Educational psychology – degrees, programs, and careers

Introduction to educational psychology

There’s still much to learn about how people learn. What influences a person’s ability to retain information? How about technology, the time of day, culture, and factors such as age? Does any of it, or all of it, influence a person’s ability to learn new information? Do we all process information the same way with these outside factors at play?

If these questions fascinate you, then you may be an ideal candidate to study educational psychology.

While many of these questions remain unanswered, interest in educational psychology is increasing. Brilliant, curious minds are at work in real-life settings to find solutions to many of these quandaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) job opportunities for educational psychologists are predicted to rise 14% from 2018-2028.

It helps to create strategies to streamline education and yet make it accessible for all students regardless of their learning process and needs.

One central question that has been answered with certainty is whether or not all people learn or respond to external stimuli in the same manner. The answer to this question is clearly no. We all learn and respond differently. This can explain the challenges and rewards of the work of an educational psychologist. It is within their job description to unearth the puzzle pieces and discover how specific individuals best absorb information.

With the rapidly changing education system in the United States, many learners are left behind with a “one size fits all” style of teaching. The field of educational psychology analyzes this vital issue. It helps to create strategies to streamline education and yet make it accessible for all students regardless of their learning process and needs.

What is educational psychology?

Educational psychology teaches you the intricate details of how we, as humans, learn and retain knowledge. The primary focus is on how learning occurs in a group setting, such as in the classroom. It covers the methodology behind teaching and testing students that promote maximum learning potential in a classroom environment. This field of psychology looks at behavioral, social, and learning obstacles present in student populations, and how they prevent some children from gaining an education.

This field of psychology looks at behavioral, social, and learning obstacles present in student populations, and how they prevent some children from gaining an education.

If you’re considering a degree in educational psychology, know that it can lead to numerous career choices.

Educational psychology can be summarized as the study of these primary topics:

• Analysis of teaching, learning, and perception in various educational settings
• Social and cultural processes of learning
• Computers and technology as effective study tools
• Inclusive education for students from all backgrounds and capabilities
• Evaluation of current learning and teaching strategies
• Community and family involvement in education
• Developmental psychology
• Learning differences
• Human development
• Educational assessment
• Behavior assessment
• Counseling theory
• Cognitive theory within the learning process
• Understanding the intricate relationship between human development and education

Bachelor’s program requirements

The minimum requirements to gain admission to an undergraduate program or pathway includes, but isn’t limited to, some of the following:

• A high school diploma or an undergraduate degree that meets the GPA requirements
• Letters of recommendation from teachers
• Standardized test scores, like ACT or SAT
• Personal statement of intent
• Your English language level has to meet the minimum TOEFL score of 55

The typical coursework you’ll complete as part of an undergraduate program will include topics such as:

• Educational psychology
• Educational research problems
• Early childhood development
• Statistical methods
• Human development across the lifespan
• Field experience and educational research

Master’s program requirements

To apply for a master’s program, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, with a minimum GPA typically between 3-3.3. Individual universities may even require a specific B.S. in psychology or education. Each institution will have its own set of admission requirements listed on their website.

Each institution will have its own set of admission requirements listed on their website.

If you have an active teaching license or relevant professional experience, submit these details with your application in the form of a resume. Write a cover letter to accompany your application that outlines your personal and professional achievements and goals.

You’ll have to submit GRE scores unless you have extensive professional experience. In that case, you may apply for a waiver of the GRE score submission. If you do have GRE scores, attaching them to your application can boost your chances, even if it’s not a requirement. Note, some schools will require alternate test scores.

Ph.D. program requirements

Step one in applying for a doctoral program is to have either a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, although most programs will require a master’s degree. Typically, the minimum acceptable GPA for entrance into a Ph.D. program in educational psychology is 3.0. You can also expect to submit your GRE scores together with a portfolio, an essay, and letters of recommendation.

Ph.D. in educational psychology

Once you’ve successfully completed your master’s degree in educational psychology, you can consider pursuing a Ph.D. program. Successfully earning your Ph.D. will offer you a high earning potential in psychological research or as a faculty member at an institution for higher learning. According to the American Psychological Association and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual remuneration for educational psychologists with a Ph.D. ranges from $60,000 to more than $129,000.

A Ph.D. in educational psychology focuses on the advancement of applied research regarding all areas of educational psychology. The program prepares you to develop expertise in modern theoretical issues and the historical development of the field. You can obtain your Ph.D. in educational psychology within 3 to 7 years. The duration of your program is determined by various factors including the nature of your research, program format, and personal commitments.

Is accreditation necessary?

The American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation is the national accrediting authority in the U.S. for psychology education and training. It’s essential to study at accredited institutions to maximize your potential career, income, and further education opportunities after graduation.

Suppose you complete a master’s in educational psychology. You’ll qualify for a career as an educational researcher, a teacher at specific colleges, an educational psychologist, or a career and college counselor. These particular positions help institutions develop strategies to teach students with behavioral or learning issues effectively.

Financial aid

The cost of a college education has increased tremendously over the last few decades, and students often need assistance to afford tuition, room and board, textbooks, meals, and other hefty expenses. Fortunately, you can easily apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA form.

The Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) will allow you the opportunity to apply for government-funded scholarships to complete your degree at an accredited university or college. It’s a good idea to start exploring these options early on and secure financial aid before commencing your studies on campus. Also available on the website for federal student aid is information about applying for scholarships, grants, and loans.

Prospects for continuing education

Once you have your master’s degree in educational psychology, many nationally accredited providers offer courses for continuing education. If you pursue additional classes for continuing education, always ensure that the APA endorses them.

Some beneficial course topics to consider that may advance your career include:

• young adults in therapy
• ethics
• family therapy
• PTSD & trauma counseling
• suicide prevention
• addiction
• attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder
• eating disorders
• mental health

Graduate certificates are an excellent stepping stone toward obtaining your degree. They also help you better understand the field of study you’re entering and can help you determine whether it’s the correct career path for you.

Licensing and certification

Graduates with degrees in educational psychology will need to fulfill the state requirements for licensure before they are able to begin working. To do this, you will need to complete at least one year of practical experience, generally in the form of an internship, although some states stipulate 2 years. As part of the licensing process, psychologists also need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, or EPPP test.

Information about compulsory certification for educational psychologists is available from the American Psychological Association.