
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, Atlanta. Our department is an interdisciplinary unit whose mission is to improve the human condition through data-driven investigations of the learning process, the effective design of learning innovations with or without technology, and the development of learning science professionals in five areas of specialization.
Our work is informed by relevant theory and iterations of analysis, design, and development that include evaluation, discussion, negotiation, and critical reflection. We believe that the unique identities and experiences of all individuals are essential to achieving our goals. Only through the inclusion of a full range of voices and viewpoints can we truly provide quality learning experiences for all.
As a student in our department, you will have the opportunity to learn from widely recognized faculty and programs, apply your knowledge 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 an extensive network of graduates currently employed within school systems, research laboratories, government agencies, small businesses, large corporations, and more in Atlanta and beyond.
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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
To improve the human condition through data-driven investigations of the learning process, the effective design of learning innovations with or without technology, and the development of learning science professionals in five areas of specialization.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Our work is guided by four principles: interdisciplinarity, innovative research, use-inspired scholarship and exemplary academic programming.
Use-Inspired Scholarship
Faculty in the Department of Learning Sciences do both basic and applied research and development. This is exemplified in projects such as, addressing how to use AI for teaching and learning responsibly and ethically, developing interventions for young deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) readers, broadening participation 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 within and across our 5 specializations (applied behavior analysis, deaf and/or hard of hearing, educational psychology, learning technologies, special education) and the Learning Sciences.
Interdisciplinarity
Faculty in our department do funded research and development, teaching, service, and community outreach within and across our 5 specializations. Within the department, you will find a very close-knit group that works together toward common goals within and across specializations as an interdisciplinary whole. As a department, we aim to promote this spirit of unity, interdisciplinarity, and collaboration among students, faculty, post-doctoral scholars, and staff within the department, and across the college, university, community, and profession.
Innovative research
Faculty, students, and post-doctoral scholars in the Department of Learning Sciences and our many affiliated research centers and labs are involved in projects at the forefront of the 5 specializations as well as the learning sciences more broadly. Our work has been and is currently supported by millions of dollars in funding from myriad organizations and foundations such as the Institute of Educational Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, American Institutes for Research, National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, SNAP Inc., Google Inc., and the Kapor 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