Careers you can pursue with a master’s in learning sciences

The learning sciences sit at the intersection of technology and educational theory, blending aspects of cognitive and computer science with educational psychology and even behavioral economics. Broadly, this field covers “the research of learning in all its forms,” according to the International Society of the Learning Sciences.¹ More specifically, it’s a field that produces education specialists, corporate trainers, AI researchers and edtech developers.

A credential in learning sciences can open doors for potentially lucrative careers in learning analytics or at start-ups in fast-growing learning design hubs, such as Dallas, Texas.

Learning sciences job options include roles in several rapidly expanding fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 11% growth in the number of jobs for training and development specialists over the next decade—much faster than average growth (which the bureau describes as 3–4%).² In the edtech sector, the Digital Learning Institute anticipates 17% growth in the jobs market by 2032.³

This post takes a closer look at some of the exciting career options for learning sciences graduates, focusing on the discipline’s most closely related fields: education, business and technology.

Why a master’s in learning sciences matters

Review SMU’s online Master of Science in the Learning Sciences curriculum, and you’ll see a series of highly specialized courses, as you’d expect from an advanced degree in a technical discipline. Course options include modules in learning analytics, data modeling and research methodologies.

These courses are focused on the science of learning: how we learn, what it means for learning to be effective and how to create better learning environments. All of these topics develop more general expertise in research, design and the evaluation of methods or projects using a scientific approach.

Those general skills are valuable to employers across many sectors. Though we are focused in this blog on some of the opportunities that arise for learning scientists in education, business and technology, bear in mind that the skills you gain with a master’s in learning sciences are transferable to a wide variety of industries and job options.

Career paths in education

Using learning sciences to solve challenges in education is arguably the origin of the discipline. The education sector is a natural home for learning scientists, since the vast majority of formal learning happens in an educational setting. Opportunities for learning scientists in this sector include careers in educational innovation and more conventional roles, such as:

• Instructional designer or curriculum developer: An instructional designer develops educational programs and curricula. This can range from an entire K-12 curriculum, guiding schooling from childhood to early adulthood, to designing online degree courses for colleges that are developing alternatives to on-campus classes⁴
• Educational researcher or policy analyst: Often working for government agencies or nonprofits, educational researchers and policy analysts compile data and reports to inform decision-making⁵
• University teaching and academic roles: A Master’s in Learning Sciences tends to attract candidates with an affinity and aptitude for academic research. Continuing on that path, earning a PhD and moving into university teaching roles is a natural progression for many learning scientists

Corporate and industry careers

The business world needs training and development specialists. Learning scientists are often ideal candidates for creating and implementing corporate training and development programs. Jobs for learning scientists in the business world include:

• Corporate training and development specialist: The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates median pay for training and development managers at $127,090, with the category predicted to grow by 6% over the next decade⁶
• Learning and development manager: Learning and development specialists examine the overall skills and capability needs of an organization. They put programs in place to keep existing employee skillsets aligned with company needs, anticipate where the organization is heading and plan for future skills requirements⁷
• Human performance improvement consultant: Human performance improvement is a human resources discipline that methodically analyzes organizations and individuals, assessing where performance can be improved and implementing measurable strategies for that improvement⁸

Opportunities in technology and innovation

Careers in edtech and other technology-related fields are strong options for graduates who want to apply their learning sciences expertise to cutting-edge product development and modern-day problem-solving.

• Edtech product designer or strategist: Much of edtech is devoted to facilitating learning. Careers as product designers or strategists are a natural fit, drawing on expertise in learning design and evaluation of learning methods to help guide product development
• User experience researcher for learning platforms: One of many learning design career paths in the technology sector, user experience researchers gather and analyze data to inform design optimization for learning platforms. Put simply, they figure out the best ways for users to engage with a platform to achieve optimal outcomes
• Data analyst focusing on learner outcomes: If an edtech application requires in-depth analysis of data to assess learner outcomes, few specialists are better qualified to manage that research than a learning scientist. You may research questions like, "Does this process or product help with learning? How do we answer that question?"

Skills that employers value

A rigorous master’s in learning sciences program gives you concrete skills that employers value, such as the ability to design effective learning environments (and the ability to define what “effective learning” looks like in practice).

There are also more general skills that you get from an advanced degree that combine a high level of technological literacy with academic standards of scientific inquiry. Learning scientists are well-versed in data-driven decision-making techniques, from data gathering and analysis to presentation of insights and recommendations for action.

Further, their grounding in a broad range of research methods across many disciplines makes learning scientists strong communicators and productive collaborators.

Expand your career opportunities with SMU’s Master of Science in the Learning Sciences program

From learning design to corporate training and edtech product development, an array of diverse career opportunities awaits learning sciences graduates.

SMU’s online Master of Science in the Learning Sciences prepares you for flexible, impactful roles in fast-growing, high-visibility sectors. Review our career-focused curriculum and admission requirements online or explore the bios of our expert, award-winning faculty. When you’re ready to discuss how SMU can help launch your career in the learning sciences, schedule an appointment to talk with an admission outreach advisor.