Master of Science in Learning Engineering
(MSLE)

Join Carnegie Mellon University in our audacious, unconventional interdisciplinary approach to research, education and performance. United by curiosity and driven by passion, together we continue to forge new ground and deploy our expertise to make real, practical change that benefits all of humankind.

Program Information

The Master of Science in Learning Engineering (MSLE) is an intense, interdisciplinary, technical program taught in the School of Computer Science by our world-renowned faculty. It condenses a normal two-year graduate program into sixteen months.

The program has a vibrant research ecosystem, deep industry partnerships, expansive elective offerings, and well-engineered core courses which make it the best learning science program in the world.

Watch this video to learn how we use learning engineer at Carnegie Mellon University

The first and second semesters in the MSLE program focus on mastering core knowledge and skills through courses in learning principles, technology design and implementation, and a range of engaging electives. The second semester introduces the student Capstone Project, a substantial industry project with an external client. In the summer, students can take on a research project in preparation for applying to a PhD program or an external internship. In the final semester, students complete the capstone project and remaining electives.

Worth Knowing:
- In 1955 one of our 21 Nobel Laurates, Herb Simon invented Learning Engineering. Carnegie Mellon remains home to the leading program in Learning Engineering.
- This program is distinct from the Learning Sciences track in the HCII PhD program and is not designed as a feeder to that program.

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Why a Master of Science in Learning Engineering?

“In the era of AI and big data, the MSLE program provides students with the critical skills to be a leader in educational technology. We are at the forefront of using Educational Data Mining and Intelligent Tutoring Systems to truly personalize learning. Our curriculum doesn’t just teach you about these technologies—it empowers you to design and build them. We train students to collect and analyze large-scale learning data to inform instructional decisions and create more effective, data-driven educational technologies founded on the learning sciences. Our students learn to not only understand how technology works but also how to use it to create better learning outcomes for everyone.” ~ John Stamper, Ph.D. — MSLE Program Director; Associate Professor, HCII

What Our Alumni Say

“In just one year, the METALS program helped me learn how to build intelligent tutors, design educational games and collaborate with real classrooms. In my first semester, I dove into impactful projects for my courses, including building an adaptive ASL tutor for Personalized Online Learning and co-designing a Duolingo extension with high school students for Learning Media Design. I wrapped up the semester by presenting my paper at an international conference… “

Pragati Maheshwary (2025 Alumni)

See What Else Our Alumni Say

Learning Engineering @ Carnegie Mellon

Why Carnegie Mellon?

Carnegie Mellon is a place like no other. World renown for its interdisciplinary nature, rigor and deep knowledge in learning science, human-computer interaction, psychology, design and computer science,

As a MSLE student you will experience a vibrant research ecosystem, deep industry partnerships, expansive elective offerings, and well-engineered core courses that makes it the best learning engineering program in the world.

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Living in Pittsburgh

Why You?

Our students learn in a collaborative, project-based environment. In interdisciplinary teams, you learn how to apply cutting-edge research to engineer effective, instrumented learning experiences that will be continuously improved. Making it particularly valuable for those who want to drive meaningful change.

You put everything you learn to practice in two capstone projects and an internship.

Our small cohort class sizes allow you to experience individualized, supportive attention focused on your success.

Learn more about the curriculum

After You Graduate

House in the School of Computer Science, MSLE is a technical, data-driven, practical, and impactful program. Graduates are trained to be change makers who engineer effective, data-driven learning experiences.

Graduates take on positions from learning engineers to product managers and more. Based on the strength of the research program many alumni go on to PhD programs.

See where our alumni are