The future of education depends on understanding how people learn and with its first minor program, the College of Lifetime Learning is giving students the opportunity to explore the science, systems, and technologies shaping learning today and tomorrow.

The Minor in Learning, launching in Fall 2026, is the College’s first credit-bearing academic credential and was developed in partnership with the School of Psychology. The program combines learning sciences, emerging technologies, and applied design to help students better understand how people learn across classrooms, workplaces, and communities.

“This coursework reflects our commitment to building a learning society through innovative and flexible approaches to education,” Inaugural Dean Bill Gaudelli said. “Learning shapes how we live – how we adapt, solve problems, and engage with others throughout our lives. By offering students the opportunity to study learning itself, we are preparing them to create systems that expand access and human development while responding to the changing needs of society.”

The program examines learning through multiple lenses, and coursework emphasizes both theory and real-world applications so that students are prepared to contribute to industries and organizations as they increasingly focus on workforce development, digital learning, and continuing education.

“Today’s learners move through education in increasingly dynamic and nonlinear ways,” Interim Chief Catalyst for Academic Affairs Stephen M. Ruffin said. “Students who understand how learning systems function will be uniquely positioned to lead across industries where education, technology, and human development intersect.”

The minor is part of the College’s broader strategic plan to shape the future of how the world learns. The emerging field of learning systems serves as the foundation for the College’s academic direction and will integrate learning sciences, technology, and innovation to create an accessible learning environment for all.

“Learning sits at the center of innovation and societal progress,” Gaudelli said. “The College of Lifetime Learning is building new pathways to connect individuals to education so that it can evolve alongside their needs to create greater opportunity across every stage of life.”

Current courses are open to students across Georgia Tech and are designed to complement a wide range of disciplines including engineering, computing, business, public policy, and the humanities.

Additional information about the Minor in Learning, the 2026-27 course offerings, and learning systems field is available through the College’s academic program pages.