Educational psychology is the study of how people learn in various educational contexts. Students and professionals who want to learn about the cognitive, emotional, and social dynamics of different types of people should consider earning an online Master’s degree in Educational Psychology. By pursuing an affordable online Master’s in Educational Psychology, students can gain the knowledge and skills required to succeed in a variety of settings, including education, social service, and government.
Plato and Aristotle, the fathers of educational psychology, may be names you are already familiar with. These two philosophers established the field, which has since undergone numerous iterations. Educational psychology is now incorporating leading theories from fields such as behavioral, cognitive, and social psychology. These fields are associated with many theories, including constructivism, functionalism, humanistic psychology, and others.
What Exactly Is an Educational Psychology Degree?
Students with degrees in educational psychology are prepared to work as practitioners, teachers, counselors, and in a variety of other roles. The science of learning is critical, and many professions place a premium on expertise. You must, however, first obtain your degree.
Educational psychology programs cover a wide range of convergent theories and disciplines, but the degree is primarily concerned with how people learn. University programs provide courses such as Multicultural Issues in Learning, Introduction to Computer-Based Education, Applied Statistical Methods in Education, and others to accomplish this. While these courses are beneficial to educators, they are also beneficial to those interested in working for the government or in other professions.
If you want to pursue an online master’s degree in educational psychology, you should meet or exceed the following requirements:
- A 2.5 GPA or higher is required, with more selective schools requiring a 3.0 GPA.
- An undergraduate degree from an affiliated program.
- Two or more letters of recommendation
- Some, but not all, schools require GRE scores.
- A resume detailing relevant experience.
How much do educational psychologists make?
Earning potential for an educational psychologist can be influenced by factors such as location, experience, education, and employer. According to PayScale, educational psychologists earn a median salary of $72,882. Furthermore, PayScale data shows that pay increases with experience.
Is a master’s degree in educational psychology worthwhile?
A master’s degree in educational psychology is frequently beneficial. This degree can lead to high-paying and fulfilling careers in research, consulting, administration, and psychology. Professionals in this field are frequently improving educational accessibility and conducting best practices research for all types of learners.
A master’s degree in educational psychology also grants admission to doctoral programs in the field, preparing graduates for careers in academia and research. Doctoral degree holders can work as tenure-track professors.
What are my career options if I have a master’s in educational psychology?
Students with a master’s degree in educational psychology can work as school psychologists, educational consultants, researchers, higher education administrators, or school counselors. They may also be qualified for positions as K-12 principals, postsecondary instructors at local community colleges, or instructional coordinators, who create curricula for entire school districts.
A master’s degree in educational psychology allows you to apply to doctoral programs in a variety of areas of psychology and education. These courses prepare students for lucrative careers in academia and research.
What are the highest-paying jobs in educational psychology?
School psychologists are the highest-paying jobs for graduates with a master’s degree in educational psychology. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for psychologists in the top 10% of earners was more than $133,890 in May 2021.
Because experience and employer have a direct impact on salary potential, many of these professionals have most likely been practicing for many years and work in high-paying fields such as government. Remember that many of these positions require a doctorate, though in some cases a master’s degree is sufficient.
The following are the top five educational psychology colleges and universities that offer online degrees.
- University of Missouri Saint Louis
The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers a high-quality online MEd in educational psychology that can be completed in 12 to 18 months. The curriculum can be tailored to specific interests and career goals. Students can take elective courses in areas such as educational technology and classroom evaluation strategies.
- Among the courses available are Educational Program Development and Evaluation.
- Specialized education in the development of young children and adolescents
- Mental health and development in children and adolescents
An internship, a thesis, and the development and evaluation of advanced educational programs are among the capstone experiences available to students.
- The University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee’s Educational Psychology and Counseling Department offers an affordable online master’s degree in educational psychology program for working professionals. Students can specialize their studies in applied educational psychology or adult education. Students must log in to their online classroom at predetermined times during the day or on weekends to participate in lectures and interact with instructors and peers. After completing 37 credits of non-thesis coursework, students must pass a comprehensive exam. Freshmen are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
- Ball State University
Ball State University’s online Master of Arts in educational psychology program is an exact replica of the on-campus program. Students benefit from the same programs and career services as those enrolled in on-campus courses taught by the same professors. Students who are in a hurry can complete this program in one year, but most students need about 18 months.
Students in this program can choose from a variety of specializations, including neuropsychology, applied behavior analysis, human development, and gifted and talented. Students take four classes in their specialty in addition to the program’s core courses. Advanced Educational Psychology, Statistical Methods in Educational and Psychological Research, and Psychology of Human Development are among the required courses.
- University Of Northern Colorado
Teaching is a difficult balancing act. Teachers must pay equal attention to both motivated and apathetic students. They must also motivate the brightest students while providing adequate assistance to those who learn more slowly. It’s difficult. To that end, the University of Northern Colorado’s Master of Arts in educational psychology with a focus on teaching applications emphasizes the art and science of teaching.
This program provides students with excellent courses such as Educational Psychology for Teachers, Cultural Issues in Educational Psychology, Motivation in Education, and Educational Assessment. The comprehensive exam that students in this program must pass includes a research paper on a relevant subject.
- Edinboro University
Edinboro University has a distinct point of view. They approach the issue from the standpoint of an organization that understands teachers’ difficulties. Teachers must demonstrate qualitative growth in their students in addition to receiving low pay and working long hours, which is difficult. Edinboro University’s Master of Education in educational psychology program, among other things, assists teachers in demonstrating student growth.
Students take courses such as Learning Theories, Seminar in Special Education, Research in Education, Foundations of Literacy, and Human Development Across the Lifespan. To graduate, students must complete an applied research project and receive a 70% or higher on the comprehensive exam.
These are the top 5 online educational psychology programs.
Conclusion
Many students who obtain a master’s degree in educational psychology go on to pursue a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in the field. In the long run, the majority of educational psychology students want to work in academia, research, or administration. These positions typically require a terminal degree in the field.
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