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Overview of Research Specialization
Overview of Research Specialization
(New Specialization! Spring 2025)
This specialization prepares students to investigate and address contemporary issues in education using foundational theories from cognitive science and the learning sciences. Students will develop skills in selecting appropriate research methods, critically evaluating existing research, and translating findings into practical insights for learning design. This specialization emphasizes effective communication of research to a range of audiences, including designers, academics, and educational stakeholders.
Learning goals/ Students will be able to:
Learning goals/ Students will be able to:
Identify and engage intellectually with contemporary issues relevant to the field of education and educational technology.
Understand and apply key theories from cognitive science and the learning sciences to conduct and evaluate research on learning.
Select and apply appropriate research methods to answer research questions about learning.
Interpret and critically evaluate existing research on learning to derive implications for research on, and designs for learning.
Communicate research findings to diverse audiences, including designers, academics, and stakeholders.
Possible career paths include:
Possible career paths include:
Educational Researcher / Learning Scientist
User Experience (UX) Researcher
Instructional Designer
Data Analyst/Educational Data Scientist
Program Evaluator
Educational Policy Analyst
These roles are found in a range of settings, including K-12 and higher education institutions, edtech companies, research firms, and nonprofit or government agencies focused on educational policy and innovation. Note that some of these roles will require a PhD in a related field.
Requirements
Requirements
You will need to take 3 relevant electives to complete this specialization.
See these sample electives*-- choose three electives from list, or by advisement
EDCT-GE 3311 Doctoral Content Seminar* (usually Fall)
Note: Master's students must obtain instructor approval, which requires having completed a research methods course (see list below).EDCT-GE 2520 User Research Methods
EDCT-GE 2197 Media Practicum: Field Internship (aligned with specialization)
Other electives (use Albert to Learn more)
Quantitative Research Methods
Qualitative Research Methods
Interview and Observation
Survey Research Methods
Basic Statistics
Educational Data Science
ECT has identified some other relevant courses outside of the ECT program for your consideration-- visit our student-created ECT "Airtable" Electives Database (click on the "non-ECT electives tab", then 'By Specialization' for electives outside of ECT). *Electives change from semester to semester. You should search ALBERT for additional related courses.
Supplemental learning activities and resources:
Supplemental learning activities and resources:
Participate in ECT Faculty Research
Focus your Thesis project on a Research study or Scholarly inquiry
Attend academic conferences in field
Attend Guest Lectures (e.g. ECT Brownbags, ALT lunch and Learns, etc.)
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