Master of Arts in Educational Psychology

Degree Description:

Educational Psychology…..advancing theory and methods to better learning and performance.

Educational psychology is the study of how humans learn and retain knowledge, primarily in educational settings like classrooms. This includes emotional, social, and cognitive learning processes. Areas of focus might include teaching, testing and assessment methods, psychometrics, classroom or learning environments, and learning, social, and behavioral problems that may impede learning, technology in learning. Graduates work as professors, education specialists, learning analysts, program evaluators, and find positions in research institutions, school systems, the testing industry, government agencies, and private industry.

We train students within educational psychology to be excellent consumers and producers of research in order to address challenging educational problems.  These students gain a deep understanding of learning theory and methods to allow them to contribute to both theory and practice in the domain in which they select to work.  The work in such areas may be awarded, for example, by the  ability to make contributions to the improvement of educational settings (e.g., schools, universities), to have a direct influence on individuals through the development of programs, methods, and tools to meet their needs, or to provide information to individuals who shape policy. Thus, we seek individuals who will first meet challenging academic standards for entrance and show promise for success in the exciting field of educational psychology.

While students at the Master’s level in educational psychology complete a common core of courses, a portion of each Master’s degree program is composed of courses selected by the student and his/her advisory committee to tailor the program of study around the student’s personal interests and professional aspirations. M.A. recipients in educational psychology are well prepared to continue doctoral level training if so desired. However, an M.A would give access to entry level positions in this intriguing field that presents an ever-changing, challenging, and rewarding work environment. The M.A. does require the completion of a written thesis and is encouraged if a student is considering the pursuit of a doctoral degree. Students may pursue either a thesis or non-thesis M.A. degree.

Note to International Students requiring a visa: Please apply early to ensure enough time for application processing, and if offered admission, enough time for visa processing, embassy visits and travel time before term start.