Transform your career in education while making a lasting impact on student success through an online master’s in educational psychology. The field offers promising opportunities for professionals, and online programs provide the flexibility to earn your degree and develop cutting-edge expertise while maintaining your career. Discover how these programs can advance your professional journey with this OMD guide.
- 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
Profiling Educational Psychology Master’s Programs
Florida State University – MS in Educational Psychology (Learning and Cognition)
Florida State’s online MS in Educational Psychology (Learning and Cognition) delves into how people think, learn, and become motivated in various contexts. The 33-credit curriculum emphasizes applied learning sciences, as students take courses in cognition, instructional design, lifespan development, and research methods. You can study part-time or full-time, with most finishing in about two years. The program is designed for both teachers and professionals in training or instructional roles, which means you can tailor projects to your workplace. To apply, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA, which may be waived for experienced educators. Students who complete the program can go on to pursue doctoral study or to seek roles like instructional coordinator or training specialist. Overall, FSU offers a balanced, research-informed program at a public-university tuition rate, making it an attractive option especially for Florida residents.
Duration: Approximately two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $444/credit in-state, $1,075.66 out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division coursework
- Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- Writing Sample
- Resume
- Letters of Recommendation
Rutgers University – EdM in Learning, Cognition, and Development
Rutgers University (New Brunswick) offers an online Master of Education in Learning, Cognition, and Development (LCD). An educational psychology program focused on how children and adolescents learn, his 30-credit EdM program can be completed in about two years, but students have up to five years to finish, allowing for flexible pacing. Coursework covers cognitive development (with classes like cognition and language from birth to age 8), motivation strategies, collaborative learning, and memory processes. The program also allows students to customize their learning with sub-specialty electives such as Special Education or Educational Technology. Graduates of the LCD program often become curriculum designers or educational consultants, or they continue into doctoral research. The online format also appeals to working teachers who want to deepen their understanding of learning science to apply in their classrooms.
Duration: Two to five years
Mode: Online
Cost: $1,047/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Personal Statement
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts
University of Georgia – MEd in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition & Development)
The University of Georgia’s online MEd in Educational Psychology – Applied Cognition and Development is a highly customizable program that explores how cognitive and developmental processes impact learning. This program requires 34 credits and is often completed in about 2 years (including summers) as part of a cohort of roughly 10 students. All coursework is delivered online through UGA’s Mary Frances Early College of Education. Students take foundational classes in human development, cognition, and motivation, as well as research methodology. A hallmark of UGA’s program is the option to choose a secondary focus area. You can tailor three courses toward areas like Learning with Technology, Lifespan Development, Qualitative research, or Gifted and Creative Education. This allows you to align the degree with your interests. Courses are asynchronous, but some may have occasional live discussions or group projects. Additionally, UGA is known for strong student support, as online MEd students have access to virtual tutoring, library services, and career counseling.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $645/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2.6 GPA
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Resume
Tuition & Fees for Online Educational Psychology Master’s
The cost of an online master’s in educational psychology can vary widely based on a host of factors. Tuition is usually charged on a per-credit basis, with programs ranging from roughly $400 to $1,000+ per credit, depending on the university and your residency status. That means total tuition might be as low as around $12,000 for a 30-credit public program or greater than $30,000 at a higher-priced or private institution.
Beyond tuition online programs may have technology fees (for learning platforms or exam proctoring), but you’ll typically save on campus fees. Plus, you probably won’t incur relocation or daily commute costs, which can be a significant saving. However, plan for expenses like books, software, and possibly a one-time graduation fee. It’s also worth exploring financial aid, and many schools offer scholarships or discounts (such as for teachers or military personnel).
Cost Comparison of 3 Online Educational Psychology Master’s Programs:
| 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 |
Note: Figures represent current tuition-only rates at the time of publication.
Career Info for Educational Psychology Grads
A master’s in educational psychology opens diverse career paths in education, research, and corporate settings. Plus, some graduates pursue doctoral studies (Ph.D. or EdD) to become licensed psychologists or university professors.
In schools, graduates often become curriculum specialists or instructional coordinators with median salaries around $74,620 per year. And while the role may require additional certification, school counseling positions offer median salaries of $61,710.
In higher education and research, graduates find roles managing learning centers, conducting program evaluations, or joining research teams. These positions often involve analyzing educational outcomes and developing evidence-based interventions to improve learning systems.Meanwhile, corporate opportunities include training and development specialist positions, where professionals apply learning principles to adult education and professional development.
For teachers, the versatility of this degree supports various career transitions: teachers moving to specialist roles, career-changers entering education, or professionals pursuing further certification. Plus, it can lead to roles like lead teacher, department chair, or instructional coach, often with salary increases.
Educational Psychology Training & Certification
It’s important to understand that while a master’s in educational psychology provides valuable expertise, certain careers in this field require additional licensure or certification beyond the degree. Here’s a breakdown of common pathways and what credentials they entail.
- Licensed Psychologist: A master’s alone isn’t sufficient for licensure. Along with meeting state-specific requirements, you’ll usually need a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or PsyD) and 1,500-3,000 hours of supervised experience. Plus, you’ll need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
- School Psychologist: This role requires an Education Specialist (EdS) degree or equivalent as well as the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential from NASP. Requirements include passing the Praxis School Psychologist exam, completing a 1,200-hour internship, and obtaining state certification through the Department of Education.
- School Counselor: You’ll need: a specific master’s in School Counseling (an educational psychology master’s isn’t 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): The BCBA requires a master’s degree with specific BACB-approved 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 like California, this master’s-level license requires a qualifying graduate degree, three years of school psychologist experience, and passing scores on the LEP licensing exam.
Answering Educational Psychology Student Questions
Do I need a background in education or psychology to apply for a master’s in educational psychology?
No, not necessarily. A background in education or psychology is usually not required, as most programs accept students from various fields. However, coursework or experience in related areas can strengthen your application. If your background is unrelated, articulate your reasons for switching in your personal statement. Some programs may require prerequisite courses, but many include foundational content in the curriculum.
Do I have to take the GRE to get into an online educational psychology master’s program?
Typically, no. Many online educational psychology programs have waived the GRE requirement, particularly for experienced professionals. Some may require GRE scores if your undergraduate GPA is below a certain level, but policies vary by institution. If you possess strong GRE scores, you can submit them to enhance your application, but many programs emphasize your academic performance and personal statement instead. Always verify the program’s latest admissions criteria before applying. OMD offers a list of some of the best psychology programs that waive GRE requirements.
Can this degree lead to becoming a licensed school psychologist or counselor?
An MEd or MS in educational psychology does not independently license you as a school psychologist or counselor. Typically, a school psychologist requires an EdS degree, while a school counselor needs a dedicated master’s in counseling. However, an educational psychology master’s degree can be a valuable stepping stone toward those careers, especially if you pursue programs that offer certification pathways or additional licensure options.
How long does it take to finish the online master’s, and can I work full-time while doing it?
Most online master’s programs can be completed in about two years of full-time study, though part-time options may extend this to three or four years. Plus, programs featuring a one-year accelerated master’s in the field of psychology are also available. Many students successfully balance full-time work while studying, dedicating approximately 10-15 hours each week to coursework. The flexible online format allows students to manage their schedules effectively, making it feasible to work while pursuing their degree.
Will employers respect an online master’s in educational psychology?
Yes, employers generally regard online degrees from accredited institutions as credible, similar to degrees earned on-campus. Many potential employers in education, such as school districts and colleges, are familiar with online programs and often hire graduates who completed their studies remotely. Your diploma typically won’t specify “online,” and employers focus more on your skills and experiences than the mode of education. Highlighting practical experiences and relevant coursework can further enhance your employability in the field.