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Integrate Educational Psychology with your Professional Interests

Educational psychology is a broad and diverse field that can be applied in a variety of contexts. Our MS in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Individualized Studies provides the opportunity to tailor the program to one’s professional interests. Students work with program faculty to a) identify three elective courses that form an integrated program of study with foundational coursework in educational psychology and research methods and b) develop an integrated capstone project that applies educational psychology content in their context of interest. Students may choose courses from an existing Mason graduate certificate, allowing for cost savings in pursuing multiple credentials in one’s area of interest.

Relevant graduate certificates in the College of Education and Human Development include, but are not limited to, the following graduate certificates:

Initial Licensure Certificates

  • Blindness and Visual Impairments PK-12 Licensure
  • Early Childhood Education (PK-3) Licensure
  • Early Childhood Special Education Licensure
  • Secondary Education Licensure

Advanced Licensure Certificates

  • Gifted Education (licensure is optional, but possible with the certificate)
  • Literacy/Reading Instruction
    • Concentration in Reading Specialist (K-12)
    • Concentration in Literacy Coaching
  • Add-On Endorsement in Special Education, General Curriculum

Non-Licensure Certificates

  • Applied Behavior Analysis
  • Assistive Technology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Education Policy
  • Gifted Education
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) in Teaching and Learning
  • Learning Technologies Graduate Certificate
    • Concentration in Blended and Online Learning in Schools
    • Concentration in Designing Digital Learning in Schools
    • Concentration in E-Learning
  • Sport Management
  • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) for PK-12 Practitioners

Note: Students who elect to complete the program 100% online may have more limited course options each semester, and it may take longer to complete the program than blended and face-to-face options. Communication and advanced planning with one's academic advisor is essential.

What Is Educational Psychology?

Educational psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the scientific study of human learning. Studying learning processes from cognitive, social, emotional, and developmental perspectives allows researchers to understand individual differences in intelligence, cognitive development, affect, motivation, self-regulation, and self-concept as well as their roles in learning. The field of educational psychology relies heavily on research methods such as testing and measurement to enhance educational activities related to instructional design, classroom management, and assessment and to facilitate learning processes in various educational settings across the lifespan.

Educational psychology is interdisciplinary, informed primarily by psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and cultural studies. It in turn informs a wide range of specialties within educational studies, including instructional design, educational technology, curriculum development, organizational learning, decision making, adult education, special education, and management.

What Does an Educational Psychologist Do?

An educational psychologist may:

  • Assess learning and emotional needs by observing and consulting with multidisciplinary teams to advise on the best approaches and provisions to support learning development
  • Evaluate and analyze teaching methods, training methods, and educational programs
  • Create and develop new educational methods, instruments, or programs
  • Formulate interventions that focus on applying knowledge, skills, and expertise to support local and national initiatives
  • Advise, support, educate, and negotiate with teachers, parents, and other educational professionals
  • Facilitate meetings, discussions, seminars, and courses
  • Review and develop policies