2026-27 University Bulletin 
    
    Jun 13, 2026  
2026-27 University Bulletin

Learning Sciences, Ph.D.


NYS Program Code: 43990 
HEGIS Code: 0899.00 
CIP Code:13.0501

(45 credits)

This program is offered in a hybrid format based at Adelphi’s Manhattan Center

The learning sciences is a relatively new interdisciplinary field that studies how people learn in context and designs new innovations to support consequential learning. The learning sciences provide the tools for understanding and designing learning environments that meet the grand challenges of our time, in which the technological, cultural, and political contexts of learning are rapidly changing. Students explore learning in all of its messy contextual specifics, accounting for the cognitive, sociocultural, and ethical dimensions of what, when, why, and how learning happens—and designing new technologies, curricula, pedagogies, and innovation to support learning. Situated in one of the world’s most vibrant places, the Learning Sciences Ph.D. at Adelphi University is tailored to students who seek to understand—and reshape—learning through lenses which are attuned to the complex systems of the New York Metropolitan Area broadly. Students should enter with a Master’s degree (in any field). Students without a Master’s degree will be considered for admission, and will take 15 extra credits for graduation. 

After completing their ELS-888 dissertation credits, if students have not yet defended a dissertation they must enroll in either ELS-898 (Continuous Matriculation without Advisement) or ELS-899 (Continuous Matriculation with Advisement) in order to remain in the program. The program handbook specifies which of the two to enroll in. 

Learning Design Core


(3 credits)

Becoming a Learning Scientist Core


(15 credits)

Doctoral Core


(6 credits)

Electives


(15 credits) 

Students entering without a master’s degree must complete 15 additional credits at the graduate level. 

Continuous Matriculation


Students will enroll in Continuous Matriculation courses while working on their dissertation. Consult the Program Handbook for which course to enroll in.