Developmental & Learning Sciences

Welcome to the Developmental & Learning Sciences specialization in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln!


The Developmental a& Learning Sciences (DLS) Program represents the theoretical core of the Department of Educational Psychology. Other programs focus on Methodology (QQPM) or preparation for specific professional roles (Counseling Psychology & School Psychology). Although virtually all areas of psychological theory and research are potentially relevant to education, the DLS program sees the psychological study of cognition, learning, and development as particularly crucial. Students in DLS gain a rich understanding of and conduct research in: cognition, learning and instruction, social and emotional development & well-being, and educational neuroscience. Our faculty and students conduct innovative and collaborative research and benefit from many local and university partnerships, including those with school districts, the Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior, the Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools, and the Bullying Research Network.

Academic pathways in Developmental & Learning Sciences are flexible and interdisciplinary in that students are able to customize their academic focus and research experiences to fit their educational and career goals. Students completing their Educational Psychology degree in our program are well-prepared with the theoretical knowledge and qualitative and quantitative research skills to work in any setting that supports learning and development. Most graduate students are funded through teaching or research assistantships and later secure positions in university settings, at research and consulting groups, or at state and federal government agencies.

DLS Courses Support Extraordinary Excellence

DLS is proud to support the vision of the Department of Educational Psychology. Many of our courses include important context that helps students to understand the role of race, culture, and diversity of learning in both cognitive and social development. We cover a broad range of topics that explore identity development, empathy/compassion, bias and stereotype formation and effects, the negative impacts of stereotpye threat, as well as many other related issues and concepts. The link below represents a more detailed table of the DLS courses that cover topics related to development, learning, and education that will help you plan your program of courses. 

Deadlines

Developmental & Learning Sciences applications are considered three times a year:

  • January 15th (for starting the following Fall)
  • October 1st (for starting the following Spring)

Fellowships and assistantships are only awarded for incoming Fall students. 

DLS Director

Dr. Carrie Clark
61 HENZ
caron.clark@unl.edu

Developmental & Learning Sciences Faculty

  1. Avatar for Carrie Clark
    Program Director, Associate Professor, Developmental & Learning Sciences Department of Educational Psychology University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    HENZ 61D
    Lincoln, NE 68588-0345
    Phone
    Work 402-472-2223 On-campus 2-2223
    Email
    caron.clark@unl.edu
  2. Avatar for Edward Daly
    Professor, Developmental & Learning Sciences Department of Educational Psychology University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    TEAC 33
    Lincoln, NE 68588-0345
    Phone
    Work 402-472-2223 On-campus 2-2223
    Email
    edaly2@unl.edu
  3. Avatar for Isabella Starling Alves
    Assistant Professor Educational Psychology University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    TEAC 240
    Lincoln, NE 68588-0345
    Phone
    Work 402-472-2223 On-campus 2-2223
    Email
    istarlingalves2@unl.edu
  4. Avatar for Mary Zeleny
    Assistant Professor of Practice, Developmental & Learning Sciences Department of Educational Psychology University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Work
    Address
    TEAC 220
    Lincoln, NE 68588-0345
    Phone
    Work 402-472-2223 On-campus 2-2223
    Email
    mgzeleny@unl.edu