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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Educational Psychology Program?

Online master’s in educational psychology programs offer the same academic quality as on-campus programs in a more convenient format. By eliminating the need to commute to campus, online programs will make it easier to work full-time or fulfill other personal obligations while you further your education. When searching for an online master’s in educational psychology program, compare the curriculum and demands of many distance learning institutions to find the best match for your career goals and lifestyle.

Available concentrations

If you already know exactly what you would like to do in educational psychology, look for a program that allows you to focus your studies on this specialty. Some of the most common concentration options for a master’s in educational psychology include:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis: Reviews how to use the psychological principles of learning theory to change behavior. This concentration can lead to business, healthcare, education, and animal training careers.
  • Special Education: Focuses on developing curricula for students with mental, learning, or physical disabilities.
  • Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management: Covers the psychology and strategies for managing and resolving crises.

Common degree curriculum

Some online master’s in educational psychology programs allow you to complete all your courses remotely, while others require tests, labs, and specific technical courses to be completed on campus. If you don’t want to relocate, you must stick with colleges in your area or find a 100% online program.

The core classes for a master’s in educational psychology focus on teaching, counseling, and human development concepts. You’ll also be able to choose electives for the subjects that you find the most interesting or beneficial for your career path. Some of the specific courses that may be available include:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychopathology: Explores mental disorders in children and adolescents and how these disorders develop as children become adults.
  • Behavior Assessment and Intervention: Provides a more in-depth view of behavior analysis.
  • School-based Counseling Theories: Examines the various methods for addressing learning disabilities and mental health issues that affect academic performance.
  • Ethical Standards in Educational Psychology: Reviews professional ethics and codes of conduct for the educational psychology field.
  • Qualitative Inquiry in Education: Covers each step in collecting qualitative data, managing information, and interpreting results.

Certification and license preparation

In addition to your master’s degree, you may need professional certification or licensure to follow your chosen career path. Even when these extra credentials aren’t required, they can make your resume more impressive and help you advance your career. Credentialing programs for educational psychologists include:

Program accreditation

You should only apply to institutions approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Otherwise, accessing financial aid or transferring credits to another institution may be difficult if needed. In addition to institutional accreditation, the best options for earning a master’s in educational psychology are programmatic accreditation from an industry group such as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Program completion timeframe

Depending on your school and whether you select a concentration, master’s in educational psychology programs can range from 35 to 52 credit hours. It takes most full-time students about two years to complete, while part-time students may need up to five years. 

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Educational Psychology Graduates

To become a school counselor or instructional coordinator, you will likely need a master’s degree for entry-level job opportunities. 

Most workers in these occupations make about $60,000 to $70,000 per year. You’ll have the potential to make much more than that — the top 10% of school counselors earn over $98,530, and the top 10% of instructional coordinators earn over $105,210.

You should adjust your salary expectations according to where you plan to work. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher pay. For example, school counselors make an average salary of $81,100 in California but just $48,950 in South Dakota

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)

School Counselor

School counselors typically work in elementary, middle, or high schools to help address school-related problems and family issues that interfere with academic success. They may also work in a psychologist’s office under a licensed psychologist or counselor.

$60,140

5%

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators are responsible for developing curricula and teaching standards. They collaborate with teachers and principals to create educational materials, oversee the implementation of such materials, and assess their effectiveness.

$66,490

2%

Professional organizations

Professional organizations offer networking, educational opportunities, and information on the latest industry news and trends. The most notable organizations for those with a master’s in educational psychology include:

Financing Your Online Master’s in Educational Psychology Degree

Online programs are more affordable than on-campus programs, but you still may need help paying for your education. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will determine your eligibility for federally funded grants and loans. You might also be eligible for scholarships from other public sources, nonprofit organizations, and private companies.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

As mentioned above, many different financing options are available, and each has its own set of eligibility requirements and application deadlines. The resources listed below will help you sort through all this information and save as much money as possible.

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Interested in a degree?

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