The Graduate Certificate in Mind, Brain, and Education is designed to draw on basic and applied interdisciplinary research from the disciplines of neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive science to explore human learning and development and to understand how research in these fields will generate innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and education.
Completion of the 12 credit hour certificate in Mind, Brain, and Education represents an additional credential for graduate students from a variety of academic fields who are preparing for careers in research and teaching or professional practice. The certificate is designed for PK-16 teachers and instructors, administrators, and student support personnel, as well as organizational leaders, consultants, and policy makers seeking to explore how research from the learning sciences has the potential to inform the field of education. The cornerstone of this certificate centers on understanding the neural mechanisms of learning and development and the role of experience in shaping (neuroplasticity) the brain through the lifespan.
The timeframe for completion is two semesters (one academic year) or four semesters (two academic years), depending on the number of courses taken per semester.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University and departmental admission requirements to be considered for the program.
University of Kansas Graduate Admission Requirements
- All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
- Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
- English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.
Graduate Certificate in Mind, Brain and Education Application Requirements:
- A completed graduate application.
- Application fee.
- Official transcripts of all degree-granting post-secondary institutions you have attended and an official transcript for each degree earned.
Course requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Mind, Brain, and Education (12 credit hours):
The certificate will consist of four courses for a total of 12 hours.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| EPSY 705 | Human Development through the Lifespan | 3 |
| EPSY 807 | Theories and Research in Human Learning | 3 |
| EPSY 836 | Behavioral & Systems Neuroscience in Education | 3 |
| EPSY 837 | The Neuroscience of Motivation and Emotional Behaviors | 3 |
| or EPSY 838 | Neurodevelopment of Executive Function |
| Total Hours | 12 |
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply evidence-based learning principles.
- Critically evaluate research to design ethical, inclusive strategies for teaching, learning, and inquiry.
- Integrate educational neuroscience and social science research into diverse contexts and environments.
