Learning Sciences Education, M.Ed.

Learning Sciences Education, M.Ed. program focuses on the science of learning, digital literacy, cognition, social emotional learning and learning designs in diverse
sociocultural contexts. The LSE program works to advance a humanistic scientific understanding of learning and the improvement of educational outcomes for all learners, that engage in the design and implementation of learning innovations. Educators engaged in LSE courses and majors will gain research-based knowledge and competencies related to designing and implementing effective learning environments in a variety of classroom and digital models that are differentiated for diverse learners.

In addition to course offerings, LSE course based and program projects provide invaluable opportunities for LSE program candidate participation in innovative investigations of learning and teaching in schools, workplaces, remote or e-learning environments, and other settings depending on their particular professional interests and applied educational contexts. 

Candidates in this program are eligible to apply for the Illinois Endorsements. 

For more information on state licensure and certification information please visit NLU’s Public Disclosures page. 

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

Program Learning Outcomes are aligned to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards:

1. Educators seek out opportunities for leadership to support student empowerment and success and to improve teaching and learning.

2. Educators inspire students to positively contribute to and responsibly participate in the digital world.

3. Educators dedicate time to collaborate with both colleagues and students to improve practice, discover and share resources and ideas, and solve problems.

4. Educators design authentic, learner-driven activities and environments that recognize and accommodate learner variability.

5. Educators facilitate learning with technology to support student achievement of the ISTE Standards for students.

6. Educators understand and use data to drive their instruction and support students in achieving their learning goals.

7. Candidates will understand and apply the student ISTE Standards for Students to enhance efficacy in design and student outcomes.

8. Candidates will understand and apply the ISTE Standards for Education Leaders to enhance efficacy in design and student outcomes. 

In addition to the National College of Education Graduate Admission Requirements, the program requires:

• A copy of the applicant's valid and current Illinois Professional Educator License
  • Signed Licensure Limitation Form (for applicants who do not currently hold valid Illinois PEL)

Program Details: 

• Requires 32- 37 SH for completion
• Requires completion of one concentration from the list below 
• May require additional electives to meet a minimum of 32 SH for the degree completion 

Concentrations:

• Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Special Education
• Elementary Education
• English as a Second Language
• ESL/Bilingual Education
• Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS I)
• Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS II) - Curriculum Adaptation Specialist
• Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS II) - Transition Specialist
• Mathematics Education
• Reading Teacher 
• Teacher Leader
• Technology Specialist
• Personalized Option

 

Required Courses

Core Courses - 18 SH

LSE 500	Introduction to the Learning Sciences and Technology	3
LSE 530	Designing Learning Experiences: Cognition in Socio-Cultural Contexts	3
LSE 540	Social Emotional Learning in Cultural Contexts	3
LSE 588	Constructing Curriculum for Engaging the Whole Learner	3
LSE 598	Integrating Professional Knowledge & Practices for Advanced Credentials: A Capstone Experience	3
TIE 542	Digital Tools for Teaching, Learning and Assessment	3

Note: Additional graduate level electives may be required to reach a minimum of 32 SH for degree completion. These courses are subject to academic advisor approval.