Best Online Master’s in Educational Psychology Programs

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Popular Online Educational Psychology Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Educational Psychology Program?

Planning and Organizing Comprehensive Programs

In this course, learners study methods for preparing and implementing educational programs that maximize students' abilities to learn and retain information. Covered topics include the phases in curriculum development and special considerations for different populations, such as students with dyslexia.

Psychology of Human Development

This course covers humans' biological, emotional, social, and cognitive development from birth to death. Covered topics include the unique stages of growth and development and how individuals adapt to various disruptions. Students also explore how culture, families, and peers shape personalities, preferences, and learning processes.

Measurement and Evaluation

Students learn how to apply research, statistics, psychometrics, and data analysis to evaluate educational processes and improve them. In addition to institutional assessment, course topics may include the vocational and academic tests and measurements used for identifying an individual's personality traits, aptitudes, and interests.

Motivation in Learning

This course examines theories and research findings on motivation and how it affects learning. Students delve into motivation as it relates to an educational setting and its practical applications. Learners discover strategies that can influence motivation across cultural backgrounds in both themselves and other learners.

Advanced Educational Psychology

This course focuses on the principles, theories, and research behind educational psychology practices. Coursework explores effective approaches to learning, assessment, evaluation, instruction, and school policies. Students gain an understanding of the development of learning sciences and how neuroscience relates to education.

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What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Educational Psychology Program?

Admission requirements are often the same for on-campus and online master's educational psychology programs. In most cases, schools ask for the materials listed in the following section.

Nevertheless, some schools may maintain additional requirements, such as an interview with a member of the admissions department. Check each program's website to verify the exact requirements before applying.

Application

All programs require prospective students to submit an application form. Most graduate educational psychology programs do not use application systems, instead requiring prospective learners to fill out an application on a school website. Most application forms capture basic information like name and address.

Test Scores

Some master's in educational psychology programs require applicants to submit GRE scores, although this requirement is generally less common for online programs. Score thresholds vary widely by school and program, so check each school's website for up-to-date requirements.

Letters of Recommendation

Most graduate educational psychology programs require applicants to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors. Generally, you should choose professors who teach psychology courses, and you should ask them several months in advance. Try to choose professors who taught classes in which you earned solid grades.

Resume and Work Experience

Almost every master's in educational psychology program requires applicants to submit a resume. Some programs require applicants to have relevant work or research experience. Programs that maintain this requirement usually enroll more professional students than recent undergraduate students.

Essays

While some master's in educational psychology programs ask prospective students to submit a portfolio of relevant research or scholarship, many programs also ask applicants to submit essays. Possible essay prompts include a statement of purpose or how the program will help you achieve your career goals.

Official Transcripts

Graduate programs ask for official undergraduate transcripts so that they can verify the grades you earned during your bachelor's program. These transcripts can help admissions departments assess your readiness for and capacity to succeed in a graduate program. If you have already completed graduate coursework, you may be able to earn transfer credit.

What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Educational Psychology Degree?

Career Outlook

Graduates with an online master's in educational psychology pursue careers as consultants, educators, researchers, and program developers. Many work in educational institutions, training teachers and leaders in classroom assessment and developing and implementing educational programs. Other graduates may work for private organizations that develop learning materials and training seminars.

Some students use this degree as a stepping stone to a doctorate, pursuing careers as college professors, researchers, and clinical psychologists. According to the BLS, psychologists earned a median annual salary of $81,040 in May 2021. Psychologists who worked for the government boasted a median annual wage of $103,850.

See where a master's in educational psychology can take you.

Career Paths

Educational Psychologist

Educational psychologists work with teachers, administrators, students, and parents to improve educational programs and practices. They may also develop programs and curricula specifically for students who struggle with traditional learning styles or for children with special needs. To call yourself an educational psychologist, you need a doctorate and may need state licensure.

Average Annual Salary: $69,040

Educational Researcher

Educational researchers work for government agencies analyzing educational policies and for nonprofit organizations focused on improving education and outcomes for underserved students. These professionals can also pursue careers at private companies in the educational sector. Some research positions may require a doctorate.

Average Annual Salary: $100,050

Educational Consultant

Educational consultants perform research and analyze data to evaluate education standards, classroom policies, and curricula. They devise strategies to improve learning and develop academic intervention programs. Private businesses, nonprofit agencies, and educational institutions reach out to these consultants when developing new learning materials, courses, and community programs.

Average Annual Salary: $65,440

Education Administrator

Education administrators manage K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. They may oversee student admissions, school services, and policies while managing budgets and directing programming. These professionals typically work closely with teachers, ensuring they and other employees meet the school's academic standards.

Median Annual Salary: $96,910

School Counselor

School counselors work with K-12 students. These professionals evaluate students' personalities, interests, and abilities for career and academic planning. They may also offer support and guidance to students experiencing social or behavioral challenges. School counselors need state licensure, which usually involves passing state-specific exams and completing supervised field experience.

Median Annual Salary: $60,150

Educational Psychology Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing Education

Many students who complete a master's in educational psychology ultimately earn a doctorate — either a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. — in the field. Most educational psychology students' ultimate goal is to work in academia, research, or administration. Most of these positions require a terminal degree in the field.

For tenure-track professor positions at four-year universities, job candidates must hold a doctorate, often a Ph.D., in educational psychology. After a master's degree, these programs can take an additional 2-4 years to complete, although completion times vary widely. The main additional feature of these programs is a doctoral dissertation, which involves significant original research, writing, and scholarship.

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