The Certificate in the Learning Sciences provides an advanced understanding of learning in formal and informal environments, integrating perspectives from instructional design and technology, educational psychology, and social foundations of education. Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in the Learning Sciences will have demonstrated requisite knowledge and skills necessary to conceptualize, design, deliver, and measure effective learning. The Graduate Certificate in the Learning Sciences is appropriate for advanced graduate students considering careers such as higher education faculty, research scientists, educational administrators, funding agency program directors, and policy makers.

To complete the Graduate Certificate in the Learning Sciences, students must be enrolled currently and in good standing in any graduate program at Virginia Tech. Students considering the Certificate should consult with faculty in one of the associated programs to plan their study to be consistent with prior experience, career goals, and certificate requirements.

Students must take at least twelve credit hours in the options listed below. All students are required to enroll in EDIT 5234, Introduction to the Learning Sciences. Students will then choose one elective, equal to a three-credit-hour course, from three of the other four categories listed below, Cognition, Design, Social Foundations, and Technology. The order of these courses, including EDIT 5234, may be taken at the discretion of the student after consulting with his or her advisor.

a.    Introductory Course (Required for Certificate)

       EDIT 5234: Introduction to the Learning Sciences

b.    Courses in Cognition

       EDEP 5114: Learning and Cognition
       EDEP 6114: Cognitive Processes and Educational Practice
       EDEP 6224: Constructivism and Education
       EDEP 6444: Motivation and Cognition

c.    Courses in Design

       EDIT 5164: Design for Learning*
       EDIT 6334: Applied Theories of Learning*
       EDIT 5224: Principles for Learning Message Design

d.    Courses in Social Foundations

        EDEP 5184: Sociocultural Influences on Learning and Instruction
        EDCI 6024: The Analysis of Educational Concepts
       
e.    Courses in Technology

        EDEP 6334: Multimedia Cognition
        EDIT 5594: Topics in Learning Environment Design and Development
        EDIT 5614: Digitally Mediated Learning
        EDIT 5634: Interactive Learning Media Development

* Prior permission of instructor required for non-degree students outside Instructional Design and Technology or Educational Psychology