Those drawn to pursuing a doctorate in applied learning sciences tend to be passionately curious. They have a love for learning and helping others find that same passion. But beyond your love of learning, you may be curious about what career opportunities this degree will provide.

With an applied learning sciences doctoral degree, you will be equipped to be an excellent teacher, administrator, scholar, and researcher. An applied learning sciences EdD can also give you a boost at your current workplace, giving you crucial skills in training, interpersonal relations, and more.

Here are some careers that you can work toward:

1. Postsecondary Faculty or Academic Leader: An EdD in Applied Learning Sciences opens doors to teaching and leadership positions in higher education. Whether you want to become a faculty member, curriculum director, or academic dean, this degree positions you to lead evidence-informed innovation in universities and colleges.

With a focus on learning theory, research design, and instructional systems, you'll be prepared to guide academic programs, advise on pedagogical strategy, and contribute to institutional change. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary teaching roles are projected to grow by 12% from 2021 to 2031, with an estimated 132,600 job openings annually.

2. Director of Online Learning or Instructional Designer: The digital learning space continues to evolve rapidly, as does the demand for professionals who can design and manage high-impact online experiences. Through coursework in instructional design and online platform innovation, this program provides the foundation to lead virtual learning initiatives at universities, K-12 districts, and EdTech firms.

3. Corporate Training and Development Strategist: If you want to apply educational expertise in business settings, this degree prepares you to design and implement professional learning systems for employee development. Whether you work in healthcare, finance, nonprofit leadership, or tech, organizations seek leaders who understand how adults learn and how training impacts performance.

You'll learn how to assess learning needs, build customized programs, and align training with broader organizational goals. Graduates often step into roles leading talent development, onboarding, or leadership coaching across diverse industries.

4. Community-Based Education Leader: This program prepares you to design educational programs in informal and community spaces such as libraries, public learning labs, and outreach initiatives.

If your interest lies in community empowerment, after-school programs, or educational equity, the applied learning sciences approach equips you to build relevant, inclusive, and culturally informed systems. You'll gain skills in stakeholder engagement, program design, and impact evaluation that support success beyond the classroom.

5. Informal Learning Program Manager: Museums, zoos, aquariums, and cultural centers increasingly hire learning scientists to direct visitor engagement, educational programs, and youth outreach. This EdD allows you to design learning environments integrating storytelling, interaction, and discovery for diverse audiences.

Graduates may be program curators, experience designers, or education managers, bringing academic rigor to informal spaces while maintaining creativity and accessibility.

6. Human Resources Learning Advisor: Organizational learning isn't limited to traditional training departments. HR professionals who deeply understand how adults learn lead the charge in inclusive workplace education, leadership coaching, and employee wellbeing.

This program strengthens your ability to implement change, develop learning frameworks, and foster environments that support continuous professional growth. It's a strong fit for those ready to move beyond operations and into strategic learning leadership.

7. Learning Technology and EdTech Innovator: For those on the cutting edge of education and technology, this degree provides a unique opportunity to bridge both worlds. Graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset often go on to consult for EdTech companies, lead digital transformation projects, or build their own platforms.

With a grounding in research, UX thinking, and data-driven learning design, you can contribute to educational apps, adaptive learning tools, or AI-driven curriculum products.

8. Global or Cultural Learning Specialist: Cultural context plays a central role in how people learn. This program deeply explores identity, emotion, and cross-cultural communication, ideal for professionals focused on international education, multilingual curriculum development, or lifelong learning initiatives.

Graduates in this pathway often support education systems abroad, lead language and literacy programs, or develop curriculum tailored to specific regional or demographic needs.

Ready to take the next step toward your dream career? Apply today to the University of Miami's Applied Learning Sciences EdD program to start your journey.

Submit official transcripts from ALL academic institutions you have attended. While you can upload unofficial transcripts for initial review, you must also arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly to the University of Miami.

Email electronic transcripts to etranscripts@miami.edu or mail physical transcripts to:
Attn: UOnline Enrollment
PO Box 248272
Coral Gables, FL. 33146 - 2991

The GRE requirement is waived for eligible applicants. However, if you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you must submit valid test scores no older than 5 years. You can upload unofficial test scores with your online application to receive an admission decision. While GRE scores are preferred, we also accept MCAT, LSAT, or GMAT scores. International applicants without degrees from the United States must also submit TOEFL scores.

Upload an updated resume that includes:

• Employment history
• Academic history
• Publications
• Military experience, if any
• Leadership roles
• Honors/Awards
• Community activities
• Volunteer initiatives

Your personal statement should articulate your reasons for pursuing the Doctor of Education online program, how our program aligns with your professional background, and your career goals upon completion of the program.

Submit three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references. Enter your recommenders' information on the application, and they will receive an email prompting them to fill out your recommendation online. Remind them that recommendations need to be received by the application deadline. We recommend requesting letters from individuals who can provide an accurate assessment of your performance and suitability for doctoral education programs.

After completing your application, begin preparing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the school code: 001536. You can submit your FAFSA during the application process to meet all required financial aid deadlines. Additionally, you must complete a mandatory online Student Readiness Orientation (SRO) within four weeks of accepting an admissions offer to ensure eligibility to start classes.

• Educational theory and practice
• Cutting-edge approaches to curriculum design, instructional delivery, and assessment
• Real-world case studies, collaborative projects, and immersive simulations to apply your knowledge in authentic educational contexts
• The guidance of experienced faculty members and dedicated academic advisors
• A robust online learning platform that provides flexible access to course materials, resources, and support services
• Skills and knowledge needed to advocate for equity, inclusivity, and social justice in education

The University of Miami's online Doctor of Education program offers a tightly integrated curriculum for education professionals seeking to lead change across academic, organizational, and community settings. This educational leadership program equips you to design transformative learning experiences, apply research in context, and shape more inclusive and effective education systems.

Online EdD in education programs are crafted to develop both critical expertise and practical fluency in addressing today's learning challenges.

• TAL 704 Introduction to the Learning Sciences: Examine how learning theories apply across cultural and institutional environments. You'll explore the relationship between learning design and systemic impact, laying the groundwork for leadership in K–12, higher ed, or postsecondary education.
• TAL 705 Design of Online Learning Environments: Investigate how AI-integrated tools, adaptive technology, and accessibility standards intersect to support digital learners. Ideal for professionals aiming to lead innovative online learning initiatives within education or EdTech.
• TAL 707 Design for Workplace-Related Learning: Learn to assess workforce training needs and develop scalable learning interventions that align with organizational goals. This course supports your ability to launch or lead leadership and innovation program initiatives in professional environments.
• TAL 708 Design for Out-of-School, Informal Learning: Apply research-backed strategies to design learning experiences in spaces like museums, libraries, or public installations. Particular focus is given to integrating culturally responsive methods in community-centered education.
• TAL 651 Affective, Relational, and Cultural Factors in Learning: Explore how emotional intelligence, identity, and cultural context shape learner engagement. This course is essential for those influencing education policy, inclusive curriculum, or support services.
• TAL 600 Human Learning: Study developmental and cognitive principles across the lifespan. Content directly applies to adult learning environments and supports specialized work in special education, literacy development, or mentoring.
• TAL 602 Organizational Learning: Analyze how knowledge flows through systems, from classrooms to nonprofits. Students develop strategies to embed continuous improvement frameworks into institutional practice.
• EPS 700 Quantitative Methods I: Build fluency in statistical design, data interpretation, and hypothesis testing using SPSS. Strengthens your ability to support decisions with evidence and develop critical thinking models in leadership practice.
• TAL 714 Introduction to Qualitative Methods: Gain practical research experience through interviews, field observations, and coding methods. This course lets online students extract insight from lived experiences and educational social dynamics.
• TAL 690 Topics in Education: Focus on timely issues such as global equity frameworks, AI-driven feedback systems, or trauma-informed leadership. This course adapts with the evolving priorities of online doctoral program's education environments.
• TAL 709 & TAL 712 Applied Research and Development Seminars I & II: You'll take on leadership positions designing and piloting a solution to a real educational need in your current workplace or a targeted community. These courses mark the transition from theory to field-tested practice.
• TAL 811 & TAL 812 Capstone Project I & II: Complete a culminating high-impact research project demonstrating your mastery and ability to contribute meaningful solutions to systemic educational issues. The final product is designed to be portfolio-ready and to enhance visibility in your career path. It's a bold step toward student success, wherever your online doctorate takes you.

• Gain a deep understanding of educational theory and learn how to effectively apply it to address real-world challenges in education
• The ability to critically evaluate and assess complex issues in education
• Learn to design and implement research methodologies that drive evidence-based decision-making
• Hone your communication skills to effectively advocate for the needs of students and form collaborative partnerships
• Embrace ethical principles and standards of practice
• Embrace continuous improvement and innovation within educational settings
• Champion equity and inclusivity in education

Our online EdD program aims to offer you flexibility that suits your unique circumstances. With manageable course segments spread across seven weeks, you can customize your study schedule to fit into your life.

Leveraging state-of-the-art technology and our online platform, you'll have continuous access to course materials, resources, and interactive learning experiences 24/7. From virtual office hours to guest speaker sessions, our instructors employ innovative teaching methods to ensure dynamic and engaging learning experiences.

In our Doctor of Education online program, you decide the pace of your journey. Guided by experienced faculty and supported by a structured framework of checkpoints and milestones, you have the autonomy to navigate the program according to your individual learning preferences.

Throughout your enrollment in our online ed doctoral programs, you'll receive comprehensive support from our team of seasoned instructors and dedicated student support staff. You'll also have access to a dedicated online advisor who will provide tailored support and guidance as you progress through the program.

Our online Doctorate of Education program is designed to be completed in 2.5 years, consisting of 15 courses, each lasting for 7 weeks.

While both are doctoral degrees, there are distinct differences. The University of Miami's online doctoral program's education standards are tailored to individuals seeking to apply their knowledge directly to practice, emphasizing educational leadership and practical skills.

On the other hand, an online PhD in education program is more research-oriented, delving deep into theoretical frameworks and contributing new knowledge to the field.

Graduates can make an impact across the education field and various industries, including private organizations, academia, non-profits, healthcare, and government agencies.

Our online platform, UOnline, provides a comprehensive and user-friendly environment for student success. Powered by Blackboard Learn, you can access course materials anytime, anywhere. Zoom is utilized for virtual office hours, discussions, and guest lectures, fostering engagement and collaboration.