PhD in Learning Sciences at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    PhD in Learning Sciences at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    PhD in Learning Sciences at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers the PhD of Learning Sciences as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Paradise , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for learning sciences and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 28, 2027.

    About PhD in Learning Sciences

    The Ph.D. program in the Learning Sciences is designed to enable students to conduct research and evaluation of learning environments, including but not limited to technology-based environments. The focus of the program is on the design, assessment and understanding of learning environments and of the organizational and educational systems in which they are embedded. Data analytics and psychological process are also addressed in the program.

    Please see the documents and downloads section below for a list of participating faculty.

    Available Options

    • Post-Master's Track
    • Post-Bachelor's Track

    Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

    • Understand and be able to analyze key theories related to learning, cognition, and development.
    • Understand how to design and modify technological and other types of learning environments to promote more effective learning.
    • Critically evaluate research studies based on each study's methodology, literature support, and significance.
    • Understand and use advanced statistical research methods (including computer technology for the analysis of data); understand the role of causation in science and the threats to causal inference posed by invalid research design and methodology.
    • Understand (a) qualitative approaches to exploring phenomena related to educational and other social contexts, (b) the theoretical and practical considerations of conducting and interpreting case studies, ethnographies, participant observations, narrative reports, and design- based research, and (c) criteria for establishing goodness of qualitative studies.
    • Develop plans for test construction, item and test specification, item writing and selection, test preparation and administration, test and item analysis, item and test revision to enhance reliability and validity, and various methods for validating tests, such as factor analysis, item response theory, and current issues in measurement.
    • Serve as independent scholars who can design, implement, and prepare reports of research studies, and make significant contributions to the learning sciences.
    • Develop an identity relative to some aspect of the learning sciences, actively contribute to the profession, and understand aspects of ethical and professional functioning in the chosen domain.

    Disciplines

    College of Education

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Learning Sciences at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Entry Requirements

    While each graduate program has unique admissions standards, the Graduate College maintains minimum standards for graduate admission. All advanced degree and certificate program applicants must meet these eligibility requirements to be considered for admission. Immigration status does not impact admission to UNLV.

    1. Bachelor’s Degree – You must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or an approved international equivalent.
    2. Grade Point Average – You must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for your bachelor’s degree, or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester hours).
    3. Additional Requirements – Factors that may also be considered by the academic department to which you are applying include test scores (like the GRE or GMAT), the type of course work completed during undergraduate studies, letters of recommendation, writing samples or portfolios, and any other supporting documents your department/program may ask you to submit to complete your application.
    4. International Applicants: Proof of English Proficiency – The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students, with the exception of submitting proof of English Proficiency.
    5. Transcripts – All applicants are required to submit a transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework, the dates awarded, and grades received. If the institution is outside the U.S., a foreign credential evaluation may be required. Please review our foreign credential evaluations page for additional guidelines, information, and requirements.
      Credentials not in English must be accompanied by an English translation certified as true by a university official, an official representative of a United States embassy or consulate, the United States Information Service, the United States Education Foundation, or an approved professional translating service. Notarized copies of originals or translations are not considered official.

    Credentials from China: Students who have completed a degree in China must provide copies of the original language transcripts and a copy of their Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. Documents verified by the Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD) or the China Academic Degree and Graduate information Center (CDGDC) are also accepted. 

    Credentials from India: Consolidated marks sheets are acceptable if yearly mark sheets are not available. Mark sheets must also be issued by the degree-granting institution. Mark sheets from affiliated colleges, are not acceptable or considered official. Students who have completed a degree in India must also provide a copy of their Provisional Certificate.

    Please note that the aforementioned requirements are the minimum requirements established and monitored by the Graduate College. Meeting the minimum admissions requirements is a necessary but not sufficient condition of admission. Admission decisions are based on applicants meeting the minimum Graduate College requirements and a more extensive and holistic departmental review, which considers a combination of factors, including indicators of success based upon academic degrees and records, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores, relevant work experience, and the like.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 65
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 80

    Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in Learning Sciences

    • University and college faculty.
    • Community college faculty.
    • Instructional designer for school districts, textbook publishers, educational gaming companies, museums and other informal learning environments.
    • Curriculum or professional development specialist.
    • Educational technology director for school districts, human services agencies, hospitals, businesses etc.
    • Education program evaluator.
    • Organizational consultant for schools.
    • Policy position in government or nonprofit sector related to educational reform and accountability.

    Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Learning Sciences at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Application Fee 95

    How to Apply for PhD in Learning Sciences at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    1. Review Admission Requirements – Review requirements for advanced degree and certificate program applicants. Be sure to check your department of interest as well because departmental requirements vary. Please note that only degree-seeking students are eligible for I-20/student visas and graduate assistantships. Certificate programs are not considered degree-seeking. However, with proper approval students may be enrolled concurrently in both degree and certificate programs.
    2. Application Procedures – To apply to the Graduate College, submit the following admission materials for consideration:
      • A completed application. Complete the application online.
      • A nonrefundable admission application fee of $95, payable online by credit card or by check/money order, to the Board of Regents, UNLV.

        *Note: Applications and materials will not be processed until the application fee is received. Applicants to any UNLV graduate program must pay the admission application evaluation fee for each application filed. Denied applicants, who later seek admission to the same or other UNLV degree program, are required to pay an additional application fee.
    3. Additional Graduate College Application Materials – If needed, send any additional Graduate College admission materials (for example: your admission receipt with your check payment; your transcripts if you did not upload them into your online application; or your official transcripts upon admission; etc.) to:

      Office of Admissions

      University of Nevada, Las Vegas
      Mail Stop: 1021
      4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.
      Las Vegas, NV 89154

    4. Additional Materials for your Department & Degree Program Application – Submit any additional department-required admission materials by uploading them into your online application. Please check with your graduate program of interest and refer to the application checklist on the Home tab of your Grad Rebel Gateway account in order to determine their specific admission requirements prior to submitting your online application.
    5. Financial Certification Requirement – Submit Financial Certification form and Bank Letter to the Graduate College.
      Before an I-20 can be issued, all international students must submit a completed Financial Certification form and bank letter. Even if you anticipate receiving a Graduate Assistantship, you must submit the Financial Certification form and bank letter.
      • Confidential Financial Certification
    PhD in Learning Sciences at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    University of Nevada, Las Vegas
    United States of America

    United States of America, Paradise

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