Educational Psychology and Research, (MS)

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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 across the life span, 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, applied researchers and/or scholarly work; (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:
1. application to the Graduate School,
2. application to the program,
3. official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate studies,
4. official report of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores,
5. a 500 word statement of purpose and intended area of concentration,
6. 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 April 1 for fall semester admission. Applications for international students are only accepted in the fall (November 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 letters of recommendation. Admission forms are available in the departmental office.

Program Requirements

All programs are a minimum of 36 semester hours

MS program core (12 credits):

Research (6 credits):

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):

Courses to be taken within the area of concentration will be planned with the major advisor.

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

Research project/thesis (3-6 credits-EDPR 7000 or EDPR 7996):

Each MS student is expected to complete an independent research project or thesis (available to on-campus students only) 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 complete an Oral Examination.

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

EDPR 7000 - Research Project
or
EDPR 7996 - Thesis (on campus students only)

MS Comprehensive Examination

Upon completion of the program 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