Ed.M. in Learning, Cognition, and Development
- Degrees & Programs
- Students will build deep understanding of psychological constructs and theories relevant to learning, cognition, and development.
- Students will become proficient in oral and written communication on topics related to educational psychology.
- Students will examine social justice issues and promote educational equity in educational settings, where diverse backgrounds and perspectives (educational, cultural, personal, social, economic) are an integral part of the learning experience, by exploring and addressing them in intentional and meaningful ways.
- Students will appropriately apply psychological constructs and theories relative to learning, cognition, and development to educational settings and related applied contexts.
- Students will develop and enhance their skills in critically evaluating empirical evidence related to the psychology of education.
- Students will capitalize on opportunities for continuous professional learning and development, including reflective self-inquiry.
- Download the 100% online program guide (includes course list and application requirements
- Download the hybrid program guide (includes course list and application requirements
- Contact Matt Winkler, Assistant Dean for Advisement in the Office of Student and Academic Services
Program Overview
The Ed.M. in Learning, Cognition, and Development (LCD) program at the GSE is intended for students who hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to study the psychology of human learning, cognition, and development as it applies to education. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of topics in educational psychology and upon completion, serves as an enriching theoretical background that can be directly applied in education-based professions or as a foundation for further academic study at the doctoral level. Carefully curated curriculum and expert faculty will immerse graduates in the latest research related to the psychology of learning, cognition and memory, and child development. The study of how human beings learn, think, and grow forms the academic core of a variety of educational careers and applied doctoral programs, offering graduates the flexibility to pursue a number of career outcomes upon completion of the LCD program.
Students with a background in academic psychology are strongly encouraged to apply. Students admitted to the LCD program without this background may need to elect more than the minimum of 30 credits. This program does not include coursework resulting in a NJ school personnel license.
Program Goals as of 2022-2023
(Last updated: 7/18/2022)
Knowledge/Understanding
Communication/Community Building
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Research/Professional Practice
Professional Development/Self-Reflection
For more information about this program:
Program Details
Application Deadline
Feb 1 / Oct 15 / May 15 (late applications may be considered for each semester)
Entry Term(s)
Fall / Spring / Summer
Program Level
Masters
Program Type
Degree
Format
100% Online or On-campus
Credits
30
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What You’ll Learn
The goal of the LCD program at the GSE is to prepare graduates who possess a mastery of the psychological constructs and theories relevant to learning, cognition, and development. Students will learn to apply these constructs to educational settings and related applied contexts while acquiring skills needed for critical evaluation of empirical evidence and to speak and write coherently on such topics. Upon completion of the program, students will have the foundational knowledge needed for a career in education or to pursue doctoral study in the field.
For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.
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Program Requirements
This program typically takes 2 years to complete and includes:
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- 30 Graduate Course Credits
- 3 Credits – Learning Course*
- 3 Credits – Cognition Course*
- 3 Credits – Development Course*
- 6 Credits – Learning, Cognition, and Development Elective Courses
- 6 Credits – Educational Statistics, Measurement, & Evaluation Core Courses
- 6 Credits – Outside Elective Courses
- 3 Credits – Research Course
- 30 Graduate Course Credits
Accepted students have 5 years to complete the program.
*Students may select from a list of courses within this area that fulfill the credit requirement. Students with minimal knowledge in the specified content area are strongly encouraged to follow the recommended course selections.
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Careers and Outcomes
Given the theoretical foundation offered through completion of the Ed.M. in Learning, Cognition, and Development program, graduates often go on to pursue roles in research, traditional education settings, academia and higher education, government or nonprofit agencies, or special education services. Students enrolled in the program may have a range of motivations, including to begin or further their career as educators or educational professionals. Students seeking to pursue doctoral-level study in educational psychology will exit the program prepared with the required knowledge, and proven competency to conduct high-quality scholarly work at the graduate level.
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Admissions Requirements
- Personal Statement
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Official Undergraduate Transcripts
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How to Apply
- Collect the materials required for admission
- Submit your application online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/
- Submit supporting materials online
- Any supporting materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to Graduate Admissions’ New Brunswick office. Their mailing address can be found here: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/about/contact-us
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Tuition & Financial Assistance
Tuition:
For tuition and fees information please visit the tuition landing page.
Financial Aid:
While students are encouraged to apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are a number of other merit- and need-based support options, including loans and college work-study programs within and external to Rutgers. For more information, please visit the Office of Financial Aid website.
Scholarships, Fellowships & Assistantships:
Generous GSE alumni, friends, and community members have established and continue to donate to more than one dozen fellowships and scholarships to help deserving students reach their goals. These awards are granted on the basis of academic achievement and or financial need. While these awards are competitive, interested students are encouraged to apply for consideration and submit the required materials. Students must also submit a FAFSA application to be eligible.
To review all current awards and learn more about the donors that established them, please click here.