Educational Psychology Programs

Educational psychology is a branch of psychology that is concerned with the methods of processing knowledge and information, and how it is acquired and retained. The focus of educational psychology is how, in educational settings, the learning of young children and adolescents may be enhanced. Part of enhancing learning methods and strategies involves working with teachers.
In order to achieve its objectives, the field of educational psychology focuses on the the study of memory, conceptual processes when it comes to knowledge, and individual that may account for differences in learning abilities. All of these are then used to create new strategies to enhance the learning processes.

The most important aim of educational psychology is to enhance learning techniques and retention in students. The field therefore is concerned with the scientific study of human learning, involving the use of a variety of different quantitative methods.
Research is carried out in order to determine how the individual behavioral composition and cognition of a student may affect his or her learning capabilities. Accordingly, educational psychologists will devise study plans and formulate teaching methods to help teachers and parents assist in their child’s learning.
Job responsibilities of an educational psychologist are:

• Assessing the learning and emotional needs of individual students by observation
• For children with learning disabilities or inhibitors, educational psychologists may develop therapeutic and behavior management programs to help them learn more effectively
• When action is required, they write reports and make formal recommendations
• Work with teachers, parents and other education professionals
• Attending conferences, which focus on how to most effectively meet the social, emotional, behavioral and learning needs of the children and adolescents in educational systems
• Reviewing and developing new policies that may help improve education methods

Listed below are a few of the skills and qualities beneficial for an educational psychologist to possess:

• Sound grasp of research skills and methods as well as statistical concepts and procedures
• Analytical skills
• Patience when dealing with clients as well as their research work
• Interpersonal skills in order to effectively and efficiently work with students, teachers, parents, as well as other professionals
• Awareness of the factors that influence learning and instruction
• Quick problem-solving skills
• Constant motivation and drive  

In order to become an educational psychologist, candidates are often expected to have a doctorate degree in psychology.
The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which typically takes four years to complete.  At the undergraduate level, students are given an introduction to the fundamentals of the field of psychology. In addition to the core courses, elective courses are offered so that those students who have a particular career goal in mind may take those courses, which relate to their intended career path.
Master’s degree programs last two years and individuals are likely to pursue a Master of Science in Psychology (MS Psych).


For those psychologists intending to go into the clinical, counseling, and research aspects of the field, a Ph.D. in psychology, Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), or The Education Specialist, or Ed.S degree is needed. In the Ph.D. program, students can expect to complete a dissertation on an original research topic and must also complete a one-year internship as part of the program. The Psy.D. degree, on the other hand, is a clinical degree and is based on practical work and examinations rather than a dissertation.
For psychologists who are going to work in schools with students, certification or licensure as well as an additional qualification are required. In all states, including the District of Columbia, psychologists who practice independently must be licensed. The precise licensing laws may vary by state and the type of position you are seeking to attain.
Licensure requirements are as follows:

• An advanced degree or a doctorate in psychology
• An internship
• A minimum of 1 to 2 years of professional experience
• Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology

For the state specific requirements, information can be obtained from the Association of State and Provincial Licensing Boards. Licensed psychologists must also complete continuing education courses to keep their licenses.

Educational psychologists have a number of job opportunities available to them in a variety of different places.
Jobs are commonly found in schools and educational institutions. There are also a number of community organizations and learning centers who work with educational psychologists in order to learn how to improve their teaching techniques.
The government and private research centers may also have jobs for educational psychologists.
Some educational psychologists also have their own private practice or may work part-time as independent consultants. Those employed in hospitals, nursing homes, or other healthcare facilities may work to aid those with learning impediments and disabilities.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of psychology is expected to see a growth in employment of 12% from now till 2022. This is about as fast as the employment growth rate for all other professions, and therefore, can be assumed to be promising.
Furthermore, in 2013, the median salary made by clinical, counseling, and school psychologists was $72,710. The top ten percent of psychologists earned more than $112,380.

Educational psychologists are concerned with the factors that influence and affect the grasping of knowledge by students. They use a variety of different techniques including carrying out research and observation on learning environments, differences in individual students, etc. With this knowledge, they then aim to improve learning techniques and help teachers and instructors transition into a new method of teaching. Becoming an educational psychologist requires obtaining advanced degrees, such as a PhD, as well as licensure.