Master’s in Educational Psychology: Courses, Requirements, and Careers

Educational psychology examines how people learn and the learning process. During a master’s in educational psychology, you explore the cognitive and social factors that shape learning. Many programs incorporate experiential components to strengthen clinical and research skills.

By combining learning theory with applied psychology, these programs prepare you for diverse roles in educational settings. With an educational psychology graduate degree, you can pursue licensure in school psychology or school counseling. This degree can also lead to opportunities in training and development, instructional design, and higher education.

Psychology departments offer a variety of specializations, enrollment options, and delivery formats for those interested in educational psychology. For example, students who prefer the flexibility of distance learning can earn an online master’s in educational psychology. Programs may also offer tracks for school psychology, educational psychology research, or psychotherapy. Understanding program formats, career paths, and admission requirements can help prospective students choose the right program for their needs.

A master’s in educational psychology prepares you for clinical and non-clinical roles. Completing a master’s degree can meet the requirements for a school psychologist or school counselor license. Educational psychology can also lead to opportunities in instructional design, training and development, or higher education.

Because educational psychology emphasizes assessment, learning theory, and the psychology of learning, it offers a strong foundation for roles in training and instruction. Graduates may go on to develop educational programs, implement new curriculum materials, or advise students in K-12 or higher education settings.

With a master’s, graduates can also apply to doctoral psychology programs to continue their education. A doctorate meets the state licensure requirements for clinical psychologists.

While a master’s in educational psychology can lead to roles in school psychology, training and development, or academic administration, licensed educational psychologists need a doctorate. After earning a master’s degree, graduates can pursue a Ph.D. in educational psychology. Other options include an Ed.D. in educational psychology or a Psy.D.

Accredited doctoral programs meet the requirements for a clinical or counseling psychology license. With a doctorate, educational psychologists also qualify for academic and research roles, including as an educational psychology professor.

The cost of a master’s in educational psychology depends on the program. Generally, public universities offer the lowest tuition rates while private universities cost more. In addition to tuition, psychology graduate students must budget for textbooks, school supplies, and living expenses.

Earning an online master’s in psychology can lower the total cost of graduate school. Prospective students can compare costs to choose the most affordable option, and online learners may also save on living expenses.

Financial aid also influences the out-of-pocket cost. Graduate students can use scholarships, grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid to pay for their degree.

Prospective educational psychology master’s students can apply to programs where they meet the admission requirements. For example, all programs require a bachelor’s degree. While applicants do not need a bachelor’s in psychology, programs may require or recommend undergraduate psychology and social sciences coursework.

Common admission requirements include:

Strong recommendation letters and a statement of purpose that shows how the program aligns with the applicant’s experience and goals can increase the chances of an admission offer.

The admission requirements and process vary by program. For instance, some programs do not require GRE scores. International students often submit proof of English language proficiency. Some programs also conduct interviews as part of the admission process.

Earning a master’s in educational psychology typically takes two years for full-time students. During that time, graduate students complete core courses, graduate electives, and any clinical requirements. Licensure preparation programs with higher clinical requirements may require additional time.

Different enrollment options impact the length of a master’s program. Part-time enrollment may require three to four years, while some programs offer accelerated tracks that require as little as 12-18 months.

Graduate students should always choose an accredited university to earn their degree. Accredited schools meet high standards for academic quality and student learning outcomes. An accredited degree will more likely meet licensure and certification requirements, and employers often prefer to hire graduates from accredited institutions. In addition, graduate students attending accredited schools qualify for more forms of financial aid.

In addition to institutional accreditation, psychology programs often hold programmatic accreditation. The American Psychological Association grants accreditation to doctoral programs. However, APA accreditation does not apply to the master’s level. The Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) grants accreditation to master’s programs in psychology.

Educational psychology programs may offer concentrations at the master’s level. Choosing a concentration can provide greater depth in a specific area, such as developmental science, neuropsychology, or psychotherapy.

Graduate students who choose school counseling or school psychology as their concentration can prepare for licensure and careers working directly with students in school settings. Those interested in continuing their education at the doctoral level can choose a concentration that aligns with their research interests.

Clinical requirements vary depending on the educational psychology master’s program. Some programs integrate clinical internships where students gain experience under the supervision of an educational psychologist. Those interested in school counseling licensure may need to meet clinical hour requirements.

Programs may incorporate other experiential learning opportunities, including placements in educational settings or research opportunities.

Pursuing a master’s degree requires an investment of time and money. Is a master’s in educational psychology worth that investment? The answer depends on your career goals, finances, and interests. If you want to apply psychology principles in educational settings, the degree can help you reach your professional goals.

Prospective grad students can also weigh the cost of a master’s program against their potential earning power with the degree. Finding a more affordable program can increase the return on investment for a master’s degree. Those interested in doctoral programs may also benefit from earning a master’s degree to strengthen their GPA and specialize their skills.

Ultimately, earning a master’s in educational psychology is a personal decision. For some students, graduate school in psychology is a great career investment.