A master's program on the leading edge of innovation in learning science, curriculum, and technology in education.

The one-year Learning Sciences and Technologies master’s program lays the foundation for graduates to pursue fulfilling and creative careers as educators, researchers, and developers of next-generation curricula, technology-enriched learning environments, and instructional programs.

What Sets Us Apart

  Eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for students on an F-1 visa
  Be part of a vibrant Ivy League community of researchers and practitioners
  Individualized program tailored to your areas of interest

About the Program

The Learning Sciences and Technologies program gives you the knowledge, skills, and techniques to assess, design, and implement programs in learning settings that range from after-school opportunities for children to corporate professional development.

Application deadline
Closed for Fall 2024. The application for Fall 2025 will be available September 1, 2024.
Entry term(s)
Fall
Course requirements
10 courses (7 required, 3 elective)
Typical course load

Fall: 3-4 courses; Spring: 3-4 courses; Summer: 2 courses

Culminating experienceMaster’s capstone project

Schedule
  • Full-Time
  • Part-Time
Overview

Learning scientists study and create real-world learning experiences to make education more effective, efficient, and engaging. They investigate how people interact with information and ideas, as well as what interests and motivates them. And then they use this knowledge to create new, often computer-based, approaches to enhance the learning process.

This program qualifies for the STEM OPT extension for students on an F-1 visa.

Curriculum

The program is student-driven and requires a significant amount of student engagement. You will work closely with your academic advisor to tailor your program of study to your interests. For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Learning Sciences and Technologies M.S.Ed. program in the University Catalog.

*Note: based on a faculty proposal, the distribution of course requirements may be changing in Fall 2020. 

Our Faculty

Our award-winning faculty design and research formal and informal learning environments. Innovations developed by our faculty range from online learning communities and teacher professional development workshops to more effective curricular and pedagogical approaches. They work in school clubs, museums, classrooms, and virtual worlds across multiple educational settings. With grant-funded projects, as well as ties to Philadelphia schools and institutions, the faculty offer students direct access to nationally significant research on education. Their work connects closely to Penn GSE’s broader focus on equitable access to education across social strata.

Penn GSE Faculty Ryan S. Baker
Professor
Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University
Penn GSE Faculty Bodong Chen
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Toronto
Penn GSE Faculty Yasmin B. Kafai
Lori and Michael Milken President’s Distinguished Professor
Ed.D., Harvard University
Penn GSE Faculty Susan A. Yoon
Graduate School of Education Presidential Professor
Ph.D., University of Toronto

Affiliated Faculty

Betty Chandy
Director for Online Learning, Catalyst @ Penn GSE
Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Matthew Duvall
Lecturer
Ph.D., Drexel University

L. Michael Golden
Executive Director, Catalyst @ Penn GSE
Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Sarah Schneider Kavanagh
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Washington

Abby Reisman
Associate Professor
Ph.D., Stanford University

Janine Remillard
Professor
Ph.D., Michigan State University

"After my one year at Penn GSE, I was prepared to work at the cutting edge of learning."

Aileen Tschiderer

Learning Sciences and Technologies M.S.Ed., 2017

Our Graduates

The Learning Sciences and Technologies program prepares graduates for a variety of careers. Recent graduates have gotten jobs in curriculum design, nonprofit administration, teaching, and the for-profit sector. Other graduates have continued on to doctoral studies.

Alumni Careers

  • Associate Director of Online Curriculum Design, Penn Dental
  • Associate Software Developer, Pearson
  • Consultant, Ellucian Development Manager, Riot Games
  • Director of Technology, AIM Academy
  • Founder, Smart Aleks Education, Ltd.
  • Instructional Designer, China Europe International Business School
  • Senior Academic Technology Consultant, Bates College

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements, as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Contact Information

Contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Office of Admissions and
Financial Aid

Graduate School of Education
University of Pennsylvania
3700 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-6415
admissions@gse.upenn.edu
finaid@gse.upenn.edu

Program Contact

Noemí Fernández
Program Manager
noemif@upenn.edu

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.