In the Cognitive Science in Education Program, students examine the cognitive mechanisms that underlie learning and thinking in school and non-school settings. The program trains students in basic theories of human cognition, the practice and interpretation of empirical cognitive and developmental research, as well as how to use research to improve educational practices and develop innovative methods built around new technologies. Studies in cognitive, developmental and educational psychology, and computer science provide students with a valuable perspective on cognition and learning.
The curriculum and degree program requirements are designed to prepare graduates for careers in several possible settings. For the master's degree programs, these settings include
For the doctoral programs, work settings after graduation might include research organizations or universities seeking faculty in cognitive psychology, educational psychology, educational technology, reading, and learning analytics.
Students in the Cognitive Science in Education Program begin by taking a set of core background courses, then pursue one of three areas of focus: Foundations of Cognition and Learning, Applications, and Intelligent Technologies.
Points/Credits: 60
Entry Terms: Spring/Summer/Fall
Degree Requirements
Core Courses (9 points):
Three courses selected from the following:
HUDK 4015 Psychology of thinking (3)
HUDK 4029 Human cognition and learning (3)
HUDK 4080 Educational psychology (3)
HUDK 5023 Cognitive development (3)
HUDK 5042 Motivation in education (3)
HUDK 5125 Cross-Cultural psychology (3)
Statistics/Research Design (12 points):
HUDM 4120 Basic concepts in statistics (3)
HUDM 4122 Probability and statistical inference (3)
HUDM 5122 Applied regression analysis (3)
HUDM 5123 Linear models and experimental design (3)
Research Practicum (6 points):
HUDK 5324 Research work practicum (3) by permission,
HUD 6500 Proseminar in Human Development (1), and
HUDK 5324 Research work practicum (2) by permission
(The Integrative Project is done in conjunction with these courses)
Specialized Courses (24-27 points):
Selected in consultation with an advisor and focusing on one of the following areas of focus:
Foundations of Cognition and Learning
HUDK 4015 Psychology of thinking (3)
HUDK 4027 Development of mathematical thinking (3)
HUDK 4050 Core methods in educational data mining (3)
HUDK 4051 Learning analytics: process and theory (3)
HUDK 4052 Data, Learning, and Society (3)
HUDK 4054 Managing education data (3)
HUDK 5020 Development of creativity (3)
HUDK 5024 Language development (2-3)
HUDK 5025 Spatial thinking (3)
HUDK 5029 Personality development and socialization across the lifespan (3)
HUDK 5030 Visual explanations (3)
HUDM 5058 Choice and decision making (3)
HBSK 5096 Psychology of memory (3)
HUDK 5042 Motivation in education (3)
HUDK 5053 Feature engineering studio (3)
HUDK 5063 Cognitive development beyond childhood (3)
HUDK 5120 Development of creativity: the case study method (3)
HUDK 5125 Cross-cultural psychology (3)
Applications
HUDK 4015 Psychology of thinking (3)
HUDK 4027 Development of mathematical thinking (3)
HUDK 4035 Technology and human development (3)
HUDK 5024 Language development (3)
HUDK 5035 Psychology of media (3)
HUDK 5042 Motivation in education (3)
HUDK 5063 Cognitive development beyond childhood (3)
HUDK 5090 Psychology of language and reading (3)
HUDK 5100 Supervised research and practice (1-6)
HBSK 4074 Development of reading comprehension strategies and study skills (3)
EDPS 4021 Sociology of education (3)
HBSK 4074 Reading comprehension strategies and study skills (3)
ORL 5522 Evaluation methods I (3)
Intelligent Technologies:
HUDK 4015 Psychology of thinking (3)
HUDK 4021 Developmental psychology – infancy (2-3)
HUDK 4022 Developmental psychology – childhood (2-3)
HUDK 4023 Developmental psychology – adolescence (2-3)
HUDK 4025 Cognition of handheld devices (3)
HUDK 4029 Cognition and learning (3)
HUDK 4035 Technology and human development (3)
HUDK 4040 Social media and users (3 )
HUDK 4050 Core methods in educational data mining (3)
HUDK 4051 Learning analytics: Process and theory (3)
HUDK 5025 Spatial thinking (3)
HUDK 5030 Visual explanations (3)
HUDK 5035 Psychology of media (3)
HUDK 5036 Psychology of children’s television (3)
HUDK 5063 Cognitive development beyond childhood (3)
HUDK 5120 Development of creativity: the case study method (3)
HUDK 5197 Psychology of eLearning in business and industry (3)
HUDK 5037 Psychology of children’s television (3)
HUDK 5063 Cognitive development beyond childhood (3)
MSTU 4039 Video games in education (3)
MSTU 5000 Possibility of virtual worlds (3)
ORLD 4015 How adults learn (3)
ORLJ 4005 Organizational psychology (3)
Non-departmental Courses (minimum of 6 points):
At least 2 Teachers College courses outside the Department selected in consultation with an advisor.
Integrative Project:
One of the following
Empirical Research Paper
Design (and perhaps Implementation) Project Paper
Research Literature Review Paper
Program of Study
Thirty points must be completed under the auspices of Teachers College, including 18 points in Teachers College courses. A maximum of 30 points of graduate credit may be transferred from other accredited institutions. Candidates who have completed an M.A. or M.S. degree through Teachers College must register for a minimum of 45 points of the required 60 through Teachers College.
Satisfactory Progress
Students are expected to make satisfactory progress toward the completion of degree requirements. If satisfactory progress is not maintained, a student may be dismissed from the program. Program faculty annually review each student’s progress. Where there are concerns about satisfactory progress, students will be informed by the program faculty. If a student is performing below expectations, remedial work within an appropriate timeline may be required. If satisfactory progress is not maintained, a student may be dismissed from the program.