Why University of Memphis?
This large public university, located in Memphis, Tennessee, provides preparation for aspiring professionals via an online Master of Science in Educational Psychology and Research degree program. No standardized test results are required for your application to this program, which is offered by UM’s School of Education, Counseling, and Behavioral Science. Students are not required to have completed any prerequisite coursework in their undergraduate program. Students are expected to have earned a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their undergraduate coursework.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | University of Memphis |
| Location | Memphis |
| State | Tennessee |
| Niche.com Grade | B+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Educational Psychology and Research |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Education, Counseling, and Behavioral Sciences |
| Credits | 30 |
| Cost per credit | $606.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $18,180.00 |
| Test Requirements | none |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | no |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Spring, Fall |
| Program Concentrations | none |
| Synchronous classes | mostly not |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Required research project; Very flexible curriculum |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) |
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| Program Description | This 30-credit program aims to provide graduates with core knowledge of a range of topics in education psychology and research, including covering skills required to conduct educational psychology research and introducing students to the academic and professional community. The program does not offer specialized concentration areas, and can be completed within three years. A capstone research project is required. No practicum is required |
Educational psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the learning process, including cognitive processes, the learning environment, the relationship between teachers and learners, the process of lifelong learning, and other topics. Educational psychologists are employed by schools, universities and colleges, community organizations, research centers, testing providers, consulting firms, and other employers.
Graduates of this program are equipped with core skills in a range of topics in educational psychology, along with fundamental skills necessary to conduct educational psychology research, and the theory and practice knowledge required for participation in the academic and professional community.
Students gain fundamental skills while taking a required course in introduction to Research Design and Methodology. They then must take at least one additional course in research methods, along with one course focused on the psychology of research styles. Students are required to take at least one course focusing on the educational psychology of a specific age group, such as children, adults, or the elderly, for example. They must then complete five elective courses and complete the capstone research project.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 2 years and pay $606.00 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or just over $18,180.00 for the entire degree.
How does the program fit into my life?
Most courses are taught asynchronously, meaning that students are not required to attend online class at a set time. Instead, students are required to complete certain online activities each week and receive regular opportunities to interact with their instructor and classmates. Online activities can include, but are not limited to, watching online lectures, completing interactive practice exercises, and participating in online group discussion. Some courses are offered synchronously, meaning that students are expected to attend online classes with their instructor at a set time each week. No campus visit is required.
Most students complete the program within 2 years. Students can enter the program in the Fall semester or in the Spring semester every year. The program’s curriculum is flexible, allowing students greater choice over which courses to take and when to take them.
Summary
For aspiring professionals seeking an overview of the educational psychology field, this online degree offered by a highly-regarded university may be just what they are looking for. Compared to peer programs, this degree pathway offers many more elective courses, as well as choices in how to fulfill requirements in research methods and age-group focused coursework. This flexibility may meet the needs of applicants wishing to explore the field, but applicants who wish to spend less time worrying about administrative and logistical problems may prefer a program with a more prescribed pathway to the degree. The program has a fairly low cost.