UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO · UNITED STATES
PhD in Learning Sciences
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
6.5
IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 96Minimum semester hours required
- 3.25Minimum GPA for last 60 hours of undergraduate/post-baccalaureate study
- 3Required letters of recommendation
- 12Minimum hours of specialization coursework
- 16Minimum hours of elective coursework
- 30Minimum hours of supervised research
The PhD in Learning Sciences program at the University of Illinois Chicago focuses on understanding and improving learning across diverse settings. This doctoral program equips students with advanced research methodologies to investigate how people learn in various contexts, from formal educational institutions to informal environments. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical research applications, preparing graduates for academic and research careers.
Careers
Graduates of the PhD in Learning Sciences program are prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, and organizations focused on educational design, technology, and policy. The program cultivates skills in research, analysis, and leadership within the field of learning.
- University Professor
- Educational Researcher
- Learning Designer
- Curriculum Developer
- Policy Analyst
Frequently asked questions
- Is the PhD in Learning Sciences program still accepting applications?
- Admission to the PhD in Learning Sciences program is suspended effective Fall 2024. Please contact the program directly for more information.
- What are the minimum GPA requirements for the PhD in Learning Sciences?
- A minimum GPA of 3.25 out of 4.00 is required for the last 60 hours of undergraduate or post-baccalaureate study.
- What English proficiency scores are required for international applicants?
- For TOEFL iBT taken before January 21, 2026, a minimum score of 80 is needed with specific sub-scores. For IELTS Academic, a minimum of 6.5 is required with a 6.0 in each section. For PTE Academic, a minimum score of 54 is required with specific sub-scores.
- What is the minimum number of semester hours required for the PhD in Learning Sciences?
- The program requires a minimum of 96 semester hours, including core courses, specialization coursework, electives, and supervised research.
- What are the typical career outcomes for graduates of this program?
- Graduates are prepared for careers as university professors, educational researchers, learning designers, curriculum developers, and policy analysts in academia and research institutions.
Entry requirements
Baccalaureate DegreeNo restrictions on baccalaureate field.
Master's DegreeStrongly preferred.
Grade Point AverageAt least 3.25/4.00 (or 4.25/5.00) for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of baccalaureate study and for all post-baccalaureate coursework.
TOEFL iBT (exams taken on or after January 21, 2026)80
TOEFL iBT (exams taken prior to January 21, 2026)80
IELTS Academic6.5
PTE Academic54
For TOEFL iBT taken on or after January 21, 2026, the minimum score is 80 with sub-scores of Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21. For TOEFL iBT taken prior to January 21, 2026, the minimum score is 80 with sub-scores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21. For IELTS Academic, the minimum score is 6.5 with sub-scores of 6.0 for each section. For PTE Academic, the minimum score is 54 with sub-scores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fee information for international graduate students is not explicitly detailed for this program. Please refer to the general graduate tuition and fees at UIC.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fee information for domestic graduate students is not explicitly detailed for this program. Please refer to the general graduate tuition and fees at UIC.
LivingEstimated cost of attendance information is available via a calculator on the UIC website.
Note: Admission to this program is suspended effective Fall 2024. Contact the program directly for more information.
How to apply
1. Review Program RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English proficiency requirements for the PhD in Learning Sciences. A Master's degree is strongly preferred.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather transcripts, three letters of recommendation (attesting to potential for doctoral success), and a personal statement (3-5 pages) detailing career objectives, qualifications, and proposed area of specialization.
3. Submit English Proficiency ScoresProvide official scores from an accepted English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) meeting the minimum score requirements.
4. Check Application DeadlinesVisit the Graduate College website for specific application deadlines. Please note the program's suspension for Fall 2024 admissions.
5. Submit ApplicationSubmit your complete application and all required supporting documents through the university's graduate admissions portal.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PhD in Learning Sciences program still accepting applications?
+
Admission to the PhD in Learning Sciences program is suspended effective Fall 2024. Please contact the program directly for more information.
What are the minimum GPA requirements for the PhD in Learning Sciences?
+
A minimum GPA of 3.25 out of 4.00 is required for the last 60 hours of undergraduate or post-baccalaureate study.
What English proficiency scores are required for international applicants?
+
For TOEFL iBT taken before January 21, 2026, a minimum score of 80 is needed with specific sub-scores. For IELTS Academic, a minimum of 6.5 is required with a 6.0 in each section. For PTE Academic, a minimum score of 54 is required with specific sub-scores.
What is the minimum number of semester hours required for the PhD in Learning Sciences?
+
The program requires a minimum of 96 semester hours, including core courses, specialization coursework, electives, and supervised research.
What are the typical career outcomes for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers as university professors, educational researchers, learning designers, curriculum developers, and policy analysts in academia and research institutions.