Program in Interdisciplinary Educational Research (PIER)
There is significant research within Human-Computer Interaction which seeks to better understand how students learn and to develop improved instructional technology that reflect that understanding.

Students interested in educational research in Human-Computer Interaction are eligible for support from the Program in Interdisciplinary Educational Research (PIER) at Carnegie Mellon University. This pre-doctoral training grant -- recently funded by the Institute of Education Sciences -- seeks to produce researchers who can expand our understanding of learning and instruction in many domains.  The program also seeks to produce professionals who can adapt, communicate, and implement the fruits of research in the educational sciences to further learning and enhance instructor effectiveness in diverse educational settings and business organizations.  Graduates will be comfortable in the worlds of cognitive science and education practice, and have a firm grounding in one or more Human-Computer Interaction disciplines.  Graduates will receive a certificate in education sciences, and will be expected to conduct dissertations on education topics.

PIER applicants will be admitted through their home departments, while concurrently applying for participation in PIER.  Students will receive up to 5 years of support, including a $30,000 annual graduate stipend.  PIER financial support is for US citizens and permanent residents.

If you are interested in the program, be sure to mention your interest in your Statement of Purpose in your application to HCII.

For more information see: http://www.cmu.edu/pier