Best Ph.D. and PsyD Programs in Educational Psychology

The focus of an educational psychologist's job is studying how people learn new information and how they retain it for later recall. Common career paths for those with an advanced degree in educational psychology include educational consultant, school counselor, and research-based positions.

Most people who have earned credentials in educational psychology work with students from kindergarten to grade 12. They may also work with adults who have learning disabilities. Educational psychologists typically specialize in working with students using one or more accepted theories in this field. These include:

• Behavioral theory focuses on how students acquire knowledge through social conditioning and learning. Professionals practicing behavioral theory operate on a system of rewards and punishments to influence student behavior.

• Cognitive theory emphasizes what students already know and prioritizes organization and memory. Concept theory and memorization are two examples of cognitive theory used in the classroom.

• Constructivist theory focuses on how students continually evolve and acquire knowledge throughout their educational journey. Educational psychologists who prefer this theory teach students to use critical thinking skills to solve problems in real-world situations.

• Developmental theory looks at how nature and nurture combine to shape a student's development. Practitioners also place heavy emphasis on developmental stages to help them understand student perspectives better.

• Experiential theory emphasizes how a student's experiences in life impact their capacity for learning and retention. These educational psychologists tend to consider feelings and thoughts more than the other types.

According to the employment website ZipRecruiter.com, the median annual salary for educational psychologists is $92,266. Those in the top 90 percent of earners for this job title earn more than $185,000 per year.

What Will I Learn in an Online Educational Psychology Doctorate Program?

Here are a few courses that are typical requirements for students enrolled in the best online educational psychology doctorate programs:

• Behavioral Disorders in Children

• Early Childhood Special Education

• Educational Psychology

• Human Development

• Measurement and Evaluation

• Research Design and Methods

• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

• Statistical Analysis

Some colleges and universities offering a doctorate degree in this field online require students to complete one or more practicums to help them gain experience. This is especially true for those whose career interests include clinical practice, counseling, or school psychology. Students work under the supervision of a professional with similar credentials as they learn such skills as how to conduct educational assessments. In an online format, this usually translates to the doctorate students performing their internship hours in their own communities.

Students at the doctorate level also complete, present, and defend a dissertation on a specific research question related to educational psychology. They will take several courses to help prepare them for the research, writing, and presentation aspects of a doctoral candidate’s dissertation.

Those entering a doctorate program having already completed their master’s degree should expect to spend the equivalent of at least three years of full-time study to earn their PhD. Capella University and North Central University are examples of schools that offer online doctorate degree programs in psychology with the opportunity to specialize in the field of education.

Prospective doctorate students in educational psychology should also be aware that all states require anyone in this field working directly with students to have a license and complete 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical practice outside the practicums.

Admissions Requirements for a Doctorate in Educational Psychology

Here are the standard admissions requirements for this doctorate degree program at most online schools:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree and current or expected enrollment in a master’s degree program

• Grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate work

• Three letters of recommendation

• A letter from the student outlining their interest areas and career goals

• English language proficiency

Keep in mind that specific schools may have slightly different admissions requirements.

List of Educational Psychology Doctorate Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based doctorate program in educational psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Joel Gill

Joel Gill is a writer with a background in psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a deep interest in the human mind and behavior. Joel's writing often explores themes related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys cycling, meditation, and spending time with his family.