People who acquire a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology are prepared for a career in a school or college environment. It prepares students for counselling or advising jobs in an academic setting. These jobs involve dealing with children at elementary school till the college level.
Students who want to pursue a career as a school counsellor or a public-school teacher need to check the license requirements of their state.
What Is Educational Psychology?
Educational Psychology is a subject which revolves around the concept of human learning. This program helps students understand how people learn and retain certain knowledge in a specific setting like a classroom. Major areas of focus in this field are social and behavioral problems, teaching and testing methods, classroom environment and learning.
Educational psychologists are taught to apply theories of human development to understand learning behavior. Since learning is a continuous process and it does not happen in a classroom only, psychologists in this field focus on the learning patterns of individuals in different settings.
What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology?
People who graduate with a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology have a vast range of career opportunities. These professionals earn a lucrative salary in the US and are high in demand. They are wanted in different academic settings to enhance the social, emotional and cognitive functions. Here are a few career options that people who are planning to pursue their degree in this field can choose from.
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Educational, Guidance and Career Counselors and Advisors
Educational, Guidance and Career Counselors and Advisors help students develop their learning skills which helps them excel in future. Apart from academic skills, these counsellors focus on students’ mental health as well. They apply their skills and knowledge in learning, behavior and mental development to facilitate their students get the most out of their school life. School Counsellors design different programs that help students thrive emotionally and socially.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019: $57,040
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $61,000
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Job Growth, 2018-2028: 8% (School & Career Counselors)
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: California- $78,250
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019: California- 32,650
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Education Teachers, Postsecondary
These professionals teach courses related to education, such as guidance, counseling, instruction, teaching English as a second language and teacher education.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019: $65,510
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $74,560
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Job Growth, 2018-2028: 11% (Faster than most professions)
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: Alaska- $106,280
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019: New York – 6,210
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Survey Researchers
Survey Researchers is a broad occupational category, that can be focused on any particular subject area. Those interested in Educational Psychology, can opt for this subject as their specialization. During this degree, students are expected to do a lot of research work and analyze the data using different analysis tools. They take different courses on research methods as well which helps them to become an excellent researcher.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019: $59,170
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $65,760
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Job Growth, 2018-2028: 1% (Little or no change)
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: Maryland- $92,860
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019: Illinois- 1,060
What to Expect in a Master’s in Education Psychology Program?
The courses offered in Educational Psychology vary according to the specialization but some core courses include human development, research methodology, counseling and special children, statistics, developmental psychology and gifted and talented education. During a Master’s program, students are required to complete a thesis project as well. Along with that, they need to take certain advanced courses like educational research, human development and motivation and learning.
How to Choose a Master’s in Education Program?
A few things that you need to take into account before choosing a program include:
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Choose an accredited program
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Consider the cost of the program
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Consider whether it is a campus based or online program
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Consider the time required to complete the program
Master’s in Educational Psychology Admission Requirements
Those who want to enroll in a Master’s program should have a Bachelor’s degree. Along with their undergraduate degrees, students’ academic work should demonstrate competency. Some schools also require a letter of recommendation from applicants’ previous professors. Some schools may require a minimum GPA, while others may prefer people with work experience and a good GRE score.