Learning Sciences: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Learning Sciences is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding how individuals acquire knowledge and skills across diverse educational settings. By integrating insights from psychology, education, technology, and cognitive science, the program investigates the complex factors that shape effective learning experiences and outcomes.
- Social, organizational, and cultural dynamics of learning: Explores how group interactions, institutional structures, and cultural contexts influence the learning process and educational environments.
- Learning and cognition: Examines the mental processes involved in acquiring, retaining, and applying knowledge, including memory, attention, and problem-solving mechanisms.
- Learning strategies: Focuses on evidence-based techniques and approaches that enhance learning efficiency and long-term retention for diverse learners.
- Educational psychology: Investigates the psychological principles underlying teaching and learning, including motivation, development, and individual differences.
- Educational testing and measurement: Covers the design, implementation, and interpretation of assessments to evaluate learning outcomes and inform instruction.
- Instructional design and technology: Applies systematic methods to create effective, engaging, and accessible learning experiences using digital tools and multimedia resources.
- Statistical design of educational research: Teaches advanced quantitative methods for analyzing educational data, ensuring rigorous and reliable evaluation of learning interventions.
Learning Sciences Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Learning Sciences Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Learning Sciences degrees, including Training and Development Managers, Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other and Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 273,200 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training and Development Managers 11-3131 | $127,090 | $75,810 - $219,990 | 44,960 | $61.10 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other 25-1069 | $75,040 | $45,280 - $176,350 | 17,540 | N/A |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
| Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other 25-9099 | $48,400 | $24,160 - $95,310 | 114,640 | $23.27 |
Salary Comparison
Learning Sciences Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $64,605 in Idaho to $108,270 in Delaware—a 68% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Virginia, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 273,200 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Learning Sciences by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 37 institutions offering Learning Sciences programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Learning Sciences is found at Western Governors University (WGU) (3,267 graduates), Harvard University (293 graduates), National University (NU) (119 graduates), University of Arizona (70 graduates), and University of Miami (UM) (66 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 4,044 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University (WGU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
3,267 | N/A | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | wgu.edu |
| Harvard University |
Master's
|
293 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 34-36 |
Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| National University (NU) |
Master's
|
119 | N/A | San Diego, California | Private | nu.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
70 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
66 |
SAT: 1330-1470 ACT: 30-33 |
Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
45 | N/A | Adelphi, Maryland | Public | umgc.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
28 | N/A | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
24 |
SAT: 1440-1550 ACT: 32-35 |
Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| University of New Mexico (UNM) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
18 |
SAT: 900-1160 ACT: 19-26 |
Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | unm.edu |
| National Louis University (NLU) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
11 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois | Private | nl.edu |
| Minnesota State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | ACT: 22-25 | Mankato, Minnesota | Public | mnsu.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Master's
|
10 |
SAT: 1330-1480 ACT: 29-32 |
Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Wilson College |
Master's
|
9 | SAT: 940-1110 | Chambersburg, Pennsylvania | Private | wilson.edu |
| Point Park University |
Bachelor's
|
8 |
SAT: 1035-1240 ACT: 19-27 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | pointpark.edu |
| Fontbonne University |
Doctorate (R)
|
7 | N/A | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | fontbonne.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Bachelor's
|
6 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 24-31 |
Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| Clemson University |
Doctorate (R)
|
6 |
SAT: 1230-1390 ACT: 28-32 |
Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| Hofstra University |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-31 |
Hempstead, New York | Private | hofstra.edu |
| University of Central Arkansas (UCA) |
Post-Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 940-1120 ACT: 19-25 |
Conway, Arkansas | Public | uca.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Bachelor's
|
4 |
SAT: 1490-1560 ACT: 33-35 |
Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| William Carey University (WCU) |
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 880-1200 ACT: 20-27 |
Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Private | wmcarey.edu |
| Tiffin University (TU) |
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 870-1120 ACT: 15-22 |
Tiffin, Ohio | Private | tiffin.edu |
| University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) |
Master's
|
4 | ACT: 17-24 | Edmond, Oklahoma | Public | uco.edu |
| Wilmington University (WilmU) |
Master's
|
3 | N/A | New Castle, Delaware | Private | wilmu.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
3 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 22-28 |
Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Doctorate (R)
|
2 |
SAT: 1120-1340 ACT: 25-32 |
Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| Morningside University |
Master's
|
2 | ACT: 12-22 | Sioux City, Iowa | Private | morningside.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 |
SAT: 1240-1420 ACT: 27-32 |
Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
2 |
SAT: 1010-1240 ACT: 20-26 |
Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
| Pepperdine University |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1250-1450 ACT: 26-32 |
Malibu, California | Private | pepperdine.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| Ashford University (UAGC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | San Diego, California | Private | uagc.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 24-29 |
Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
| Andrews University |
Post-Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1070-1370 ACT: 20-28 |
Berrien Springs, Michigan | Private | andrews.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 |
SAT: 1310-1480 ACT: 27-31 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Miami University |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 26-31 |
Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| Widener University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | SAT: 1050-1260 | Chester, Pennsylvania | Private | widener.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Learning Sciences programs
How much can I earn with a Learning Sciences degree?
Salaries for Learning Sciences graduates vary by role and location. Training and Development Managers earn a median of $127,090 annually, while Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other earn around $100,340. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $108,270 compared to $64,605 in Idaho. Approximately 273,200 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Learning Sciences programs?
Currently 37 accredited institutions offer Learning Sciences degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Western Governors University (WGU) (3,267 graduates), Harvard University (293 graduates), and National University (NU) (119 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Learning Sciences growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 13 in 2010 to 4,044 in 2023-24. This represents a 31,008% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Learning Sciences degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Training and Development Managers, Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, and Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 273,200 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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