What Is a Master's in Educational Psychology Degree?
Educational Psychology is the study of how students learn and the various social and emotional elements influencing the process of learning. A Master's Degree in Educational Psychology is focused on the behavorial, cognitive and development factors involved in learning and how specific environmental factors influence the outcomes of learning. Students in this subject usually research on topics such as human development, instructional design, learner assessment, classroom management and technology-assisted learning. Most of the learning and the research in this field serves the purpose of optimizing and making progress in education and learning experiences through human psychology. This subject aims at answering some of the greater debates of modern society such as the effectiveness of online learning and the importance of digital learning tools.
Common Undergraduate Degrees for Educational Psychology
Although there is no set requirement for a specific bachelor's degree, an undergraduate degree related to the subject is useful. Education and psychology are common undergraduate degrees for applicants. However, many study this subject with a background in linguistics, cognitive science, computer science or a degree that is geared towards a helping profession such as occupational therapy, nursing, social work, speech-language pathology or physiotherapy. Often, these professions foster an interest in supporting others to succeed, which is useful for a master's in educational psychology.
Admissions Requirements for Educational Psychology Master's Programs
Every program has individual admissions criteria and sometimes programs extend conditional acceptances to students who do not meet their requirements. However, a competitive application shares some common traits. A bachelor's degree in a related field with an above average GPA is required. Professional experience can be helpful and some competitive programs may only offer admission to those already holding a teaching license or with some experience in a school or educational setting. While many schools are now removing the criteria for standardized tests, submitting good GRE or GMAT scores can also make an application stand out to the admissions committee.
How to Choose a Master's in Educational Psychology Program
While researching programs for educational psychology, besides the courses and specializations offered by a specific program, one should also keep in mind the accreditations of the school. Each shortlisted school should have at least one of the six regional bodies of accreditation based on its location. The American Psychology Association is a recognized source of accreditation by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for programs in professional education and psychology. Additionally, The American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists accredit the best programs for educational psychology which may be worth taking into account.
Educational Psychology Master's Degree Courses
The common learning outcomes from a master's in educational psychology include the ability to create a student-centered instructional environment, ensure all learners acquire quality education irrespective of their learning style and the ability to advise policymakers. Hence, coursework in this field is geared towards these objectives. Students may expect to complete 60 or more credits on average. Some common coursework includes Research Methods for Education, Perspectives on Diversity, Lifespan Development, Neuropsychology and Cognitive Psychology.
Educational Psychology Foundational Courses
Foundational courses in Educational Psychology aim to introduce students to the influences of cognition on certain areas of education including math, science and literacy. Some courses that are commonly offered by programs include:
- Cognition and Instruction in the Classroom: This course teaches the basics of cognitive psychology and looks at its influence within a learning environment.
- Human Development and Schooling: This course explores the history of human development, especially cognitive development and traces how the changing schooling system impacts such development.
- Professional Issues in Psychology: This required course introduces students to some of the practical issues that are commonly faced as one seeks to implement the theories of cognition and psychology in education. The course aims to provide professional growth and development to students.
Educational Psychology Specialist & Elective Courses
In addition to the foundational courses that students are required to complete, most programs also have electives that students can choose from depending on their individual career interests. Electives are program specific and depend on the specialization of an individual program. However, some common options include:
- Qualitative Methods of Educational Research: This course focuses on the thoughts, experiences and concepts and data collected from real-world experiences to make a practical intervention in the field.
- Quantitative Methods of Educational Research: This course focuses on the opposite of qualitative research by looking at the science of educational development through theories and the application of statistical methods.
- Developmental Psychology and Education: This course focuses on theories of psychological growth in an educational setting.
Licensure & Certification in Educational Psychology
In order to work as an educational psychologist, a student needs to be licensed after graduation in the state they wish to work in. Licensure requirements vary by jurisdiction. For licensure, the psychologist will need to intern for a year in the area of specialization they wish to work in. In particular states, the psychologist may also need to work for one to two years for board certification and to qualify for a license to practice. The National Association of School Psychologists also offers certification to become school psychologists.
Post-Graduate Options After Master's in Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology is a research intensive field and offers much scope for further postgraduate study opportunities. Most programs that offer a Master's in Educational Psychology also offer a Ph.D. in the subject. Many students graduating from master's program and interested in further research apply for a Ph.D. A doctoral degree in the discipline prepares graduates to teach and counsel students within an educational setting. With a Ph.D. in this subject, a graduate can expect to work in counselling, academics, business or public sectors.
What Can I Do with an Educational Psychology Master's Degree?
A master's in educational psychology is the first step to getting certified or licensed in the field and becoming an educational psychologist. With a master's, a graduate can work towards a license to practice as a professional educational psychologist. A graduate will also qualify for certain entry-level jobs in academia or research. However, for more advanced jobs in academia or students who wish to become counselling or clinical psychologists, a Ph.D. is required. Graduates with this degree usually become post-secondary teachers, school psychologists, social workers and school or career counsellors. Some graduates also become freelance consultants who build their own businesses working short-term contracts for companies that require assistance with educational policies.
Job Outlook for a Master's in Educational Psychology
Educational psychologists are a very important part of the education industry and are responsible for much of the growth and progress in this industry. Hence, there will always be positions within this sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate for psychologists from 2019-2029 is 3% which is as fast as average occupations in the United States. Other jobs in this field are also growing fast, with the projected growth rate for school and career counselors being 8% from 2019-2029. Increased school enrolments are further set to increase the demand for this career option. Hence, there is much scope for growth working within this industry.
How to Become a School Counsellor
School counsellors or guidance counsellors play a very important role in the success and future career growth of students. The term can be used broadly for several counselling roles in the education setting. This can be a very rewarding career option for those looking to impact the future of young minds. One needs to be good at working with children and young adults, problem-solving and overall verbal communication. The initial steps to becoming a school counsellor are to get a bachelor's degree in the behavorial or social science disciplines and a master's in a related field such as educational psychology. After graduation, one has to gain some internship or work experience in order to be licensed. Even after one gets licensed and hired, it is always a good idea to stay educated and updated on trends and changes in this field. According to BLS, the median salary for school counsellors in 2020 was $58,120 per year.
How to Become a Social Worker
One of the most satisfying and fulfilling careers is that of a social worker. A social worker works within specific communities to bring about positive change, growth and empowerment within populations through their work. This can be a great option for those who wish to make a positive impact through their career and daily work. To become a social worker, one needs a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as social work and a master's degree in an associate area such as educational psychology. After graduation, one needs to complete a certain number of fieldwork hours to apply for State Social Work Licensure. Finally, one will have to apply for specific jobs and keep updated on trends and changes. According to the BLS, the median salary of a social worker is $51,760 per year in 2020. The BLS also projects the growth rate of a social worker to be 13% per year which is higher than average jobs in the United States.
Master's in Educational Psychology Program Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources
Like most master's degrees, a graduate degree in Education Psychology can be expensive. However, there are some scholarships and funding opportunities to offset the cost of attending school. Specific programs have merit and needs-based scholarships for accepted students, and it is always recommended to check with individual programs. In addition, specific organizations also provide scholarships, such as the National Science Foundation, for research-based master's programs. The American Psychological Foundation sponsors many fellowships, scholarships and research grants every year. There are also several private foundations such as the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation funds the International Dissertation Research Fellowship Program which offers 75 scholarships to graduate students in the humanities and social sciences every year. It is recommended that graduate students file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid with the school in question. The FAFSA provides loans to graduate students depending upon need and program length.
