Learning Sciences and Technologies (LST)

M.S.Ed.

The Learning Sciences and Technologies program provides an opportunity for students and teachers to develop their understanding of learning theories, technologies and applications both in informal and formal educational environments. Research and practice in the Learning Sciences include interdisciplinary foci in science, mathematics, technology, literacy and arts education.

The LST master's degree prepares students to participate, design and teach in 21st Century learning communities and society with a special focus on promoting access and equity in education. Core research areas of LST faculty include learning with games and virtual worlds; learning about and through complex systems; learning in classrooms, after school programs, homes and science museums; learning in out of school youth and adult education; and international applied research on technology and literacy. Research also focuses on understanding and designing tools and technologies for supporting student and teacher collaboration, creativity, and cognition.

The Learning Sciences and Technologies M.S.Ed. degree program requires completion of 10 course units of approved graduate work beyond the baccalaureate degree. This degree can be completed in one academic year. Students must complete a set of core courses and select from a menu of specialization courses. Students also take one research methodology course and one distributional requirement, demonstrates breadth within the field of education. Students also write a master’s paper on a topic of their choice.

Program of Study

Core Courses
EDUC 544 School & Society
EDUC 616 Foundations of Teaching & Learning
EDUC 668 Masters Research Seminar>

Two LST Specialization Courses, such as:
EDUC 545 Video Games and Virtual Worlds as Designs for Learning
EDUC 545 Socio-Cognitive Learning Issues & Technology in Education
EDUC 677 Information and Communications Technologies for Education and Development in Global Perspective
EDUC 568 Cognitive Development
EDUC 639 Design of Learning Environments

One research methodology course, such as:
EDUC 545 Qualitative Modes of Inquiry
EDUC 677 Introductory Statistics in Educational Research

One Distribution Course
One course taken within GSE, but outside of the Foundations and Practices of Education Division.
Three Elective Courses, such as

EDUC 532 School Law

EDUC 590 Gender and Education
EDUC 610 Cultural Perspectives On Human Development
EDUC 619 Critical Issues in Contemporary Urban Education
EDUC 665 Research on Teaching
Electives should provide substantive knowledge consistent with a student’s individual plan of study.

Program Faculty

Doug Frye, Ph.D., Yale University
Yasmin Kafai, Ed.D., Harvard University
Janine Remillard, Ph.D., Michigan State University
Katherine Schultz, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Daniel A. Wagner, Ph.D., University of Michigan
Susan Yoon, Ph.D., OISE/University of Toronto

To view GSE course offerings, click here.

Program Contact

Vernell Edwards, MSOD, Coordinator
Foundations and Practices in Education
University of Pennsylvania
Graduate School of Education
3700 Walnut Street, Room
413 Philadelphia, PA 19104-6216
Phone: 215-746-2566
edwardsv@gse.upenn.edu