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Study the psychological processes critical to education
The psychological foundations program is expanding. Beginning fall 2026, we are merging with learning technologies to offer our students a richer interdisciplinary community examining education in a world in which technology touches nearly every aspect of teaching and learning.
Incoming students can expect a forward-looking learning environment that pairs deep learning sciences grounding with cutting edge work in technology and design. This expanded portfolio of options will include expertise in online teaching and learning, critical pedagogy, learning design, computer science education, AI in education, the ethics and philosophy of technology, education futures, and innovative research methods.
Research in our program focuses on education technology and cognitive development, including high-level cognition and factors shaping and enhancing learning throughout the lifespan. Our faculty and students explore the basic mechanisms of thinking and learning in academic disciplines through precise, controlled laboratory experiments. We also put our research to work—in local schools on programs to improve students' reading, science, and mathematics outcomes as well as informal learning environments.
Careers
- Research associates at universities
- Research scientists at companies
- Researchers in government agencies, research/technology development centers, other educational settings
Tuition and funding
Tuition
Visit the College of Education and Human Development's finance and funding page for information on tuition.
CEHD Fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, and grants for graduate students
As a graduate student in CEHD, you may be eligible for fellowships, grants, and scholarships from the University of Minnesota, from our college, and from your academic department. Check this link out to get more information on funding opportunities!
Visit the College of Education and Human Development's finance and funding page for more information on funding.
Financial aid
Financial aid for your graduate program works differently than financial aid at the undergraduate level. It’s important to know the differences and explore your options. Visit this One Stop link for more information on available financial aid.
Request information
Coursework
Coursework might include:
- Cognitive and learning processes
- Online learning communities
- Scientific reasoning
- Mathematical thinking
- Teaching and learning with the internet
- Reading comprehension
- Designing and developing online distance learning
- Creativity and intelligence
- Socio-scientific misconceptions and biases
- Special topics in learning technologies
- Development and use of educational technology
- Lab-, classroom-, and community-based research
(A master's degree is not required to apply for the doctoral program.)
Faculty
Get to know our award-winning faculty with practical and research experience. Beginning fall 2026, we look forward to offering classes taught by our Learning Technologies colleagues.
Contact us
We’re here to help. Contact us, and a member of our department will be in touch.