Master's Degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Psychology

The Master's Degree in the Educational Psychology program allows students to specialize in the application of psychology in an educational setting by examining theoretical and applied aspects of learning and cognition, human development, motivation, personality, and other psychological principles. The degree does not lead to a teaching certificate.

Contact Information

Portrait of Patricia Willems

Patricia Willems

Associate Professor
Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Office Location: ES BC52 - 207
Campus: Davie

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The M.Ed. Educational Psychology offers students the opportunity to specialize in the application of psychology in educational settings by examining theoretical and applied aspects of learning and cognition, human development, motivation, human personality, and other psychological principles. It is a versatile degree of use to various educational professionals including teachers, administrators, instructors in higher education, or educational researchers.

Fully Online Degree

The Master’s in Educational Psychology is a fully online graduate degree, providing exceptional flexibility for FAU students.

Possible Career Paths with an Educational Psychology Degree

This degree is known for its versatility as those with credentials in educational psychology are employed in diverse contexts.

  • University Professor: (Requires a doctoral degree) While FAU does not have a doctoral degree in Educational Psychology at the current time, those who graduate with this masters could choose to go on to a doctoral degree program at another university, or at FAU in a closely related field, if wishing to work in a tenure-earning faculty line at a university.
  • Other University and College Settings: As lecturers or adjunct faculty, consultants or research scientists, or administration (academic coordinators, academic support or student affairs/advising). This includes state or community colleges (instructors, lecturers, or adjunct faculty). Often schools require a master’s degree or a sufficient number of graduate credit hours as qualification for employment.
  • Teaching: (Requires certification separate from this degree). For current educators wanting to develop research-based teaching practices. Effective teachers have extensive knowledge in students’ development, learning and cognition, and motivation (National Academy of Education, 2005) which informs developmentally appropriate practices (NAEYC, 2009). This includes understanding that learning and development may vary individually, having diverse approaches to support individual and collaborative learning, and being equipped with strategies to encourage students’ active engagement and self-motivation (InTASC Standards, 2013).
  • School Districts and Research Agencies: For those interested in consulting, research, or evaluation.
  • Educational Curriculum Industry: For those interested in working with curriculum or learning resources development or textbook publishing.

Helpful Resources

School Psychology

A degree in Educational Psychology is distinctly different from that of School Psychology. Educational psychologists concentrate on how effective teaching and learning takes place, considering a variety of factors, such as human development, student motivation, classroom management, classroom assessment, and learning theory. Whereas school psychologists work directly with public and private schools assessing and counseling students, consulting with parents and school staff, and conducting behavioral interventions when appropriate. FAU does not have a School Psychology Program, for more information on school psychology please visit: https://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers

Program Overview

Consult the FAU Course Catalog for course descriptions and other details.

The MASTER’S DEGREE IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY is a fully online degree that allows students to earn a 36-credit degree. Students specialize in the application of psychological principles and research to education and educational settings. Students will examine theoretical and applied aspects of learning theories, human development, cognition, motivation, and personality developing an understanding of strategies that contribute to a successful learning environment. This degree is designed to prepare students in educational and psychological practices to work in a variety of educational capacities including educators, educational administrators, and educational researchers.

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY - 21 credits

EDF 6113 Human Development: Applications for Education
EDF 6126 Child Development in Educational Psychology
EDF 6138 Adolescence & Young Adulthood in Educational Psychology
EDF 6142 Learning & Cognition in Education
EDP 6218 Motivational Theories in Educational Psychology
EDF 6229 Educational Psychology
EDF 6339 Personality Theories in Education

RESEARCH & STATISTICS - 6 credits

STA 6113 Educational Statistics
EDF 6481 Educational Research

ELECTIVES - 9 credits

Elective courses selected in consultation with program advisor and approval.

Admission Requirements

Application will require applicant to submit:

  • Official transcripts including all undergraduate coursework and evidence of bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (3.0 GPA required)
  • Personal Statement outlining interest in the program
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation that highlight the candidate's academic potential
  • Any additional requirements for the degree for which you are applying that are listed on the application

After your application is completed, it will be forwarded to the Department of Curriculum & Instruction for a decision.

How to Apply

To be considered for admission into masters programs in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, applicants must complete a graduate application through the Graduate College.