Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Articulate, comprehend, and analyze key theories related to learning, cognition, and development.
• Understand how to design and modify learning environments to promote more effective learning.
• Critically evaluate research studies based on each study’s methodology, literature support, and significance.
• Understand and use advanced statistical research methods (including computer technology for the analysis of data); (b) understand the role of causation in science and the threats to causal inference posed by invalid research design and methodology; (c) identify and select research design and statistical analyses appropriate to various types of quantitative research questions; (d) critically evaluate research reports and differentiate legitimate from unjustified research conclusions.
• Understand (a) qualitative approaches to exploring phenomena related to educational and other social contexts, (b) the theoretical and practical considerations of conducting and interpreting case studies, ethnographies, participant observations, narrative reports, and design-based research, and (c) criteria for establishing goodness of qualitative studies; and (d) critically evaluate research reports and differentiate legitimate from unjustified research conclusions.
• Serve as independent scholars who can design, implement, and prepare reports of research studies, that make significant contributions to the discipline of educational psychology or the learning sciences and bridge the gap between practice and research.
• Understand the cultural context of learning and development including social thinking, social influence, and social relations.
• Demonstrate competence in delivery of assessment and evidence-based psycho-educational and mental health intervention services.