This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The Certificate in Learning Sciences is an online program that provides students with an advanced understanding of the learning process and how to apply that knowledge in designing educational experiences. The program is designed to integrate applied learning science theory with cutting-edge instructional design technologies to impact student learning, engagement and motivation. Students will learn foundational learning theories, methodologies and technology central to educational psychology and instructional design, including the incorporation of innovative uses of technology. Students will learn to create educational experiences based on the latest research in learning sciences, emphasizing evidence-based, effective and equitable practices, and apply these skills to inform the design and implementation of instructional content in both online and in-person learning formats. Graduates will be able to plan, design and deliver adult learning in both formal and informal settings. Graduates will also be able to create engaging learning activities and develop course content to facilitate knowledge acquisition for learners from early childhood to adulthood.
Student learning outcome
Upon completion of the program, students will able to:
- Demonstrate general and applied knowledge of different theoretical/conceptual approaches that are used in learning sciences
VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs
The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.
It is the responsibility of all graduate students, both on- and off-campus, to be familiar with the VCU Graduate Bulletin as well as the Graduate School website and academic regulations in individual school and department publications and on program websites. However, in all cases, the official policies and procedures of the University Graduate Council, as published on the VCU Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School websites, take precedence over individual program policies and guidelines.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on academic regulations for graduate students.
Graduation requirements
As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.
Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following graduation requirements as published in the Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on graduation requirements.
Admission requirements
| Degree: | Semester(s) of entry: | Deadline dates: | Test requirements: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Fall | Apr 1 | |
| Spring | Nov 15 | ||
| Summer | Apr 1 |
In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School, the following requirements represent the minimum acceptable standards for admission:
- Bachelor's degree
- Three letters of recommendation addressing the student’s potential for graduate study in education
- Statement of intent
- Transcripts of all previous college work
- Resume or curriculum vitae
Please visit the School of Education website for further information.
Degree requirements
The curriculum is designed to provide students with the principles and techniques of the learning process to enhance educational experiences with a specific focus on utilizing and integrating eLearning in instructional design and learning. Course work exposes students to the fundamentals of psychological principles as they relate to the teaching-learning process and how to integrate technology and research into design and delivery. Courses involve hands-on experiences and applied projects to prepare students to develop and implement equitable and evidence-based effective instruction across a range of formal and informal learning settings. Students will learn the cognitive and social processes that result in the most effective learning, and understand how to use this knowledge to redesign classrooms and other in-person and virtual learning environments so that people learn more deeply and more effectively.
Curriculum requirements
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ADLT 640 | Theory and Practice of eLearning and Digital Media in Adult Learning | 3 |
| ADLT 643 | Advanced Instructional Design for Adult Learning | 3 |
| EDUS 607 | Advanced Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDUS 660 | Research Methods in Education | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this certificate is 12.
Contact
Enrollment Management
soeinfo@vcu.edu
(804) 828-3382
Additional contact
Jennifer LoCasale-Crouch, Ph.D.
Associate professor and program director
locasalecrj@vcu.edu