The learning environments and educational studies (LEEDS) doctoral concentration explicitly links the fields of cultural studies, human learning and development from an applied educational psychology perspective, and instructional technology to prepare graduates to work in high level professional careers in a wide range of settings such as higher education, K-12 education, community-based agencies and community-based participatory research, research institutions and other applied educational, social and political settings. The mission of the doctoral concentration in Learning Environments and Educational Studies (LEEDS) in the Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling is to ground students in theoretical, philosophical and research foundations of human learning and development, cultural and social contexts of educational environments (both formal and informal), the design process of technology-supported learning environments, and skills for inquiring into and critiquing these environments. http://web.utk.edu/~edpsych/LEEDS/default.html
Students select a primary specialization of 18 hours in one of three areas: (1) cultural studies, (2) human learning and development, or (3) instructional technology. They also select a secondary specialization of 12 hours in an area that will support their individual interests. Students are encouraged to obtain a graduate certificate in qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods, or program evaluation. Coursework consists of:
| |
Hours Credit |
| Concentration core |
9 |
| Primary specialization |
18 |
| Secondary specialization |
12 |
| Research methods |
15 |
| Electives |
6 |
| Dissertation |
24 |
| |
Total Hours 84 |
The program features
• Emphasis on participatory theories of learning, social justice, and innovative uses of technology
• Mastery of two related areas of specialization selected by each student
• Interdisciplinary research team involvement in design, analysis, presentations at regional and national conferences, and publication of studies
• Focus on learning in community through a two year interdisciplinary seminar
• International and intercultural atmosphere
• Opportunity to gain higher education teaching experience
