Learning & Cognition
Master's Program

The masters degree program in Learning and Cognition is designed for professionals who are involved with learning, cognition, development, and group processes in a variety of contexts, such as the classroom at any level (including adults), the military, government, private enterprise, the courts, and other organizational settings, and for students who are interested in pursuing a career in these areas. Our program is sponsored and administered by the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems at Florida State University. We draw on the internationally recognized resources of the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, the College of Education, and Florida State University, designated a Doctoral Research-Extensive University by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

For example, you may be a teacher, a supervisor concerned with adult learning processes to develop employees who are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century workplace, or a professional who develops training seminars. An important focus of our program is on developing the reflective practitioner, someone who critically assesses their own practices by acquiring the knowledge of how to study learning and behavior systematically. You will find that our program is highly individualized, and provides you with the opportunity to select the schedule of courses that meet your needs. Our faculty actively engage students in ongoing research activities. With a carefully planned program, you may also earn a Certificate in Program Evaluation and/or Certificate in Human Resource Development.

Core Courses

The 39 credit hour Masters program in Educational Psychology: Learning and Cognition consists of

A. Four courses (12 hours) from the following list:

B. 12 hours (typically four courses) in your area of specialization

Students develop their program of study in conjunction with their advisor. For example, an elementary teacher or secondary teacher who is interested in studying children’s learning as a teacher researcher would select courses from programs in early childhood, elementary or secondary education, foundations of education, instructional systems, multicultural/multilingual education, reading, special education, or other relevant fields of study. In contrast, a program supervisor from a state agency might select courses from adult education, educational leadership, human services, management, psychology, social work, or sociology.

C. Research and Data Analysis 9 Hours (typically three courses)

Again, please select courses in consultation with your advisor. Here are possible courses:

Research courses taught in other departments may also qualify; please consult with your advisor and your supervisory committee.

D. Supervised Project/Master's Thesis 6 Hours