Best Educational Psychology Programs

What is educational psychology, and what are the best educational psychology schools? Education psychology studies how people learn and how to improve learning outcomes.

This guide identifies the top schools, describes what to consider when choosing an educational psychology program, and answers your questions about careers. Keep reading to learn more about the best educational psychology programs

The best educational psychology program for you depends on the curriculum, the school’s quality and reputation, specialty courses in the areas that interest you, cost and financial aid, staff-to-student ratio, admission requirements, and the logistics of attending, especially if you plan to attend an online program.

Educational psychology degrees at the graduate level include more extensive practical experience requirements than undergraduate programs, so be sure you can find local placement or are willing to travel for your internship. This guide only lists accredited programs, so you can pick from this list with confidence.

During a bachelor’s program, you complete observation time in a live professional setting and participate in a summer or part-time internship. In graduate school, practicums and internships are a vital and required part of the curriculum.

In a practicum, students observe professionals working in the field and discuss observations. Generally, these are part of assigned courses, and students go through a registration process like any other course.

Internships are more like jobs. You must identify and apply for internships, though your school will provide support and advice. During the internship, you work with patients, though always under a licensed professional’s supervision. You gain more independence as the internship progresses.

Most educational psychologists work in schools. However, an educational psychology degree can also prepare you to work in corporations, the military, publishing, media (such as educational television), or even game design and development.

During your bachelor’s education psychology program, you can explore different settings and types of learning, such as preschool, special education, adult education, or high school. In your graduate educational psychology program, you develop more of a focus on a particular type of learning or learner.

You must have a license to practice psychology in any state. If you plan to use your psychology education to become a licensed clinical psychologist, you must earn a doctorate, either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. A Ph.D. emphasizes research and research methodologies.

Many education psychology Ph.D. graduates go on to teach psychology. A Psy.D. educational psychology degree emphasizes practicing with patients in professional settings. However, you can get a state license with either degree.

Educational psychology is the study of how people learn. Schools are the most obvious and common setting for professionals, but the military, corporations, media publishers, nonprofits, and government all hire education psychology graduates.

The answer depends on your career and financial goals, but the positives include interesting and valuable work, the ability to make a difference in school and educational outcomes, and a range of career options. The median salary is $79,820 (for all clinical, counseling, and school psychologists), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

School psychologists address student mental health more holistically, while educational psychology professionals focus on learning. In general, school psychologists work directly with students and families, while educational psychologists work to develop educational strategy at the macro level.

To become an educational psychologist, you must earn a graduate degree (or doctorate, depending on the state) in education psychology, and meet certain professional experience requirements. To become a clinical or counseling educational psychologist, you must have a doctorate.