UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · UNITED STATES
M.Ed. or Ph.D. in Learning Sciences & Human Development
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- M.Ed. or Ph.D. options availableDegree Levels
- Focus on educational equity and justiceCore Principles
- Four specialized M.Ed. strandsM.Ed. Specializations
- Interdisciplinary approachProgram Focus
- 1-2 years for M.Ed.M.Ed. Duration
- 4-5 years for Ph.D.Ph.D. Duration
The graduate programs in Learning Sciences & Human Development (LSHD) at the University of Washington focus on understanding how people learn and develop across various settings, including families, communities, schools, and workplaces. The interdisciplinary faculty share a commitment to equity and employ diverse research methods to investigate learning processes. The programs aim to enhance learning and well-being within communities. Students can pursue either a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The M.Ed. program allows students to specialize in one of four distinct strands: Early Childhood, Land and Water Education for Sovereign Futures, Learning, Technologies, Creativity, and Design, or Learning, Power, and Social Transformation. Each strand offers a unique focus, preparing graduates for diverse roles in educational institutions, non-profit organizations, community groups, industry, or further academic study. The Ph.D. program provides a tailored course of study for students aspiring to conduct advanced research in academic or organizational settings.
Curriculum
The LSHD graduate programs offer a strong foundation in educational equity, social-emotional learning, cultural aspects of learning, and development across various contexts. Master's students choose a specialization from four strands. Ph.D. students develop highly personalized programs with their advisors.
- M.Ed. Year 1
- Proseminar in Learning Sciences & Human DevelopmentEDPSY 542A
- Human Learning and Educational PracticeEDPSY 501
- Developmental Foundations of Early LearningEDPSY 502
- Culture, Learning and DevelopmentEDPSY 503
- Adolescence and YouthEDPSY 532
- M.Ed. Year 2
- Methods Courses
Careers
Graduates from the LSHD programs are prepared for a variety of impactful roles in education, research, and community development.
- Program and Product Managers
- P-12 Instructional Coach
- Social Scientists in IT (UX analysts/designers; ethnographers)
- Program Evaluation Consultants
- Post-doctoral scholars
- Research scientists
- University lecturers
- Tenure-ladder faculty
- Equity specialists
- Educational program managers in justice-focused NGOs
Frequently asked questions
- What are the M.Ed. and Ph.D. program options in Learning Sciences & Human Development?
- The university offers both a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Learning Sciences & Human Development. The M.Ed. program allows specialization in four strands, while the Ph.D. program offers a tailored research-focused course of study.
- How long does the M.Ed. and Ph.D. program take?
- The M.Ed. program typically takes 1-2 years to complete, while the Ph.D. program is designed for 4-5 years of study.
- What are the career prospects after completing this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Program and Product Managers, P-12 Instructional Coaches, Social Scientists in IT, Program Evaluation Consultants, Post-doctoral scholars, Research scientists, and University lecturers, among others.
- How do I apply for the program?
- Applications are managed by the University of Washington Graduate School. You will need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose through their online portal. Applications for the Fall 2027 start reopen on September 1, 2026.
- What are the application deadlines?
- For a Fall 2027 start, the Ph.D. application deadline is December 4, 2026, and the M.Ed. application deadline is January 4, 2027. The application portal reopens on September 1, 2026.
- Are there funding opportunities available?
- Yes, assistantships (Research and Teaching) are available, which include a full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and medical/dental insurance. All applicants for master's thesis and Ph.D. programs are considered, and interest should be indicated in the statement of purpose.
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Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition rates are not specified on the program page. The general University of Washington fees page indicates costs per credit for graduate programs, but specific program tuition is not detailed. For professional master's programs, costs are per credit and the same for residents and non-residents. For research tracks, students may be funded via assistantships which include a tuition waiver.
Tuition (home)Tuition rates are not specified on the program page. The general University of Washington fees page indicates costs per credit for graduate programs, but specific program tuition is not detailed. For professional master's programs, costs are per credit and the same for residents and non-residents. For research tracks, students may be funded via assistantships which include a tuition waiver.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the program page.
For specific tuition and fee details, please refer to the University of Washington's official tuition and fees dashboard.
How to apply
1. Review Program InformationFamiliarize yourself with the M.Ed. and Ph.D. program details, including the four M.Ed. strands and the overall program philosophy.
2. Check Application StatusApplications for the current cycle are closed. They will reopen on September 1, 2026, for a Fall 2027 start.
3. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. For assistantship consideration, clearly state your interest and faculty preferences in your statement of purpose.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application through the University of Washington Graduate School portal by the specified deadlines.
Scholarships
Assistantships (Research and Teaching)Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, medical and dental insurance
PacTrans Fellowship Program—
Valle Fellowship Program—
National Science Foundation Fellowships—
Frequently asked questions
What are the M.Ed. and Ph.D. program options in Learning Sciences & Human Development?
+
The university offers both a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Learning Sciences & Human Development. The M.Ed. program allows specialization in four strands, while the Ph.D. program offers a tailored research-focused course of study.
How long does the M.Ed. and Ph.D. program take?
+
The M.Ed. program typically takes 1-2 years to complete, while the Ph.D. program is designed for 4-5 years of study.
What are the career prospects after completing this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Program and Product Managers, P-12 Instructional Coaches, Social Scientists in IT, Program Evaluation Consultants, Post-doctoral scholars, Research scientists, and University lecturers, among others.
How do I apply for the program?
+
Applications are managed by the University of Washington Graduate School. You will need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose through their online portal. Applications for the Fall 2027 start reopen on September 1, 2026.
What are the application deadlines?
+
For a Fall 2027 start, the Ph.D. application deadline is December 4, 2026, and the M.Ed. application deadline is January 4, 2027. The application portal reopens on September 1, 2026.
Are there funding opportunities available?
+
Yes, assistantships (Research and Teaching) are available, which include a full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and medical/dental insurance. All applicants for master's thesis and Ph.D. programs are considered, and interest should be indicated in the statement of purpose.