An online master’s in educational psychology prepares you to understand how people learn, and to apply that knowledge in schools, research, training, and beyond. Online programs offer the flexibility to earn your degree while continuing to work in education or a related field. This guide covers three accredited programs at different price points, what you’ll pay, the careers the degree supports, certification and licensure paths, and answers to the questions prospective students ask most.
Author: Kimberly Webster
Editor: Jordan Cosselman
Reviewer: Rebecca Newman, MSW
Expertise: Social WorkPsychologyMental Health- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - Career Options
What doors open after graduating with my master’s degree…
Read more - Licensing Requirements
An explanation of necessary licenses and certifications, including requirements and steps to achieve them…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Top Schools
Best Online Master’s in Educational Psychology Programs
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Profiling Educational Psychology Master’s Programs
Florida State University
Florida State’s online MS in Educational Psychology delves into how people think, learn, and become motivated in various contexts. The 33-credit curriculum emphasizes applied learning sciences, with courses in cognition, instructional design, lifespan development, and research methods.
The program is designed for both teachers and professionals in training or instructional roles, so students can tailor projects to their workplace. Most students finish in about two years, studying full-time or part-time.
Graduates commonly pursue instructional coordinator or training specialist roles, or continue into doctoral programs. FSU offers a compelling value, particularly for Florida residents.
Duration: Approximately two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $444/credit (in-state); $1,076/credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division coursework
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Writing sample
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
Rutgers University
Rutgers University’s online Master of Education in Learning, Cognition, and Development is an educational psychology program focused on how children and adolescents learn. This 30-credit program can be completed in about two years, but students have up to five years to finish, making it one of the most flexibly paced programs in this space.
Coursework covers cognitive development, motivation strategies, collaborative learning, and memory processes, with courses like “Cognition and Language from Birth to Age 8.” Students can customize their studies with sub-specialty electives in Special Education or Educational Technology.
Graduates often become curriculum designers or educational consultants, or continue into doctoral research. The program is particularly well-suited for working teachers who want to apply learning science directly in their classrooms.
Duration: Two to five years
Mode: Online
Cost: $1,047/credit; $31,410 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia’s online MEd in Educational Psychology is a highly customizable program exploring how cognitive and developmental processes impact learning. The 34-credit curriculum covers human development, cognition, motivation, and research methodology, and is typically completed in about two years (including summers) as part of a cohort of roughly 10 students.
A standout feature is the secondary focus area: students tailor three courses toward Learning with Technology, Lifespan Development, Qualitative Research, or Gifted and Creative Education — aligning the degree with their specific interests or career goals.
Courses are primarily asynchronous with occasional live discussions. Online MEd students also have access to virtual tutoring, library services, and career counseling.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $645/credit; $21,930 total
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2.6 GPA
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Official transcripts
- Resume
Tuition & Financial Aid for Online Educational Psychology Master’s
Total tuition ranges from roughly $12,000 to over $35,000 depending on the program and your residency status. Per-credit rates across the field typically run $400 to $1,000+.
Sample Program Costs:
| School | Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State University | 33 | $444 (in-state) $1,075.66 (out-of-state) | $14,652 (in-state) $35,496 (out-of-state) |
| Rutgers University – New Brunswick | 30 | $1,047 | $31,410 |
| University of Georgia | 34 | $645 | $21,930 |
Cost Factors to Budget For:
- Technology fees — most online programs charge for learning platforms and/or exam proctoring
- Textbooks and software — variable but typically several hundred dollars per term
- Graduation fee — often a one-time charge at the end of the program
- Residency travel — most programs in this field are fully online with no required visits, but confirm before enrolling
Online programs typically eliminate commuting and relocation costs. Financial aid, scholarships (including discounts for teachers and military personnel), employer tuition assistance, and payment plans are all worth exploring early.
Careers with a Master’s in Educational Psychology
A master’s in educational psychology opens career paths across education, research, and corporate learning and development. Here’s where graduates commonly land:
In Schools and Educational Settings
- Instructional coordinator / curriculum specialist
- Instructional coach or lead teacher
- Department chair
Note: School counselor and school psychologist positions require additional specialized degrees or credentials beyond an educational psychology master’s. See the Certification section below.
In Higher Education and Research
- Learning center manager or director
- Program evaluator
- Educational researcher or research team member
These roles typically involve analyzing educational outcomes and developing evidence-based interventions to improve learning systems.
In Corporate and Workforce Settings
- Training and development specialist
- Instructional designer
- Learning and development (L&D) consultant
Continuing to Doctoral Study
Some graduates pursue a Ph.D. or EdD to become licensed psychologists, university faculty, or to lead large-scale educational research programs.
Certification and Licensure for Educational Psychology Graduates
An educational psychology master’s provides strong foundational expertise, but several careers in this space require additional credentials beyond the degree. Here’s a clear breakdown of what each credential requires:
- Licensed Psychologist — A master’s alone is insufficient. Requires a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or PsyD), 1,500–3,000 hours of supervised experience, and passing scores on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). State-specific requirements also apply.
- School Psychologist — Requires an Education Specialist (EdS) degree (or equivalent), the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential from NASP, passing the Praxis School Psychologist exam, a 1,200-hour internship, and state certification through the Department of Education.
- School Counselor — Requires a dedicated master’s in School Counseling (an educational psychology master’s is not sufficient), state certification/license from the Department of Education, passing Praxis Professional School Counselor scores, and a supervised practicum/internship. Requirements vary by state.
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) — Requires a master’s degree with specific BACB-approved Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) coursework, supervised field experience, and passing scores on the BCBA certification exam. Some states require additional licensing.
- Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) — Available in certain states including California. Requires a qualifying graduate degree, three years of school psychologist experience, and passing scores on the LEP licensing exam.
Bottom line: if your career goal requires a specific license or credential, verify the exact pathway before enrolling. Some of these credentials require a different degree entirely, not just additional coursework after an educational psychology master’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a background in education or psychology to apply?
No, most programs accept students from a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds. Related experience can strengthen your application, but it’s not required.
If your background is unrelated, articulate your reasons for the shift clearly in your personal statement. Some programs may require prerequisite courses, but many build foundational content into the curriculum itself.
Do I have to take the GRE to get in?
For most programs, no. Many online educational psychology programs have waived the GRE, particularly for experienced professionals. Some programs may require scores if your undergraduate GPA falls below a certain threshold, but this varies by school.
If you have strong scores, some programs will consider them as a supplementary signal. Always verify the current admissions criteria before applying.
Can this degree lead to becoming a licensed school psychologist or counselor?
Not directly. An MEd or MS in educational psychology does not independently qualify you for licensure as a school psychologist or school counselor.
School psychologist licensure typically requires an EdS degree. School counselor licensure requires a dedicated master’s in school counseling. An educational psychology master’s can be a stepping stone if you pursue programs with certification pathways, but it’s not a substitute for those credentials.
Expert Insight
Check with a prospective program’s marketing materials about whether their degree meets criteria for other forms of licensure (such as an LPC) to keep options of interest open as you pursue this niche field
How long does it take to finish, and can I work full-time while studying?
Most programs take about two years full-time; part-time options extend to three or four years. Rutgers offers up to five years, the most flexible window of the three programs above.
Most students successfully balance full-time work with online study, dedicating approximately 10–15 hours per week to coursework. The asynchronous format makes schedule management practical for working professionals.
Will employers respect an online master’s in educational psychology?
Yes, employers consistently treat online degrees from accredited institutions the same as on-campus degrees. School districts, colleges, research organizations, and corporate employers in this space are well-familiar with online programs.
Your diploma typically won’t specify “online.” What matters: your skills, your practical experiences, and your program’s accreditation status.