Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a specific area of focus in this program?
How many credits is the Learning & Cognition degree?
How long is the program?
How many credits would I take per semester?
When are classes offered?
Can I work and go to school?
Are classes available online?
What are the class sizes?
What are my options for internship training?
Is the University of Utah program accredited?
Can I do a research thesis?
What are the tuition costs?
Is funding available for graduate students to offset tuition costs?
What do I need to know about applying to the program?
What kind of jobs do graduates of this program find?
Who do I contact for information?
Is there a specific area of focus in this program?
This program follows a mentor model, in which students work closely with program faculty on research projects. Thus, the research focuses for students in the Learning and Cognition program match those of the program faculty.
How many credits is the Learning & Cognition degree?
The Learning and Cognition master's degree requires 40 credit hours. The PhD requires an additional 48 credit hours.
How long is the program?
It typically takes students 2-3 years to complete a master's degree, and then an additional 2-3 years to complete the PhD. If students enter the program with a master's degree, the average time to finish is approximately 4 years.
How many credits would I take per semester?
Students typically take 6-9 credits per semester (See the Program Handbook or Course Requirements for details on curriculum/credits by semester).
When are classes offered?
Classes are offered both during the day and in the evening.
Can I work and go to school?
It is possible to work part-time and go to school. Because required classes vary as to whether they are offered during the day or the evening, a flexible part-time work schedule is ideal.
Are classes available online?
No. At this time, the nature of the coursework involves active attendance and face-to-face involvement in the curriculum and with other students. The reason for this is that part of our commitment to high quality programming involves fostering a close, collegial atmosphere with your instructors and your peers.
What are the class sizes?
Class sizes vary, as some courses are required for students in multiple programs, and some are required only for Learning and Cognition programs.
What are my options for internship training?
The Learning and Cognition program does not offer professional internships. However, because students work closely with their faculty mentors, they receive detailed training in their specific research area throughout their degree program.
Is the University of Utah program accredited?
Because the Learning and Cognition program does not train students to work in fields requiring professional licensure (i.e., psychologists orcounselors), it does not undergo an accreditation process.
Can I do a research thesis?
A research-based master's thesis is required for the MS degree in Learning and Cognition. Students entering the PhD program with a non-thesis master's degree may be required to complete an additional research project before embarking on their dissertation research.
What are the tuition costs?
Tuition and fees (per semester) are approximately $2,163 for residents of the State of Utah and $6,789 for non-residents (based on 9 credits per semester at current tuition rates). Exact, up-to-date tuition rates can be found by consulting the appropriate link below:
Resident Tuition and Fee Schedule
Non-Resident Tuition and Fee Schedule
Is funding available for graduate students to offset tuition costs?
There are no scholarships specifically geared to Learning & Cognition students. There are, however, occasional opportunities to work on campus or assistantships that come available that can be filled by Learning & Cognition students. There are scholarships provided through the College of Education for which students may apply. In addition, several students are funded via mechanisms such as faculty grants, departmental work-study positions, and department teaching and research assistantships.
What do I need to know about applying to the program?
Most of what you need to know about the process of applying to the Learning and Cognition Program is contained within the standard application process for the Department of Educational Psychology. When completing your application be sure to check the box to indicate your interest in being considered for the Master's or Doctoral Program in Learning & Cognition.
Before applying to the program, interested applicants should review the Learning and Cognition faculty profiles and identify the faculty member(s) with whom they would like to work. Their interests in specific faculty research should be clearly stated in the Personal Statement included with the department application.
What kind of jobs do graduates of this program find?
Graduates of the Learning and Cognition Program are prepared for several career paths. Those receiving the doctoral degree are prepared for university and college teaching and research. Other options include employment in research and development centers, government and human service organizations, professional schools, school systems, and other types of applied settings. Additionally, business, industry, and the military need people who are skilled in cognitive analysis and applied cognitive research.
Who do I contact for information?
At this time, the training director for the Learning & Cognition is Dr. Anne Cook. Email at anne.cook@utah.edu. You may also contact our Academic Programs Specialist, by phone at 801.581.7148