Top 30 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Educational Psychology Degrees in 2021
Discover a program that is right for you.
A master’s in educational psychology degree will allow you to enter a highly demanding field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 3% growth for psychologists, including educationals, as well as an accelerated growth for school counselors.
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the need for school counselors. One study found that school counselors’ mental health training will be essential in helping to transition students back to in-person learning, and helping them manage the trauma of the last year and a half.
State counseling licensure and counseling jobs typically require at least a master’s degree in counseling. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in 2017, the average cost for a year of study was $18,416. But not every option will break the bank.
If you’re considering obtaining a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, now is the time to compare program costs. This guide explores online masters in educational psychology degrees. We’ll identify some of the most affordable options, as well as looking at common courses, program rankings, licensure requirements, and areas of concentration for counseling students.
Explore these promoted online degree programs.
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master’s or PhD programs.
Most Affordable Online Master’s in School Counseling Degrees in 2021
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Fort Hays State UniversityLocation
Hays, KS
Tuition$4055
Fort Hays State University is our top pick for the most affordable online educational psychology degree. The school offers an online master's in school psychology through its virtual college. All courses are delivered online with the exception of five-day advanced workshops that must be completed on campus. The program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to pursue careers as school psychologists or entry into a doctoral program. Online courses include advanced learning and motivation, behavior therapy, development psychology, methods in school psychology, and observation in school psychology. Fort Hays State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #77 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Chadron State CollegeLocation
Chadron, NE
Tuition$4803
Chadron State College offers one of the most affordable kinds of online educational psychology degree programs on our list – the online master's in school counseling. The degree is designed for students who desire careers as school counselors in public and private educational settings. Most of the courses are delivered online, including advanced human development, career and lifestyle development, counseling ethics and professional identity, fundamentals of assessment, group counseling, and school counseling. Admission requires an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, official transcripts, and a completed application. Chadron State College has been recognized in recent years by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.
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University of NevadaLocation
Las Vegas, NV
Tuition$5500
University of Nevada offers an affordable educational psychology master's online degree program designed for working educators who want to earn advanced skills in educational psychology. The program is available 100% online with courses taught by university professors. For the non-thesis track, required courses include descriptive and inferential statistics, foundations of learning and cognition, human growth and development, research methods, and theory and practice of human measurement. UNLV is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a best national university. The online graduate education programs have also earned top rankings and recognition in previous years.
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University of TexasLocation
Tyler, TX
Tuition$6376
One of the best online master's in educational psychology or school counseling degree programs on our list is offered by University of Texas. The degree is designed for educational professionals who want to receive credentials to work as school counselors. Flexible online coursework provides convenient class schedules and the ability to earn a master's in school counseling in just 18 months. Admission is competitive and requires both undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GRE scores, and a completed applications. University of Texas is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 88th best regional university in the West and the 32nd top public school.
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University of West AlabamaLocation
Livingston, AL
Tuition$6580
University of West Alabama offers one of the most affordable educational psychology master's online degree programs on our list. Students may opt to earn an online master's in education with a certification in school counseling. The program is offered entirely online with courses taught by university professors. Some of the required courses include career development and counseling, counseling children and adolescents, diagnostic techniques for school counselors, introduction to school counseling, and strategies for crisis intervention. Admission requirements include a complete background check and a baccalaureate degree. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South.
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University of North TexasLocation
Denton, TX
Tuition$7183
The online educational psychology degree at University of North Texas is one of the most affordable master's level programs on our list. Students may earn an MS in Educational Psychology with a concentration in research and evaluation entirely online. The program is designed to be completed in just 15 months by taking up to four accelerated courses in the summer months and two courses each fall and spring. Online courses include educational research and evaluation, foundations of program evaluation, introduction to educational psychology, statistics for educational research, and survey research methods in education. University of North Texas is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best national institution. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #16 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Oklahoma State UniversityLocation
Stillwater, OK
Tuition$7735
Oklahoma State University offers an accredited educational psychology master's online degree program designed for working students with aspirations of becoming school counselors or pursuing doctoral degrees in educational psychology. Thesis and non-thesis options are available, and the typical graduation time is 18-24 months. Admission requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and competitive GRE or MAT scores from tests taken within the last five years. Courses include creativity for teachers, developmental issues in instruction, issues in adolescent development, psychology of the adult learner, and theories of social psychology. Oklahoma State is a nationally ranked and accredited university, recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
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Lamar UniversityLocation
Beaumont, TX
Tuition$8006
One of the top online educational psychology degree programs on our list is the master's in school counseling from Lamar University. This 48-credit hour program is designed to be completed in just 22 months. While courses are delivered entirely online, two face-to-face five-day residency seminars are required. Some of the required online courses include counseling skills, group counseling theories and techniques, introduction to school counseling, measurement and assessment, research and program evaluation, and a school counseling practicum. Lamar is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, in the most recent edition of Best Colleges, the school's online graduate education programs are ranked #77 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Texas A&M UniversityLocation
College Station, TX
Tuition$8904
Texas A&M University offers an alternative to the educational psychology master's online program that does not require a thesis or residency. The online master's in school counseling is a 36-credit hour program that may be completed entirely online through asynchronous and synchronous formats. Admission to the program requires an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, three letters of recommendation, and one year of classroom teaching experience. Courses are taught by university professors and include career counseling in schools, issues in child and adolescent development, foundations of school counseling, multicultural counseling in schools, school counseling theories and techniques, and techniques in research. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 74th best national institution and 21st best value school. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #72 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Ball State UniversityLocation
Muncie, IN
Tuition$9048
One of the most affordable educational psychology master's online degree program on our list is offered by Ball State University. The program is designed to prepare students for careers as school psychologists or entry into the doctoral pool. Courses are taught by nationally recognized faculty who are among the top researchers and respected teachers in the field. Courses include advanced educational psychology, child development, human learning and achievement motivation, psychology of human development, research design, and statistical methods in educational and psychological research. Ball State is nationally recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the online graduate education programs have been ranked #16 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Jacksonville State UniversityLocation
Jacksonville, AL
Tuition$9204
One of the most affordable types of online educational psychology degree programs on our list is the online master's in school counseling from Jacksonville State University. This 30-33 hour degree program is designed to educate school counselors to address the needs of elementary and secondary students in areas of academics, personal, and social development. The program is delivered entirely online with classes taught by university professors. Courses include advanced counseling theories, assessment in counseling, diagnosis and treatment of the DSM disorders, law and politics of education, and survey course in special education. Jacksonville is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 98th best regional university in the South and the 41st top public school. Also, the online graduate education programs have earned recognition.
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Indiana UniversityLocation
Bloomington, IN
Tuition$9996
Indiana University's School of Education offers accredited and affordable online educational psychology master's programs that emphasize research and applications. The educational psychology track requires a series of courses that focus on inquiry methodology and curriculum theory or methods. All classes are delivered online and include educational and historical foundations of psychology, qualitative inquiry in education, seminar in early childhood education, and social and political philosophy in education. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 86th best national university in the country. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #22 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Concordia UniversityLocation
Mequon, WI
Tuition$10290
Concordia University offers an affordable online master's in school counseling degree program that is designed to equip students to become school counselors in parochial or public school settings. Small class sizes and an online format are ideal for working students who want to engage in a graduate program without having to give up daytime obligations to attend class. Courses are delivered online and include classroom management for counselors, counseling theories and issues, human development, individual counseling, models and methods of family counseling, professional ethics in the helping profession, and social and cultural foundations in counseling. Concordia is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 56th best regional university in the West. Also, the online graduate education programs have earned a ranking of #113 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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University of MemphisLocation
Memphis, TN
Tuition$10463
The accredited online master's in educational psychology degree program from University of Memphis is designed for working and professional students who want to become school psychologists. Admission to the program requires GRE scores and the completion of two application forms. All classes are delivered online to accommodate the work schedules of busy students. Courses are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses are research-focused and designed to apply current educational and psychological research to solving contemporary educational problems. University of Memphis is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online graduate education programs have earned rankings over the past several years.
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University of AlabamaLocation
Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuition$10470
The online educational psychology master's programs at University of Alabama are both ranked and accredited. The 30 credit hour program may be completed entirely online with classes taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Courses include advanced educational psychology, development of self-regulation, evaluation of classroom learning, introduction to education research, non-thesis research, social and cultural foundations of behavior, and statistical methods in education. GRE scores are required for admission to the program. University of Alabama is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 103rd best national institution in the country.
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North Carolina State UniversityLocation
Raleigh, NC
Tuition$10572
For those interested in an online educational psychology degree with a focus on school counseling, North Carolina State University offers an accredited program. Successful degree candidates earn a Master of Education in School Counseling. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include career counseling and development, cross cultural counseling, group counseling, introduction to counseling, strategies for clinical assessment in counseling, and theories and technologies of counseling. Graduates of the program become eligible for K-12 school counselor licenses in North Carolina. NC State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 92nd best national university in the country and 62nd best value school. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #29 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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University of GeorgiaLocation
Athens, GA
Tuition$10762
One of the top online educational psychology master's programs on our list is offered by University of Georgia. This top-ranked program may be completed entirely online with classes led by the same professors who instruct in traditional classrooms on campus. Online courses include adult development and instruction, emerging approaches in teaching and learning, introduction to computer-based education, instructional design, and multicultural perspectives in technology. All degree applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, have a cumulative GPA of 2.6 or better, provide GRE or MAT scores, and include three letters of recommendation from people who know you professionally or as a scholar. University of Georgia is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 56th best national university in the country. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #6 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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National UniversityLocation
La Jolla, CA
Tuition$11232
One of the most affordable online educational psychology master's programs on our list is the online master's in school psychology from National University. Graduates of this program generally seek careers as school psychologists in P-12 school districts. Courses are delivered online and are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses include advanced applications, cognitive assessment, consultation in the schools, developmental psychopathology, ethics for behavior analysis, school psychology research, and social and emotional assessment. A practicum, internship, and successful completion of the PRAXIS exam are also required. National University's online graduate education programs are ranked #149 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News and World Report.
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University of Northern ColoradoLocation
Greeley, CO
Tuition$11444
University of Northern Colorado offers one of the most affordable online educational psychology master's programs on our list. The degree may be completed in one year or spread out over a longer period of time. Online course include cognitive development, educational psychology for teachers, life span developmental psychology, psychology of addiction, and theories and principles of learning. Classes are taught by the same professors who teach on campus. Admission requirements include an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. While GRE scores may be submitted, they are not required. University of Northern Colorado is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top-ranked national institution. The online graduate education programs are ranked #123 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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University of TennesseeLocation
Knoxville, TN
Tuition$12834
The accredited online master's in educational psychology from University of Tennessee is a top-ranked, 36-credit hour program that may be earned in two years by taking online courses every semester for six consecutive semesters. Online courses include meeting needs of nontraditional and underachieving learners, motivation in learning, and survey of educational psychology. The program does not require a thesis but does require a comprehensive examination. Admission requirements include a completed resume, letter of introduction, transcripts, and writing sample. University of Tennessee is ranked by major publications as a top national institution. In fact, the most recent publication of Best Colleges ranks the school as 103rd among best national universities.
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Regent UniversityLocation
Virginia Beach, VA
Tuition$13226
One of the top online educational psychology master's programs on our list is the online master's in school counseling from Regent University. The program is ranked and accredited, poised toward the pursuit of doctoral degrees and designed to equip students for careers as school counselors. A total of 60 credit hours are required, which may be completed on campus or online with a required residency. Online courses include assessment techniques in counseling, counseling children and adolescents, principles of school counseling, program development and evaluation for school counselors, and theories of counseling. Regent is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #56 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Walden UniversityLocation
Minneapolis, MN
Tuition$13555
Walden University's online master's in educational psychology is a 48 credit program designed with 11-week courses that may be completed entirely online. Online courses are taught by university professors and include culture and diversity, educational psychology, foundations for graduate study in psychology, psychology of the exceptional individual, quantitative reasoning and analysis, and tests and measurements. In the last quarter, students who want to continue on for the PhD may choose an ethics course instead of the capstone. Walden is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the graduate education programs have earned recognition in recent years.
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Oregon State UniversityLocation
Corvallis, OR
Tuition$13801
The online master's in school counseling degree program at Oregon State University is a hybrid program that may be completed 50 percent online and 50 percent in the classroom with meetings held two weekends each term in Salem, Oregon. Online practicum and internship courses are synchronous and require live online attendance during scheduled times. Online courses include addictive behavior counseling, applied psychopath and diagnosis, cross-cultural counseling, group counseling procedures, leadership of school counseling programs, and social and cultural perspectives. OSU is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 143rd best national university in the country.
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Marist CollegeLocation
Poughkeepsie, NY
Tuition$14040
Marist College's online master's in educational psychology is an accredited program that meets the academic requirements for New York State Professional Teaching Certification. The program has two completion tracks that meet the requirements for application to the Professional Certification in Childhood Education and in Adolescent Education. Both degree pathways require the completion of 36 credit hours of coursework. Admission requirements include an earned bachelor's from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better. Marist is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 9th best regional university in the North.
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University of the SouthwestLocation
Hobbs, NM
Tuition$14376
The University of the Southwest's online master's in school counseling is a 42-credit, fully online degree program designed to prepare students for licensure as a school counselor in various school settings. While coursework may be completed entirely online, practicums and internships must be completed in a variety of settings. Some of the required courses include counseling techniques, educational research, group counseling for schools, program development and management, psycho-educational assessment, and school counseling. University of the Southwest is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, several of the school's online graduate programs have earned recognition, including the online graduate education programs.
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California University of PennsylvaniaLocation
California, PA
Tuition$15508
One of the top online master's in school counseling programs on our list is found at California University of Pennsylvania. The fully accredited program is designed for working students who want to earn a master's in school counseling with preK-12 certification as a school counselor. All courses are taught online, and the program may be completed in only four semesters and one summer. Online courses include counseling skills and techniques, counseling theory, foundations of school counseling, research methods in counseling, and special education foundations and collaboration. The institution is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North. Also, the online graduate education programs are ranked #77 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Our Lady of the Lake UniversityLocation
San Antonio, TX
Tuition$16206
One alternative to an online master's in educational psychology for those interested in working in schools is the online school counseling degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. This online degree program can be completed in two years with courses delivered entirely online. Courses are taught by the same instructors who teach on campus. These courses include counseling theories methods and techniques, disability issues, educational theories, ethical issues in schools, guidance and counseling services, and vocational and aptitude assessment. Our Lady of the Lake is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the institution as the 76th best regional university in the West.
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Eastern Michigan UniversityLocation
Ypsilanti, MI
Tuition$16355
One of the top educational psychology master's online degree programs on our list is found at Eastern Michigan University. The program is designed for working professionals who hold teacher certification and have completed the GRE with adequate scores. All courses are delivered online and include basic concepts in educational psychology, human development, principles of educational research, psychology of adolescence, and sociology of education. A culminating project and thesis are also required. Two concentrations are also available in the developing learner or assessment. Eastern Michigan is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.
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University of MassachusettsLocation
Boston, MA
Tuition$17218
The online master's in school counseling degree program at University of Massachusetts is offered through the Department of Counseling and School Psychology. This entirely online program requires the completion of 60 credit hours of online coursework and field experience. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor's degree, a distinguished undergraduate transcript showcasing at least a 3.0 GPA, and a minimum of two recommendations. GRE scores are also required. Online courses include counseling theory and practice, cultural diversity in counseling, family therapy theories, and research and evaluation in psychology. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and public school.
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Wake Forest UniversityLocation
Winston-Salem, NC
Tuition$38010
Wake Forest University offers an accredited online master's in school counseling degree program that is designed for working students who desire a different path toward a graduate degree than the traditional course. The program is for working professionals or educators who want to become elementary, middle, or high school counselors. Courses are delivered online, and classes are taught by the same university professors who teach in the classroom. A total of 60 credit hours are required with 18 of those credits in the school counseling specialty track. Wake Forest University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 27th best national university and 28th best value school in the country.
Our Methodology, Explained
Metric | Data Used | Percentage |
Academic Quality | Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates | 30% |
Affordability | Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid | 10% |
Reputation | Admission and enrollment rates | 30% |
Program Offerings | Number of program options | 20% |
Online Enrollment Score | Portion of learners taking at least one online course | 10% |
Everything You Should Know About Earning an Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
What can you do with a master's in educational psychology?
Can you be a school psychologist without a master's in educational psychology?
How long does it take to earn a master's in educational psychology?
What is the salary for an educational psychologist?
Career and Salary Outlook for Educational Psychology Graduates
As student enrollment grows, schools hire more school and career counselors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 8% increase in school and career counselor positions during the 2019-2029 period, more than double the average for all occupations.
However, a school counselor isn’t the only job available to graduates who hold a master’s degree in educational psychology. There is a variety of forward-facing and research-based career options out there, allowing you to choose a path that best suits your personality and strengths. Some of the most common options include educational psychologist or researcher, college counselor, and college professor.
Job Title | Median Pay (annual) | Job Outlook, 2018-2029 |
School Counselor | $58,120 | 8% |
Educational Psychologist | $79,820 | 8% |
Educational Researcher | $53,740 | -4% |
College Counselor | $58,120 | 8% |
College Professor | $80,790 | 9% |
If you choose to pursue a doctorate in educational psychology, earning potential can increase by several thousand dollars, hovering between $70-120,000. This is particularly true of those who go on to work as curriculum developers or instruction designers in the business and public sectors.
It’s important to note that school counselors must hold licensure from their state’s school counseling board. Most states require candidates for licensure to have a clean record, a counseling-related master’s degree from an accredited school, and at least two years of supervised experience. Candidates may also need to pass a licensure examination or obtain a teaching license.
State requirements vary, so prospective counselors should understand the licensure requirements for their state. The American School Counselor Association provides a detailed list of licensure requirements by state. Many states maintain reciprocity agreements that allow school counselors to transfer their licenses between states.
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Admission Requirements for Online Master's in Educational Psychology Programs
While every school will have its own specific admission requirements, the most successful candidates often share a handful of common traits:
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field. Not every program requires a bachelor’s degree in education or psychology, but if you do have one in either field, you should emphasize it on your application as some admissions departments may give these students a preferential position.
- Professional experience. Many programs will require some proof of previous experience in either education or psychology. An active teaching license or a resume denoting counseling experience may be necessary to obtain admission.
- GRE/GMAT scores. Online masters in educational psychology programs are moving away from these standardized test scores, but some may still require them for admissions.
- Letters of recommendation/professional experience. As application numbers increase, many schools are looking for things, like professional experience or letters of recommendation, that set you apart from the crowd.
What Common Courses Are Offered in a Master's in Educational Psychology Programs?
Child and Adolescent psychology
Behavioral assessment
Counseling theory and best practices
Social contexts of learning
Research methods
What Are Some Related Concentrations on Educational Psychology programs?
Gifted and talented: This concentration allows professionals to identify students who qualify for gifted and talented programs. Additionally, the concentration teaches educators and counselors how to build programs that will challenge the students and allow them to reach their full potential without overwhelming them.
Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing: This concentration allows students to gain an even deeper understanding of the assessment, evaluation, and testing techniques used to meet the needs of students from elementary school through college. The concentration helps students develop the skills necessary to meet these needs while learning how to design and implement programs that allow students to thrive in all social and cultural contexts.
Accreditation for Master’s Degrees in School Counseling
Accreditation is a voluntary quality-verification process that helps students safeguard their educational investments. Accredited schools meet the standards set by third-party accrediting agencies, which must hold approval from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Only students at accredited institutions can receive federal financial aid.Counseling programs usually hold programmatic accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Students comparing counseling programs can use programmatic accreditation status as an indicator of academic quality.
Why Should I Get an Online Masters in Educational Psychology?
A master’s degree in educational psychology has the potential to open many doors and inspire real change.
- Various work environments
- Those who hold this type of upper-level degree have access to an increased number of jobs, both in traditional K-12 settings, but also in the government, research organizations, curriculum design, youth mental health facilities, large corporations, and colleges.
- Career advancement
- For those who currently hold a degree in education or general psychology, a master’s in the field can allow for a mid-career pivot, moving from the classroom to an office or vice-versa. Earning potential can also go up significantly for those with a master’s degree.
- Personal fulfillment
- Earning an online master’s degree in educational psychology will allow you to make a real difference. Our current education system leaves thousands of children behind each year, and pursuing this pathway means you can gain the tools you need to reach these students where they are and to create systems that ensure our children can keep up with their peers. This type of degree is unique because its holders have the potential to change the face of American education in ways that truly matter.
Madison Troyer
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Madison Troyer is a contributing writer who covers higher education, online graduate programs, college planning, and more for Grad School Hub. Her writing has also appeared in Newsweek, The Simple Dollar, and Stacker.
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