences
  • Competitive tuition independent of residency
  • 4+1 combined B.S./M.Ed for undergraduates

Curriculum

All of the core coursework for the master’s degree is offered on the Oxford campus throughout the year. However, some of these courses are also offered at Miami's Voice of America Learning Center (VOALC) and online. Students who enroll full-time may complete their 30-hour degree program in 18-24 months. Part-time students typically complete the degree in two to three years. About 60% percent of our students are part-time.

Course Requirements

4 + 1 Options

Miami University Psychology majors may be eligible for a Combined B.S./M.Ed. 4+1 Program, in which undergraduate Juniors apply for the program and take up to 12 credits of the graduate program during their Senior year. The combined program is also available to select minors and other majors as well. Visit the Combined Degree program page for application and additional information.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of learning sciences and human development will be able to:

  • Compare and debate theories of educational psychology.
  • Collect and describe data collected from a practicing educator on educational psychology theories with relevance to classroom practice.
  • Design a study to investigate a question related to educational psychology research, including literature review, methodology, and protection of human subjects' issues.
  • Conduct the planned research study, prepare a report, and orally present study findings and conclusions to a committee.

Research Opportunities

Faculty Research

William Boone

Dr. William BooneWilliam Boone | Professor of Educational Psychology

Dr. Boone’s research concerns the application of Rach measurement techniques in the fields of Education, Medicine, and Market Research. In particular, how to use Rasch measurement to develop robust tests and surveys. Dr. Boone is frequently asked to work with colleagues worldwide with regard to Rasch Measurement. In 2015, Dr. Boone received the Distinguished Scholar Award for sustained excellence in research. Learn more about Dr. Boone »

Darrel Davis

Dr. DavisDarrel R. Davis | Associate Professor of Educational Psychology; joint appointment with Instructional Design and Technology

Dr. Davis has taught numerous online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, and continues to explore strategies to optimize teaching and learning within each of these settings. His current research interests include teaching and learning in the online environment and the use of technology in diverse and developing settings. He has published work on the role of play and technology on human development. Learn more about Dr. Davis »

Haley Shea

Dr. SheaHaley Shea | Visiting Assistant Professor and Myaamia Research Associate

Dr. Shea's research interests include mixed-methods research regarding the impact of language and cultural revitalization on wellness for members of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. Learn more about Dr. Shea » Learn more about the Myaamia Center »

Aimin Wang

Dr. WangAimin Wang | Professor of Educational Psychology

Dr. Aimin Wang teaches a variety of courses in Educational Psychology including research methodology, statistics, and measurement and evaluation. His research interests are on program evaluation, children's socialization, and cross-cultural. His publications cover inter-cultural human development as well as cognition and learning among children and adolescents. Learn more about Dr. Wang »

Student Research

Research and presentation of research are important endeavors for Learning Science and Human Development graduate students. Many students attend and present their research findings at regional, national and international professional academic conferences. You'll find examples of recently submitted student master’s research papers and presentation topics at scholarly meetings below.

  • Parental Self-Efficacy among Mothers of Typically Developing Children and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • A Cross Cultural Comparison of Preschool Children’s Play and Creativity
  • The Effects of Instructional Dance Fitness on Cognition in Middle Aged to Older Adults
  • Validation of the Veracity Subscale of the CPA Self-Perception Scale with Middle School Students
  • Parents’ and Children’s Perceptions of Video Game Play and Relationship to ERP Brain Wave Patterns
  • Attitudes and Anxiety and Their Effect on Adult Second Language Learners

Mental Health App

In this Reframe podcast episode, we learn about a project from the department of educational psychology, where several EHS graduate assistants developed a tool designed to help teachers initiate productive classroom conversations around mental health and wellness, and in a way that’s fun, engaging, and educational for young learners.

Further Study

A sample of some of the universities that have accepted our graduates into their Ph.D. programs:

  • Ball State University
  • Columbia University
  • Florida State University
  • Indiana University
  • Marshall University
  • Ohio University
  • Penn State University
  • Southern Illinois University
  • Texas A&M University
  • The Ohio State University
  • The University of Arizona
  • University of Alabama
  • University of Buffalo
  • University of Cincinnati
  • University of Georgia
  • University of Houston
  • University of Illinois
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Missouri
  • University of North Carolina-Greensboro
  • University of South Carolina
  • University of Tennessee

Contact Us

Department of Educational Psychology
201 McGuffey Hall
Oxford, OH 45056