EdD in Learning Sciences
Blended delivery thesis-based degree program designed for practicing professionals
Learning Sciences is an interdisciplinary field of scholarship that works to further scientific, humanistic, and critical theoretical understandings of learning as well as to engage in the design and implementation of pedagogical innovations to support learning. EdD graduates in this field are leaders in higher education, district consultants, and serving in non-profits. In this research-intensive program, students engage with and develop the field’s understanding of the cultural, social, cognitive, affective, political, technological, and economic dimensions of learning, teaching, design and assessment, both within and across diverse settings. Applicants from all disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and doctoral students in the program are encouraged and supported to work in interdisciplinary areas and projects.
As a research intensive program, students work closely with their supervisors. Applicants are encouraged to review the faculty members in Learning Sciences and contact those you consider compatible with your research interests to explore potential connections. If you choose to apply, please discuss your research interests with potential supervisors and explain these interests in your statement of purpose. Student experience in this program is dramatically enhanced by a strong complementarity of research interests and strengths of students and supervisors.
Program Delivery
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Blended - Online and Face-to-Face
EdD Summer Residency: Six-week summer program (blended delivery), including two weeks on-campus at UCalgary, followed by four weeks online. Please note program delivery is subject to change based on provincial health guidelines.
Fall/Winter Semesters: Online
A registration package will be sent to new students after they have been admitted. Registration for the summer term will be available in late winter. Fall and Winter registration opens in the spring. Your Graduate Program Administrator will send more information about registration to you.
Fee details are available through the University Calendar. An explanation of fees is available on the Faculty of Graduate Studies' website.
As a Graduate Student you are expected to devote the time, effort, and energy necessary to engage in scholarship. As a graduate student, you will determine the specific milestones and requirements of your program of study in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar and with your graduate supervisor.
An integral part of the doctoral experience is working closely with a supervisor on the development and completion of a research project. A graduate supervisor mentors graduate students through regular meetings and research training aimed at research, scholarship, teaching and professional development. Graduate supervisors support students in the timely completion of their programs. As a Graduate Student, you are expected to meet with your graduate supervisor on a regular basis. While each student-supervisor relationship is unique, graduate supervisors can assist graduate students in a number of ways: advising on course selection, applying for awards and scholarships, obtaining research funds, applying for teaching assistant and sessional teaching opportunities, developing track records in refereed publications and conference presentations, getting involved in leadership and service, and encouraging and supporting apprenticeship in a research community of practice (collaborative review of papers, grants, academic writing, and data analysis).
In the EdD program a supervisor is normally appointed at the time of admission.
Please visit the candidacy and dissertation section of our website for information.
Having the credential of a doctorate has immediately allowed me to be included in important education conversations with government stakeholders. The knowledge of the Learning Sciences that I gained from my doctoral studies and research has allowed me to make important contributions in transforming the educational landscape in Japan.
John Botting, EdD
Learning Sciences
John graduated with his EdD in Learning Sciences in 2014. Read more about John's journey
Program Schedule
A list of required courses for the EdD Learning Sciences program can be found below. Completion of additional and relevant coursework outside of the required courses may be discussed with your supervisor.
Program Notes
Please consult the Graduate Calendar for course descriptions and the Academic Schedule for important dates and deadlines.
Course outlines are normally posted in D2L 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the term.
Years 1 and 2 have blended courses in the summer which include an on-campus component.
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Year 1
Summer (blended)
EDER 779.05 L01 (50342) Introduction to the Learning Sciences
and
EDER 779.06 L02 (50343) Introduction to Computer Supported LearningFall (online)
EDER 711 L03 (75521) Advanced Research Methodologies
Winter (online)
EDER 712 L02 (13360) Advanced Research Methodologies II
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Year 2
Summer (blended)
EDER 779.07 ICT Advanced Seminar in the Learning Sciences
and
EDER 779.08 Advanced Seminar in Design and PracticeFall (online)
EDER 707 Collaboratory of Practice I
Winter (online)
EDER 708 Collaboratory of Practice II
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Years 3-6
The work completed in years 3-6 is variable and depends on your pace. Students have up to six years to complete their EdD program.
Candidacy
Candidacy must be completed within 28 months from the program start date.
Dissertation
Your dissertation is the focus of your degree program.
Students enrol in Dissertation Seminar once you have successfully completed your candidacy exam and have begun to work on your dissertation. Dissertation Seminar is offered every fall and winter term.
Fall Terms (online)
EDER 709 L01 (71212) Dissertation Seminar I
Winter Terms (online)
EDER 710 L01 (11214) Dissertation Seminar II
Prospective students: how to apply
Visit our Future EdD students page for current EdD specializations, admission requirements and application details.