Masters in Educational Psychology

According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, the rate of adolescent depression increased by 52 percent between 2005 and 2017. COVID-19 may increase mental health concerns in young people, and these issues may spill over into the classroom. As a result, educational psychology skills, in conjunction with other mental health resources, can aid in the creation of safe and effective learning environments. Best practices in research, diagnostic, and instructional approaches are taught to educational psychology students. Continue reading to see how a masters degree in educational psychology might help you succeed in your profession.

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Should I Pursue an Educational Psychology Masters Degree? 

A masters degree in educational psychology earned online leads to specialized knowledge, more employment opportunities, and higher compensation. Graduates learn observational, research, and diagnostic abilities that can be used to a variety of fields, including education and psychology. 

Most students graduate in 18-24 months after completing these programs, which typically involve 30-36 credits. A one-semester or year-long practicum in an educational context is required in most programs. 

Graduates of educational psychology can obtain state licensing to serve as school psychologists or counselors, in addition to obtaining particular skills. Doctoral degrees, academic research, and professional certifications can all be pursued with this degree.

What Will You Learn in a Masters Program in Educational Psychology? 

Instructional psychology master’s students study the essential theoretical and practical abilities needed to conduct research, establish educational tactics, and build constructive learning environments throughout the course of 30-36 credits and two years. 

Introduction to educational psychology, self-regulation and motivation, and qualitative design and analysis are typical courses for a master’s degree in educational psychology. Adult education, scholarly research, and applied behavioral analysis are common concentrations available to students. 

Many programs demand that students conduct a practicum in a classroom setting. Students can go on to PhD studies in education or psychology after graduation.

Learning and Assessment Concentrations 

This focus aids students in developing educational assessment and evaluation abilities, which are critical to the learning process. Students take courses like classroom learning evaluation, educational statistical methods, and advanced educational psychology. 

ABD stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. 

This emphasis focuses on evidence-based approaches that affect behavioral evaluations and prepares degree-seekers for careers as board-certified behavior analysts. Functional behavioral assessment, professional ethics in behavior analysis, and physical foundation of behavior are examples of common training. 

Academic Psychology 

Learners in this focus study to become school psychologists. Functional behavior assessment, social foundations of behavior, and behavioral principles of learning are just a few of the courses that students take to develop assessment, consulting, and intervention skills. 

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Talent and Gifted Program

This specialization focuses on program development, innovative thinking, and the emotional and social requirements of exceptional students. Introduction to gifted and talented kids, identification and evaluation of gifted individuals, and models and techniques for gifted learners are all common courses.

How to Get into a Masters Program in Educational Psychology 

A bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university is required for all educational psychology master’s programs. A 3.0 undergraduate GPA is also required for many programs. Applicants who do not satisfy this GPA requirement may be admitted conditionally to some programs. 

Official academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal essay are frequently required. 

What Can I Do With an Educational Psychology Masters Degree? 

Graduates with a master’s degree in educational psychology can work in a variety of settings, both in and out of the classroom. This advanced degree can expand employment possibilities and boost income potential for those who pursue professions in research, private practice, or public schools. 

General psychologists make an average yearly pay of $82,180, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Keep in mind that these jobs often necessitate a doctorate and a license. In addition, instructional coordinators earn a median annual salary of $66,970, with the BLS estimating a 6% increase in employment between 2019 and 2029.

How much money can I make with an educational psychology masters degree? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, special education instructors make a median annual pay of $61,420. Social workers have a median annual compensation of $51,760, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 13% increase in employment between 2019 and 2029. Keep in mind that your earning potential is determined by your location, job title, and experience. 

FAQs 

What is the definition of educational psychology? 

Educational psychology is a branch of psychology that studies human learning. Adult education, applied behavioral analysis, and school psychology are all subfields of this broad field. 

How much does a master’s degree in educational psychology cost? 

The cost of an educational psychology master’s degree varies depending on the curriculum. Financial aid sources like scholarships, grants, and work-study programs can help cover the cost of this degree. State university programs are frequently around $25,000 in cost. 

Is it worthwhile to pursue a master’s degree in educational psychology? 

A master’s degree in educational psychology takes a major time and financial investment, but it can significantly increase employment opportunities and earnings potential. Professional certificates can help to increase the value of this degree. 

How long does a master’s degree in educational psychology take? 

The majority of master’s in educational psychology programs last 18-24 months. Part-time students may take longer to complete their studies.

Is there a great demand for educational psychologists? 

Many associated employment are expected to rise significantly between 2019 and 2029, according to the BLS. For example, the BLS forecasts a 6% increase in instructional coordinator jobs and a 13% increase in social worker jobs within same time period. 

Are educational psychology programs’ admittance standards stringent? 

The short answer is that getting into an educational psychology master’s program is no more difficult than getting into any other graduate degree program. Though some prerequisites are universal, each institution and university has its unique admissions criteria. 

A bachelor’s degree from an authorized college or university is required to enroll in an educational psychology program. Some colleges require applicants to hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology or a Bachelor of Science in Education, while others accept students with a variety of academic backgrounds. 

You may also be required to provide documentation of relevant professional experience in the form of a résumé or a current teaching license. Applicants to programs that accept applications from recent undergrads are sometimes asked to prepare a personal statement detailing their professional ambitions. 

You’ll almost certainly be requested to submit GRE scores, while some colleges and institutions reduce GRE requirements for applicants with extensive professional experience, and others don’t require them at all. Even if GRE scores aren’t necessary, it’s a good idea to submit them if you have them because they provide admissions authorities another data point to evaluate. 

Aside from that, each educational psychology program evaluates applications using various criteria. Because some programs grant psychology degrees and others grant education degrees, admissions requirements might vary greatly from program to program. Top colleges and universities are, unsurprisingly, the most selective.

Which universities offer the top master’s degrees in educational psychology? 

The following schools and universities offer highly ranked master’s in educational psychology and associated programs: 

The College of Education and Human Ecology at Ohio State University 

Both a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies are available at Ohio State, with a focus on educational psychology. Students in the master’s program work with professors and PhD candidates to prepare for careers as leaders in schools, organizations, government, and private research institutions. 

Teachers College at Columbia University is one of the top 10 education schools in the US, according to US News & World Report, and Columbia’s Master of Arts in Psychology in Education provides a clear path to clinical work, particularly for students pursuing a PsyD or PhD. 

The College of Education at the University of Alabama 

At the University of Alabama, you can choose from a variety of master’s degrees in educational psychology, including an MA, EdS, or PhD. This highly regarded curriculum offers both an online and on-campus option, and completion requires considerable fieldwork experience. 

The College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities 

At the University of Minnesota, students can pursue a variety of educational psychology paths, including counselor education, psychological foundations of education, special education, and more. The program was ranked in the top 10 educational psychology departments by US News and World Report. 

The College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin 

The University of Texas at Austin, which also tops key national lists for education psychology, provides graduate level candidates distinct areas such as human development, culture, and learning science. Many of the programs prepare students for PhD and licensure programs that include practicum or research. 

The School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison 

In a large range of highly specialized subjects, the University of Wisconsin has highly experienced faculty. Students can concentrate on a variety of areas, including human development, quantitative approaches, and learning analytics.

Why should you pursue a master’s degree in psychology? 

In your leisure time, you can acquire a master’s degree in educational psychology. 

There are many online master’s in educational psychology programs available, with full-time and part-time options. Many schools and institutions assume that students pursuing this degree will continue to work while completing it. 

Educational psychologists are in high demand. 

We know that bullying, mental health difficulties, deprivation, and sedentary classrooms might harm children’ ability to recall material, even though we still have a lot to understand about how people learn. Schools, policy groups, politicians, and non-profit organizations are all attempting to figure out how to create learning environments that are conducive to all students. Psychologists (a broad category that includes school psychologists) and school counselors are experiencing stronger job growth than the general economy. 

With a master’s degree in educational psychology, you can do a lot. 

An educational psychology degree can, but does not have to, lead to work in K-12 schools. You could work for a government or commercial research agency, an adolescent mental health program, a curriculum design company, or a college, depending on the concentration of the program you pick. Some educational psychologists go on to work for big companies with big training programs for their employees. 

With this degree, you can earn a lot of money. 

Teachers with a master’s degree earn between $1,400 and $10,000 more per year than those who do not. Educational psychologists can earn up to $90,000 per year. More than $130,000 is possible for educational scholars. 

You can pivot if you have a master’s degree in educational psychology. 

If you’re a teacher, this degree can help you advance into positions such as educational administration, school counseling, program design and assessment, or duties with special student populations. There are MEd in Educational Psychology programs that can lead to licensure if you aren’t a teacher. Many of the skills you’ll learn in an educational psychology master’s program, such as critical thinking and data analysis, can be applied to a variety of jobs. 

You’ll be qualified to begin a doctoral program. 

A master’s degree in educational psychology or a related field of education can help you prepare for the challenge of obtaining a PhD in educational psychology or a related field of education. Although you may not need a master’s degree to apply to these programs, having both a master’s and a doctorate is a good idea if you want to be a top expert in your industry. 

You’ll be able to make a significant impact. 

Some students are still being left behind by the educational system. A degree in educational psychology can provide you with the tools, information, abilities, and qualifications you’ll need to meet kids where they are. You’ll be able to use science to improve teaching methods and educational methodologies; develop systems that help students with specific learning challenges and special needs reach academic goals; and have a beneficial impact on instructional processes and, ultimately, learning outcomes.

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