What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Educational Psychology Program?

If you’re shopping for a program to earn your master’s degree in assessment and measurement, online options offer convenience and a quality education that rivals that of traditional on-campus programs. Attendance requirements are often broad, setting parameters and giving you the freedom to choose your class engagement times within them. This makes it easier to pursue your graduate degree while you work full-time or fulfill other personal obligations. You also have some control over completion time, with accelerated programs that get you to your degree faster and part-time options if you keep a busy schedule. To find the program that works best for your situation, compare the curriculum and demands of several distance learning institutions to find the one that matches your career goals and won’t interfere with your lifestyle.

Concentrations Offered for an Online Master’s in Educational Psychology

Curriculum for an Online Master’s in Educational Psychology

Coursework for a master’s in educational psychology includes core classes that focus on teaching, counseling and human development concepts. Concentration classes range from diverse theories and psychosocial contexts. Some online degree programs deliver all of their courses online, while others require tests, labs and technical classes to be completed on-ground. Sample classes include:

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology?

The online M.Ed. program typically takes one to two years to complete in a self-paced full-time program. The number of credit hours depends on the particular program and concentration and can range from 35 to 52 hours. Part-time programs typically take three to four years but allow students to continue working full-time while completing the coursework at a slower pace.

Certifications and Licenses an Online Master’s in Educational Psychology Prepares For

Accreditation for Online Master’s in Educational Psychology

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education provides accreditation for some master’s in educational psychology degrees. A particular college or university receives accreditation according to the standards set by the U.S. Department of Education. A school may receive national or regional accreditation. Regional accreditation applies to most local colleges and universities and is generally more prestigious due to its higher standards.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Educational Psychology Graduates

Job Placement: Master’s v. Bachelor’s

Most career positions in educational psychology require at least a master’s degree. Those with a bachelor’s degree may seek positions as a corrections officer, a police officer, a social work assistant or an administrative service manager assistant. Correction officers have a lower-than-average job outlook. Police officers have a job outlook of 7 percent. Those with a master’s in educational psychology have many opportunities to further their careers, including going ahead to receive a doctorate. Those with master’s degrees also see a higher-than-average job outlook in most positions.

Expected Salary

Potential career choices for someone with a master’s in assessment and measurement generally offer a low-end salary of $40,000 to $50,000, with an upper range that more than doubles. The table below shows the salary potential for a range of jobs that can be filled by someone with a graduate degree in assessment and measurement.

Career Opportunities

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations for those with a masters in educational psychology help bring like-minded individuals together to share knowledge. Most organizations provide outside support, educational opportunities and information on new career standards. The following are some of the most popular and top organizations in educational psychology.

American Psychological Association (APA): One of the world’s largest organizations for those in psychology careers. The APA focuses on communication and research to benefit its members.

Association of Educational Therapists (AET): The AET sets the standards for educational therapists and provides leadership, training and certification for educational therapy professionals.

National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME): The NCME is a professional association that works to create new standardized tests, assessment methods and evaluates current and upcoming programs in education.

American School Counseling Association: Provides advice, resources, publication and advocacy for school counselors. The organization also helps upcoming counselors who are still in school to help them become successful in their careers.

Association for Psychological Science (APS): This non-profit organization is devoted to scientific psychology studies. It is the largest organization that focuses solely on psychology research.

Financing Your Online Master’s in Educational Psychology

Online degrees can cost considerably less than on-campus programs. Both in-state and out-of-state students usually pay the same amount per quarter hour, which can save tens of thousands for those in out-of-state locations. Even though costs are lower, most students still need assistance in paying for their education. The first place to start is by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. This provides you with a list of federal funding that is available for your use. There are also many different private and public grants, loans, scholarships and funding types to help you cover costs. Consider some of the following options.

Resources

Scholarships

Interested in a degree instead?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.