Degree Requirements for MA Educational Psychology

Coursework Credit Hours: 30-33 Credits
Comprehensive Exams: Required one-day exam

Length of Program

This program may be completed in one to two years of full-time coursework depending on the concentration chosen and semester courses are begun.  Students should meet with their advisor prior to registering for the first semester to ensure courses are taken in the most efficient sequence. 

Additional important information about being a master’s student in the School of Education can be found in the SED Master’s Handbook.  Students are strongly encouraged to read this handbook carefully along with the University’s Academic Bulletin.  Degree requirements can also be found by viewing the Educational Psychology program located in the Academic Bulletin and the Program Handbook.

Concentrations and Required Coursework

Within the MA program, students may choose from four concentrations. 

Total Credits - 30-33
Core Courses - 9 Credits (required of all concentrations)
EDFN 500 - Philosophical Foundations for Professionals Credits: 2-3 
EDRM 505 - Research Methods Credits: 3
EDUC 670 - Master’s Comprehensive Exam Credits: 0
GDPC 614 - Human Development Credits: 3

Concentrations - 21-24+ credits
General - 21 credits
EDRM 611 - Applied Statistical Methods I Credits: 3
GDPC 514 - Psychology of Learning Credits: 3
GDPC 644 - Psychological Testing Credits: 3
Electives: Choose 12 credits from GDPC or EDCI in consultation with academic advisor.

Developmental Psychology - 21 credits
EDRM 611 - Applied Statistical Methods I Credits: 3
GDPC 514 - Psychology of Learning Credits: 3
GDPC 525 - Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children Credits: 3
GDPC 634 - Cognitive and Biological Psychology Credits: 3
GDPC 642 - Behavioral and Emotional Problems of Children Credits: 3
GDPC 643 - Career Development Credits: 3
GDPC 676 - Theories of Personality Credits: 3

Instructional Psychology - 22 credits
GDPC 525 - Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children Credits: 3
GDPC 617 - Seminar in Professional School Psychology: Ethical, Professional, and Legal Issues Credits: 3
GDPC 634 - Cognitive and Biological Psychology Credits: 3
GDPC 635 - Theories and Techniques of Counseling Credits: 3
GDPC 642 - Behavioral and Emotional Problems of Children Credits: 3
GDPC 644 - Psychological Testing Credits: 3
GDPC 649 - Crisis Intervention Credits: 1
Electives: Choose 3 credits from GDPC in consultation with academic advisor. It is presumed that this course will assist in the understanding of the learner and/or the learning environment. For those who wish to complete their EdS in School Psychology, GDPC 652 is recommended.

Research - 24+ credits
EDRM 604 - Design and Analysis of Educational and Psychological Surveys Credits: 3
EDRM 605 - Qualitative Research Methods in Education and Psychology Credits: 3
EDRM 611 - Applied Statistical Methods I Credits: 3
EDRM 612 - Applied Statistical Methods II Credits: 3
EDRM 613 - Applied Statistical Methods III Credits: 3
GDPC 514 - Psychology of Learning Credits: 3
GDPC 644 - Psychological Testing Credits: 3
GDPC 699 - Thesis Credits: 1–3 (Students must register for a minimum of 3 credits of GDPC 699 Thesis. Registration of additional credits is required for each semester until the student's thesis is defended.)

Comprehensive Exams

In addition to required coursework, all students must pass the comprehensive exam.  The exams are held three times each year in March, June, and October.  Specific dates can be obtained from the Graduate Services Coordinator, or the department’s Administrative Assistant.

Program Objectives

1. Demonstrate the ability to integrate a spiritual perspective into educational psychological practice and theory
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of human development, and human learning across the life span
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the major theories of learning and motivation
4. Competency in the planning and prescribing of teaching and curriculum strategies for students
5. Knowledge of human behavior and behavior management techniques and capacity to plan and implement classroom management procedures pertaining to the behavior of students
6. The acquisition and mastery of a broad understanding of learning and learning impairments
7. Skills in the ability to consult, counsel, and collaborate with students, parents, school personnel, and appropriate outside personnel regarding mental health, behavior, and educational concerns utilizing psychologist principles
8. Knowledge of human growth and development in pupils with or without handicaps
9. Demonstrate the ability to use current technology for supervision, assessment, and professional record keeping and consultation
10. Understand and interpret statistical data from research studies
11. Integrate data from tests and other measurement sources 
12. Understand dynamics of research
13. Communicate research findings to parents, students and other professionals in a meaningful way
14. Demonstrate ability to provide psychological information to special populations including ethnic minorities, female students, learning disabled students, mentally challenged students, emotionally handicapped students, physically disabled students, and gifted students
15. Conduct research in the area of Education and School Psychology
16. Understands ethical standards for the profession of Educational Psychology
17. Demonstrates ethical behaviors in the area of Educational Psychology