Doctoral candidates in WPI’s Interdisciplinary PhD in Learning Sciences & Technologies merge social science and educational psychology with computer science to forge inroads into improving educational processes and outcomes both in and out of schools. Our research propels high-quality educational research and technology forward with world-renowned faculty and well-funded and supported research opportunities that help bridge the gap between research, practice, and policy.
WPI’s program researches the intersections of psychology, educational technology, and classroom interventions from many perspectives, and you’ll be able to find your exact fit here. Your research might include testing cognitive theories of learning, assessing if children react best to video or text feedback while they’re doing homework, or exploring how teachers, schools, or communities can better impact educational outcomes.
Breakthroughs like these keep the nation’s education and technology systems globally competitive, but, more important, they improve student performance, motivation, and confidence.
Curriculum
Using a blend of Cognitive, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Advanced Quantitative Methods, and Computer Science courses, you’ll develop a broad understanding of learning theories, and learn how to best determine what kinds of learning environments and curricular experiences lead to improved learning.
Students will lead original research examining theoretical and applied questions about how educational technology can make teaching and learning easier and more effective for both students and teachers. WPI’s rigorous scientific and technical backdrop means you’ll have the knowledge behind learning and the tools to interpret and use the produced data to improve how students learn with individualized methods.
In addition to course work and dissertation work that leads to an area of expertise, doctoral students must demonstrate their competency in data analysis and written communication.