Educational Psychology and Research, (MS)

MS Degree Programs

The Master’s degree programs in Educational Psychology and Research prepare educational leaders for scholarly expertise with a knowledge base for critical thinking in human development, cognitive processes applied to education, educational research methods and statistics.

Program objectives are: (1) ability to contribute to the professional field through research presentations and writing; (2) preparation for careers as academicians in institutions of higher education, and applied researchers in professional settings; (3) development of leadership skills for professional organizations and the ability to contribute to the field through professional service activities.

Program Admission

Applicants must submit a completed application packet, including:
- application to the Graduate School,
- application to the program,
- official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate studies,
- official report of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores,
- a 500 word statement of purpose and intended area of concentration,
- three letters of recommendation.
Applicants to the MS program are evaluated two times a year. All application information must be received by November 1 for Spring semester admission, and March 1 for Fall semester admission. Applications for international students are only accepted in the fall (March 1 deadline). Late submissions may be considered on an individual basis, but will normally be deferred to the following semester. The admission committee may request a personal interview. Multiple criteria will be used when considering applicant admission, including, but not limited to, undergraduate and graduate grade point average, GRE scores, personal goals statement, relevant employment history, and three letters of recommendation. Admission forms are available on the Graduate Admissions website.

Program Requirements

All programs are a minimum of 36 semester hours

MS program core (12 credits):

Research (6 credits):

EDPR 7521 - Introduction to Research Design and Methodology **
Select one of the two following courses:
EDPR 7541 - Stat Meth App Ed I **
or
EDPR 7561 - Qualitative Mthds Educ **

Learning & Cognition (3 credits):

EDPR 7121 - Learning & Cognition **

Human Development (3 credits):

at least one from

Concentration in Educational Psychology or Educational Research (15 credits):

Students will plan with the major advisor to take other EDPR courses to complete these 15 credit hours.

Electives to be taken outside of the major (6 credits)

Research project/thesis (3-6 credits):

Each MS student is expected to complete an independent research project (EDPR 7000 ) or thesis (EDPR 7996 , available to on-campus students) as a culminating experience during their final semester. Students choosing either option should meet with their advisor to select the topic and timeline for their project/thesis. Student choosing the thesis option are required to work with a thesis committee and complete an oral examination.

NOTE: Students electing to write a thesis should familiarize themselves with the Thesis/Dissertation Preparation Guide before starting to write.

MS Comprehensive Examination

Upon or near completion of the coursework, each MS degree student will complete a comprehensive examination. Students choosing the research project option will have an examination unifying knowledge across the courses taken in the program. This examination may be written or oral. Students choosing the thesis option will have their oral defense serve as the comprehensive examination

Educational Research Certificate Programs

Along with the degree programs, two certificate programs are available: The 12-credit-hour Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research in Education (GCQRE) and the 15-credit-hour Graduate Certificate in Quantitative Methods (GCQM). Eligible graduate students can earn one or both of the graduate certificates. Eligible students must fall under one of the following categories: (1) They are a non-degree seeking student with a bachelor’s degree, or (2) They are currently in a Master’s or a doctoral program at the University of Memphis. Students who earn one or both certificates can pursue professional opportunities inclusive of, but not limited to, positions as a data analyst, researcher in the social sciences, research methods instructor, program evaluator, research consultant, and other employment in private and public sectors. 