ABOUT US
At its core, learning sciences is an interdisciplinary, research-based field that advances understanding of the learning process and the design and development of learning innovations with or without technology.
Welcome from the Chair
On behalf of our faculty and staff, I welcome you to the Department of Learning Sciences at Georgia State University. Our department is an interdisciplinary unit dedicated to improving the human condition through data-driven investigation of the learning process, the effective design of learning innovations and developing learning science professionals in five distinct areas of specialization. Our intellectual contributions are real-world relevant and at the cutting edge of research and development, including basic and applied research in areas ranging from learning, literacy and cognition to developing AI, data visualization and computer-supported collaborative learning environments to understanding and developing innovations that support children and youth with disabilities.
As a student in our department, you will have the chance to learn from widely recognized faculty and programs, apply what you have learned in research labs, internships and service-learning opportunities and ultimately be recognized as a Learning Sciences graduate. Earning credentials from us will include you in the extensive network of graduates currently employed within school systems, research laboratories, government agencies, small businesses, large corporations and more in Atlanta and beyond.
Please scroll down the page to read more about our department, including our Mission, Commitment to Equity and Four Guiding Principles.
For more information on admissions to our academic programs, please contact us at:
We look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Brendan Calandra
Professor and Chair
MISSION
The Department of Learning Sciences at Georgia State is an interdisciplinary unit dedicated to improving the human condition through data-driven investigation of the learning process, through the effective design of innovative learning environments and through the development of learning science professionals in five distinct areas of specialization.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY
The Department of Learning Sciences at Georgia State University strives to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community of faculty, staff, and students. We are committed to critical reflection on and continued improvement in our individual and collective actions around these issues.
Our department’s mission is to promote interdisciplinary work that advances understanding of the learning process and the design of innovative learning environments. We believe that the only way to achieve this mission is by valuing each person and their unique identities and experiences. It is only through the equitable inclusion of a full range of voices and viewpoints that we can truly provide quality education for all.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Our work is guided by four principles: interdisciplinarity, innovative research, creating real and tangible change and exemplary academic programming.
Real and tangible change
Our researchers are interested in both basic and applied research, and much of what we do is directly connected to affecting real and tangible change. This is exemplified in projects such as: developing interventions for young deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) readers, broadening the breadth and diversity of youth who participate in computing, promoting the overall development and school success of young people in urban contexts, helping individuals overcome challenges related to language and literacy acquisition, leveraging data mining and analysis to understand and optimize the learning experience, facilitating learning through the collaborative creation of digital and tangible artifacts and more.
Exemplary academic programming
The Department of Learning Sciences offers a wide array of courses, programs, degrees, and professional development opportunities in five areas: applied behavior analysis, deaf and/or hard of hearing, educational psychology, learning technologies, and special education. In fact, we offer three Ph.D. programs, five master’s programs, two undergraduate programs, and a large selection of professional certifications and teacher endorsements, as well as badging and certificate opportunities for professional development.
Interdisciplinarity
Faculty in our department do funded research, teaching and community outreach related to five areas: applied behavior analysis, deaf and/or hard of hearing, educational psychology, learning technologies and special education. Within the department, you will find a very close-knit group that works together toward common goals within and across content areas and specializations related to understanding and supporting the learning process. As a department, we hope to promote this spirit of unity and collaboration among all our students, faculty, and staff across the department – not just within individual units or programs but as an interdisciplinary whole.
Innovative research
Our faculty and students are involved in many research projects at the forefront of applied behavior analysis, deaf and/or hard of hearing, educational psychology, learning technologies and special education. Our work has been and is currently supported by millions of dollars in funding from private, state and federal agencies, such as the Institute of Educational Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, American Institutes for Research, National Institutes of Health, Spencer Foundation and National Science Foundation to name a few.
Contact Us
Department of Learning Sciences
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Department Chair
Office & Delivery Address
Department of Learning Sciences
Suite 750
30 Pryor St. SW
Atlanta, GA 30303