Master of Education in educational psychology

This program provides students a strong focus with knowledge regarding the application of psychology to education, which can be used in a variety of settings, such as schools and businesses. Students will acquire a foundation in human development, learning, and motivation as they are applied in various educational contexts. This program is for teachers, individuals in leadership positions, government youth agencies, youth counselors and ministers, business, public health administration, and those looking to prepare for educational psychology doctoral programs.

Important dates

  • June 1: Fall annual applications deadline

Program overview

The program area of educational psychology offers a 30-credit hour program leading to a master of education (M.Ed.) degree in educational psychology. Students will acquire a foundation of psychological knowledge regarding cognition, development, learning, behavioral theories, evaluation and measurement, research design, and statistics. Students typically complete this program in 18-24 mos.

This program does NOT lead to certification as a school psychologist or licensing as a Limited Licensed Psychologist. Those interested in obtaining certification or licensure would be better suited for the Applied Behavior Analysis; Counseling Psychology; or School and Community Psychology programs.

Students consult with their advisor to complete a Plan of Work before starting the course work, so that students have a comprehensive curriculum that is purposefully and efficient. The Plan of Work lists all the courses needed to complete the requirements for graduation.

Prerequisites

Applicants are expected to meet the minimum undergraduate 2.75 GPA requirement outlined by the WSU Graduate School. GRE's are not required.

Course Requirements

The coursework for the Master of Education Degree is divided into major requirements (22 credits), and electives (at least 8 credits).

The major requirements include all of courses from the list below to total a minimum of 22-credit hours. It is suggested that EDP 6210 Foundations of Educational Psychology be taken in the first semester of the program, with the other classes to be taken determined in consultation with the student's advisor.

It is departmental policy that students who receive two grades of "C+" or below will not be permitted to complete the program. Repeating courses to improve grades is not permitted.

Curriculum

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

The elective requirements can be any graduate level course you choose that will enhance your learning in your specialty area. Below are courses from Psychology, Education Evaluation and Research, Sociology, Education Administration, and Learning, Design and Technology that are recommended

Psychology

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

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

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.