Educational Psychology and Research, (MS)

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MS Degree Programs

The Master’s degree program in Educational Psychology and Research prepares advanced educational practitioners with research skills in the areas of human development, cognitive processes in learning, and educational research methods.

Program objectives are:

Ability to conduct basic research in one’s own professional field;
Preparation for advanced study in educational and social science research;
Adaptability to professional and career change.

Program Admission

An applicants must submit a completed application packet, including:
- Online application to the University of Memphis Graduate School,
- Official transcripts from one’s undergraduate and/or graduate studies,
- Official report of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are encouraged but not required,
- A 500-word statement of purpose, that includes a description of the applicant’s career goals and research interests,
- Three letters of recommendation from three former professors or instructors.
Applicants to the MS program are evaluated and admitted two times per academic year. All application information must be received by November 1 for the Spring semester admission, and March 1 for Fall semester admission. Applications from international students are accepted only by March 1 deadline for Fall admission. Late application submissions may be considered on an individual basis, but these 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, the statement of purpose, relevant employment history, and three letters of recommendation. All admission forms are available online on the Graduate Admissions website.

Program Requirements

A minimum of 30 semester hours.

MS program core (12 credits):

EDPR 7521 - Introduction to Research Design and Methodology **

Select one of the following courses:

Select at least one of the following courses:

MS program elective (15 credits):

Students will plan with the major advisor to take other EDPR courses to complete these 15 credit hours, including 3-6 non-EDPR credits.

Research Project (3 credits):

All MS students are expected to design and complete a research project, EDPR 7000 - Research Project , under direction of their advisors as a culminating experience during their final semester. They should meet with their advisors to select the topic, format, and timeline for their projects.

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. 