Career Opportunities for Applied Learning Sciences EdDs
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.
What are the Entry Requirements?
The University of Miami's Doctor in Education online program offers a straightforward admissions process designed to ensure that all applicants meet the necessary qualifications for success. Below are the entry requirements and steps you need to follow to complete your application:
1. Official Transcripts
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
2. Test Scores
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.
3. Resume
Upload an updated resume that includes:
- Employment history
- Academic history
- Publications
- Military experience, if any
- Leadership roles
- Honors/Awards
- Community activities
- Volunteer initiatives
4. Personal Statement
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.
5. Letters of Recommendation
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.
6. FAFSA and Student Orientation
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.
