Online Master’s Degrees in Educational Psychology

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“The future of the field lies in connecting research with practice, and turning insights into innovative solutions that make learning more effective, engaging, and meaningful.”

Kristina Noriega, EdD, Psychology Faculty Member, Purdue Global

An online master’s degree in educational psychology explores the science of how people learn, applying psychological principles to education, training, and human development. These programs blend cognitive science, behavioral psychology, and instructional design to help students understand how learning environments shape knowledge acquisition, motivation, and academic success.

Many professionals pursue this degree to advance careers in education, research, corporate training, instructional design, and student support services. While it does not lead to licensure as a psychologist, an educational psychology master’s can prepare graduates for roles in curriculum development, academic advising, school intervention programs, and learning analytics. Some programs also offer pathways to specialized certifications in areas such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) or school counseling, depending on coursework and state requirements.

One of the biggest advantages of an online format is flexibility. Many programs cater to working professionals, offering asynchronous courses, self-paced study, and practical applications that students can implement in their current careers. Whether seeking to enhance teaching strategies, develop learning technologies, or support student success in academic or workplace settings, an online master’s in educational psychology provides the foundation to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Read on to get a comprehensive look at online master’s degrees in educational psychology.

Ask the Expert: Kristina M. Noriega, EdD

Dr. Kristina Noriega is a full-time faculty member specializing in psychology at Purdue Global. With over 20 years of experience, she has made a significant impact in various fields within the federal government, particularly in education. Her expertise extends to areas such as education liaison, policy development, and education services.

During her tenure in the federal government, Dr. Noriega honed her skills in adult education, focusing on bridging the gap between different sectors and fostering seamless transitions. Her work centers on enhancing the user experience in instructional design and higher education.

CounselingSchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about educational psychology?

Dr. Noriega: Many assume educational psychology is only about how students learn in school, but it is much broader than that. It blends cognitive science, human development, instructional design, and technology to improve learning in diverse settings, such as classrooms, corporate training, and digital platforms.

It often gets overlooked that educational psychology is not just about students—it is about designing better learning experiences and using research to enhance teaching, training, and skill-building. Whether in K-12, higher education, corporate learning, or UX (User Experience) research, educational psychology helps shape how people process information, retain knowledge, and apply skills throughout their lives.

CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in educational psychology?

Dr. Noriega: Stay curious, and do not just focus on theory; find ways to apply what you learn. Educational psychology is at its best when research meets real-world impact, so build a strong foundation in cognitive psychology, motivation, and learning. Technology is rapidly transforming how people learn, with AI, adaptive learning systems, and UX (User Experience) playing an increasing role. The more you stay informed about these trends and connect with professionals, the more doors will open across different career paths in education, research, and design.

CounselingSchools.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?

Dr. Noriega: Educational psychology is evolving alongside AI-driven learning, data analytics, and personalized education. Future learning environments will adapt dynamically to individual needs, optimizing engagement and retention.

As education becomes increasingly digital, the user experience is crucial in ensuring intuitive, engaging, and effective learning tools. Learning tools must be adequate, intuitive, engaging, and designed around how people learn. By applying motivation, cognitive load, and behavior principles, educational psychology will continue shaping learning across schools, universities, corporate training, and more.

The future of the field lies in connecting research with practice, and turning insights into innovative solutions that make learning more effective, engaging, and meaningful.

Ask the Expert: Idean Ettekal, PhD

Dr. Idean Ettekal is an associate professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University. He’s serving as the program coordinator for the developmental sciences master’s and PhD programs.

Dr. Ettekal’s research examines children’s and adolescents’ social and emotional development, and the impact of their interpersonal relationships and experiences in different social contexts (e.g., peer victimization and rejection, teacher-student relationship quality, parental responsiveness and harshness). His work has primarily been interested in examining the development of antisocial and externalizing behaviors such as aggression, bullying, rule-breaking, and youth violence.

CounselingSchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about educational psychology?

Dr. Ettekal: One of the foundational questions central to the field of educational psychology is, how do we create (as educators and parents) optimal learning environments to support all students to thrive?

While the education field broadly focuses on curriculum and instructional practices, students’ learning is profoundly impacted by having supportive learning environments and climates, and motivational factors that drive them to be engaged and interested, and persevere through challenges. Educational psychology strives to understand how we can create these types of environments for students of all ages and empower them with the skills to succeed academically and beyond.

CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in educational psychology?

Dr. Ettekal: Within the field of educational psychology, there are many subdisciplines and programs, often with interrelated goals, but with different approaches and emphasis areas. For example, within the educational psychology department at Texas A&M University, we have six unique and complementary programs in learning and developmental sciences, research measurement and statistics, special and bilingual education, and school and counseling psychology.

As aspiring students seek to find which program is the best fit for them, it is important for students to spend some time to better understand how each of these programs is unique and how the training and educational opportunities offered can best prepare them for their future career goals.

CounselingSchools.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?

Dr. Ettekal: Within our society, children today are facing significant challenges. For example, Covid-related learning loss continues to impact students across the country, and the past decade has shown increasing rates of mental health problems among American adolescents.

Educational psychology is perhaps one of the most important fields of research and practice that can help us tackle these challenges today, and must remain at the forefront of leading our nation’s efforts to create a better future where students have the resources and support to overcome these obstacles and succeed both in and outside of school.

Typical Admissions Requirements for Online Master’s Degrees in Educational Psychology

Each graduate school will have its own requirements, but many require similar things, including:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Official transcripts from previous schools
A competitive GPA (typically 3.0 or higher)
A personal statement
Letter(s) of recommendation
A resume or CV outlining relevant work and volunteer experience
A GRE, GMAT, or another standardized test score (though these are becoming less and less common as a requirement)

Licensure Considerations in Educational Psychology

Becoming a licensed educational psychologist generally requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology, a specified amount of supervised professional experience, and passing relevant examinations.

School counselors or school psychologists often require at least a master’s degree in school counseling or school psychology, completion of supervised internships, and state-specific licensure.

Master’s degrees in educational psychology are still valuable for professionals interested in applying psychological principles to improve educational experiences. While it typically does not lead to licensure as a psychologist, it opens doors to careers in education, research, instructional design, and student support services.

It’s essential for prospective students to research specific program requirements and state licensure regulations to ensure alignment with their career goals.

Courses in Online Master’s Degrees in Educational Psychology

The coursework in an online master’s in educational psychology blends foundational psychology principles with advanced theories of learning, cognition, and educational assessment. These programs prepare students to analyze how individuals learn, design effective instructional strategies, and apply psychological research to real-world educational challenges.

Core courses typically cover the following areas:

Foundations of Educational Psychology
Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
Psychology of Learning.
Educational Research Methods and Statistics
Assessment and Evaluation in Education
Cultural and Social Foundations of Learning
Professional Ethics and Legal Issues

Many programs also allow for specialization courses in areas such as:

Instructional Design and Technology
Special Education and Behavioral Interventions
School Psychology and Counseling Foundations
Motivation and Classroom Management

Depending on the program, students may also complete a capstone project, research thesis, or internship to apply their knowledge in practical settings.

Supervised Clinical Hour Requirements & Internships – Online Master’s Degrees in Educational Psychology

As of 2025, the requirement for clinical or practicum hours in educational psychology master’s programs varies depending on the program’s focus and objectives.

Master’s programs centered on educational psychology theory, learning sciences, or educational research typically do not require clinical or practicum hours. These programs focus on coursework and research projects, preparing graduates for roles in educational research, instructional design, or policy development.

Conversely, programs designed to prepare students for applied roles, such as school psychology, school counseling, or behavioral intervention, often include substantial practicum or internship requirements. These practical experiences are designed to provide hands-on training in real-world settings, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge under supervision.

Given the variability among programs, it’s essential for prospective students to review the specific requirements of each educational psychology master’s program to determine the presence and extent of any clinical or practicum components.

Program Accreditation for Online Master’s Degrees in Educational Psychology

Obtaining an online master’s degree in educational psychology from an accredited institution is crucial for ensuring educational quality and enhancing employment prospects. Accreditation serves as a validation that an institution meets established standards of excellence in education.

In the United States, regional accreditation is granted by agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These agencies evaluate entire institutions, ensuring they meet specific academic and administrative standards. The six regional accrediting bodies and their respective regions are:

New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

While regional accreditation covers the institution as a whole, programmatic accreditation focuses on specific programs within an institution. Historically, the American Psychological Association (APA) accredited only doctoral programs in psychology. However, as of 2025, the APA has expanded its scope to include accreditation of master’s programs in health service psychology. Despite this expansion, the number of APA-accredited master’s programs remains limited. For instance, there are currently three accredited master’s programs, compared to 423 accredited doctoral programs.

Featured Online Master’s Degrees in Educational Psychology – MS, MEd

Purdue Global – College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Purdue University Global offers an online Master of Science in Educational Psychology designed to equip students with a strong foundation in learning theories, research methods, and program evaluation. The curriculum explores the psychological principles that shape educational experiences, emphasizing how cognitive, emotional, and social factors influence learning outcomes.

Students develop the analytical skills needed to assess and improve instructional methods, design educational interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of learning programs. While this program does not lead to licensure or certification as a psychologist, it prepares graduates for careers in education, instructional design, and research. The degree requires the completion of 47 quarter credit hours and can typically be completed in one year of full-time study.

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana / Online
Duration: 52 credits
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Capella University – Harold Abel School of Psychology

Capella University offers an online Master of Science in Psychology program that provides a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles and practices. The curriculum covers areas such as human development, research methodologies, and ethical standards in psychology. Students can tailor their education through various specializations, including educational psychology, to align with their career objectives. This program is designed to prepare graduates for roles in research, teaching, or psychological services in various settings.

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota / Online
Duration: 48 credits
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Walden University – College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Walden University provides an online Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology. This program focuses on applying psychological theories to educational practices, aiming to enhance learning outcomes. The coursework delves into cognitive development, motivation, and instructional design, equipping students with the skills to address diverse learning needs. Graduates are prepared for roles in educational consulting, instructional coordination, and academic research.

Location: Columbia, Maryland / Online
Duration: 48 credits
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Texas A&M University – College of Education and Human Development

Texas A&M University offers a master’s in education program in educational psychology with an emphasis in school counseling. This program prepares individuals for careers as school counselors in K-12 schools. The program is entirely online in both asynchronous and synchronous formats.

The internship experience lasts two semesters, and students are required to complete 400 onsite hours of counseling activities and weekly one-hour supervision. Their admissions page says that prospective students with two years of classroom teaching experience as a certified educator in a K-12 setting are highly preferred. This program is not designed to prepare students to become licensed professional counselors.

Location: College Station, Texas / Online
Duration: 48 credits
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Ball State University – Counseling Psychology, Social Psychology, and Counseling

Ball State University offers an online Master of Arts in Educational Psychology that provides a research-based curriculum aimed at education professionals and those in related fields. The program emphasizes human development, learning processes, and motivational dynamics. Students can customize their studies through various specializations, such as gifted and talented education, human development, institutional research, and applied behavior analysis. This flexibility allows graduates to tailor their education to specific career goals in educational settings, research institutions, or community agencies.

Location: Muncie, Indiana Online
Duration: 30 credits, 12 to 18 months
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Marist College – School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Marist College began more than 100 years ago as a seminary but is now nonsectarian. Their Master of Science in Education in Educational Psychology designed for educators seeking to deepen their understanding of learning processes and developmental stages. The program integrates psychological theories with educational practices, focusing on areas like cognitive development, instructional strategies, and assessment methods. Graduates are prepared to apply this knowledge to enhance teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes in various educational contexts.

Location: Poughkeepsie, New York / Hybrid
Duration: 36 credits, two years (full-time or summer hybrid option), part-time options also available
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Rutgers-New Brunswick – Graduate School of Education

Rutgers University provides an Ed.M. in Learning, Cognition, and Development, focusing on the interplay between cognitive processes and educational practices. The program explores how individuals learn and develop, emphasizing the application of this knowledge to improve educational outcomes. Students engage in coursework covering cognitive development, learning theories, and research methodologies, preparing them for roles in educational research, curriculum design, and instructional coordination.

Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey / Online
Duration: Two years
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

University of North Texas – College of Education

The University of North Texas offers an accelerated online Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Learning and Development. This program examines human development from infancy through adulthood, emphasizing the application of educational psychology principles across the lifespan. The curriculum includes studies in cognitive, social, and emotional development, as well as motivation and learning theories. Graduates are equipped for careers in educational environments, community programs, and organizations that support individual and family development.

Location: Denton, Texas / Online
Duration: 33 hours, 15 months, summer courses
Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

University of Alabama – The College of Continuing Studies

The University of Alabama offers an online Master of Arts in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Learning and Assessment. This program focuses on the assessment, measurement, and evaluation processes within educational settings, grounded in psychological theories. The curriculum prepares students to evaluate learning environments, develop effective assessment strategies, and apply psychological principles to enhance educational outcomes. Graduates are prepared for roles in educational assessment, curriculum design, and educational research across various industries.

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama / Online
Duration: 30 hours
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Jobs for Those With an Online Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology Counseling

Professionals with an online master’s in educational psychology can apply their expertise in learning, development, and assessment across various fields. While some roles require additional certification, many graduates find fulfilling careers in educational consulting, school counseling, and corporate training—three areas where psychological principles directly impact learning and growth.

Educational Consultant

Educational consultants work with schools, government agencies, and private organizations to improve learning environments, develop curricula, and implement instructional strategies based on psychological research. They assess teaching methods, analyze student performance data, and recommend evidence-based solutions to enhance engagement and academic success.

A master’s in educational psychology provides the foundation for understanding how students learn and how educators can optimize instruction. While certification is not required, experience in teaching, administration, or curriculum design is highly beneficial.

School Counselor

School counselors support students’ academic, social, and emotional development in K-12 settings. They help students navigate challenges such as learning difficulties, peer relationships, and career planning, often working one-on-one or leading group interventions.

A master’s in educational psychology equips professionals with knowledge of child development, behavioral interventions, and assessment strategies. However, school counselors must also meet state-specific licensure requirements, which typically include completing a school counseling master’s program, obtaining supervised clinical experience, and passing a certification exam.

Training and Development Specialist

Training and development specialists apply educational psychology principles in corporate and organizational settings, designing programs that improve employee skills, leadership development, and workplace efficiency. They create training modules based on cognitive and behavioral learning theories, assess the effectiveness of professional development programs, and implement strategies to boost knowledge retention.

A master’s in educational psychology helps professionals understand motivation, instructional design, and adult learning theories. While additional certifications in human resources or instructional design can enhance career prospects, many professionals enter this field with strong communication skills and expertise in organizational learning.

Matt Zbrog

Writer

Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2020, he’s written extensively about how counselors and other behavioral health professionals are working to address the nation’s mental health and substance use crises, with a particular focus on community-driven and interdisciplinary approaches. His articles have included detailed interviews with leaders and subject matter experts from the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Vanessa Salvia