This degree program is designed for students seeking a broad foundation in educational psychology. It is valuable to students with specific interests across the areas of human development, learning, individual differences and special education, measurement and evaluation, and research methods.
General MS Track
This 30-credit degree program is designed for students seeking a broad foundation in educational psychology. The program focus is on the research basis of educational psychology, examining human development, learning, and individual differences, and the methodology (measurement and evaluation, research design and statistics) to carry out research. This prepares students for further advanced graduate work in psychology or education. Within the 30 credits, students must complete a special project.
Research Methods and Data Analysis MS Track
By selection of elective courses (12 credits) within the 30-credit degree, students may increase their emphasis on research methods and data analysis and so prepare themselves for positions in research settings and agencies.
Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree.
- Prior coursework: 12 or more credits of undergraduate work or graduate coursework in psychology, educational psychology, education, or related fields as evidenced by official transcripts.
- GPA: a 3.0 (out of 4.0) or better grade point average, or a 3.5 GPA in 9 credits of graduate coursework, or excellent scores on the GRE.
- Personal statement: A well-written essay that reflects the applicant’s knowledge of and interest in educational psychology and methodology, and reveals a match between the applicant’s goals and the program offerings.
- Letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation, including at least two letters from instructors or professors familiar with the applicant’s previous academic work.
- Diversity among student backgrounds and views is desired. To this end, the admissions committee also considers applicants’ accomplishments and personal qualities as reflected in their application statements and recommendation letters.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants whose primary language is not English. A minimum score of 79, 213 or 550 (TOEFL internet based, computer based, and paper based respectively) and 6.5 band score (IELTS) is required.
- Resume: Optional.
Program of Study
Candidates for the degree must complete a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit as approved by their faculty advisor that satisfies the requirements listed below.
- A foundational core of 6 courses (18 credits) at the 500/600 level must be completed by all students. At least 3 of these courses must be completed within the division. This core includes one course in each of the following areas:
- Human development
- Learning
- Individual differences and special education
- Research methods
- Measurement and evaluation
- Statistics
- The remaining 4 courses (12 credits) are electives. Three courses (9 credits) should be taken within the division (at least 6 hours of these at the 600 or above level) and 1 course (3 credits) outside the division.
- Within the 30 credits, the student should complete a special project. This may be satisfied by completing EPsy 680 (Research Project in Educational Psychology). Students may also fulfill this requirement by completing EPsy 697 (Independent Study in Educational Psychology), or EPsy 699 (Master’s Thesis), if 697 and 699 are equivalent in scope to the special project of 680.