Master of Education in educational psychology

Learn to apply the principles of psychology to your work in schools, businesses and other settings. Our master’s in educational psychology gives you a foundation in human development, learning and motivation as they apply in a variety of educational contexts.

The program is designed for teachers, youth agency leaders, youth counselors and ministers, business and public health professionals, and anyone looking to prepare for doctoral work in educational psychology.

This program does not lead to certification as a school psychologist or licensure as a limited licensed psychologist. If you are interested in certification or licensure, please see Applied Behavior Analysis, Counseling Psychology, or School and Community Psychology.

Important dates

  • June 1: Fall annual applications deadline

Program highlights

  • Complete your degree in 18 to 24 months
  • Study on a part-time or full-time basis
  • Choose from electives and optional tracks
  • GRE not required for admission
  • Application deadline: June 1

What will you learn?

In the master's in educational psychology program, you'll build a strong foundation in everything from cognition, development and learning to behavioral theories, evaluation and measurement, research design, and statistics.

Masters in educational psychology program curriculum

The program requires a minimum of 30 credits, including the basic degree requirements for the Master of Education. You can consult with your advisor to complete a Plan of Work before starting your coursework to create a comprehensive curriculum that meets your specific career goals.

Review the educational psychology graduate degree program curriculum.

Course requirements

Full-time coursework by semester

Semester I (Fall)

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 8
EDP 6210 Foundations of Educational Psychology 3
EDP 7610 Child & Adolescent Psychopathology 3
EDP 7350 The Learning Process 2

Semester II (Winter)

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 8
EDP 7400 Foundations of Social Psychology 3
EDP 7410 Human Development Psychology 3
EHP 7600 Philosophy of Education 2

Semester III (Spring/Summer)

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 6
EER Evaluation and Measurement 2
Elective (Select from Elective/Optional tracks) 4

Semester IV (Fall)

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 8
EDP 7420 Introduction to Behavioral Psychology 4
Elective (Select from Elective/Optional tracks) 3

Part-time coursework by semester

Semester I (Fall)

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 5
EDP 6210 Foundations of Educational Psychology 3
EDP 7350 The Learning Process 2

Semester II (Winter)

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 5
EDP 7400 Foundations of Social Psychology 3
EHP 7600 Philosophy of Education 2

Semester III (Spring/Summer)

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 6
EER Evaluation and Measurement 2
Elective (Select from Elective/Optional tracks) 4

Semester IV (Fall)

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 7
EDP 7420 introduction to Behavioral Psychology 4
EDP 7610 Child & Adolescent Psychopathopathology 3

Semester V (Winter)

Courses Cr. Hrs.
Total 7
EDP 7410 Human Development Psychology 3
Elective (Select from Elective/Optional tracks) 4

Electives/Optional Tracks

Build your knowledge in a specific area of interest by choosing electives to meet the requirements of an optional specialty track. Below are recommended electives to help you fulfill several tracks.

Psychology track

Courses Cr. Hrs. Offered
PSY 5360 Child Language Acquisition 3 F
PSY 5700 The Psychology of African Americans 4 F/W/S
PSY 5900 Culture, Language and Cognition 3 Every other W
PSY 6010 Family Centered Collaboration in Early Childhood Intervention and Special Education 3-4 F

Statistics/Research track

Courses Cr. Hrs. Offered
EER 7630 Fundamentals of Statistics or EER 7640 Fundamentals of Quantitative Research 3 F/W/S
SOC 6280 Social Statistics 3 Yearly
SOC 7200 Advanced Survey of Approaches and Techniques of Social Research 3 Yearly
EDP 7996 Research in Educational Psychology Variable Independent research

Leadership track

Select from EDA program offerings, including below examples.

Courses Cr. Hrs. Offered
EDA 7625 Leadership, Administration and the Principalship 4 F/W/S
EDA 7675 Public School Finance and Budgeting 4 F/W/S
EDA 7690 Michigan School Law 4 F/W/S
EDA 7660 Admin. Leadership in School-Community Relations 3 F/W/S
EDA 8650 Staff Development and School Improvement 2-6 F/W/S

Technology usage track

Select from LDT program offerings, including below examples.

Courses Cr. Hrs. Offered
LDT 5140 Producing and Evaluating Technology-Based Instructional Materials 4 Yearly
LDT 6135 Technology Applications in School Administration 3 F
LDT 7111 Design Thinking and Knowledge 4 Yearly

* F = Fall, W = Winter, S = Spring/Summer

Careers in educational psychology

An M.Ed. in educational psychology leads to rewarding careers at the intersection of psychology and education. Our graduates go on to Ph.D. programs and to careers in everything from school psychology to postsecondary psychology teachers.

Tuition and financial aid

We’re committed to investing in your future. Wayne State is one of the most affordable research universities in Michigan. Review our tuition and fees for the Master of Education in educational psychology.

Explore financial aid and scholarships.

Admission requirements

Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. In addition, you need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75.

To apply for admission, you will need to:

  • Submit the application
  • Submit your undergraduate transcripts
  • Contact the program secretary for guidance and a program-specific application

GRE scores are not required.

Apply to Wayne State’s online Master of Education in educational psychology!

Get ready to elevate your career with an M.Ed. degree in educational psychology. Complete in as little as 18 months! 

Contact

Krista Clancy, Ph.D.
Associate professor (teaching) and program coordinator
734-564-1849
kclancy@wayne.edu

Theoretical & Behavioral Foundations

Phone: 313-577-1613

Career insights

This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.