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College of Education, Health and Human Services

Educational Psychology

Course Delivery
100% online
Total Credits
30
Rolling Admissions
Start any semester
Available Concentration
Specialize in Gifted Education

Kent State’s online Master of Education in Educational Psychology program offers in-depth exploration of psychological principles that impact learning and instruction. Ideal for educators and professionals in various learning environments, this program covers topics such as cognitive development, learning theory, and instructional design. Students gain critical insights into the science of learning, enabling them to foster effective and supportive learning experiences in their careers.

Educational Psychology Master’s Degree Program Overview


The Master of Education degree in Educational Psychology provides advanced study for students interested in the application of psychological principles to learning and instruction. It encompasses a variety of different disciplines, including cognitive psychology, human development and learning theory. Students are exposed to the latest research findings regarding how people learn most effectively and efficiently. They also apply these principles to the design of instruction, and study how to most accurately assess different types of learning.

The M.Ed. degree program is appropriate for classroom teachers, professionals in a variety of settings and students wishing to pursue graduate-level training in educational psychology.

The Educational Psychology major includes the following optional concentration:

Gifted Education
Students in the Gifted Education concentration will learn about gifted learners, their unique needs and the application of educational psychological principles to the education of gifted learners.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Describe the various schools of learning theory that have informed educators.
  2. Conduct literature reviews and design empirical research to examine issues associated with how individuals learn.
  3. Apply principles of human development and learning when developing and selecting educational approaches.
  4. Identify best practices for maximizing student learning.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of theories and principles of learner motivation.

Program Structure

  • 30 minimum total credit hours (33 for the Gifted Education concentration)
  • 10 courses (11 for the Gifted Education concentration)

What is a Master’s in Educational Psychology?

Educational Psychology is a field for those interested in the application of psychological principles to learning and instruction.

The Master of Education degree in Educational Psychology provides advanced study for students interested in the application of psychological principles to learning and instruction. It encompasses a variety of different disciplines, including cognitive psychology, human development, and learning theory. Students are exposed to the latest research findings regarding how people learn most effectively and efficiently.

What can I do with a Master’s in Educational Psychology?

Graduates can focus on jobs in education, research, or public policy. Typical settings where educational psychologists work include schools, health care facilities, businesses, and government offices.

Examples of possible careers include:

  • K-12 teacher
  • Data analyst
  • Curriculum specialist
  • Academic counseling
  • Assessment specialist
  • Educational research
  • Program evaluation

What will I learn in Kent State’s Master’s in Educational Psychology program?

The M.Ed. degree program is appropriate for classroom teachers, professionals in a variety of settings, and students wishing to pursue graduate-level training in educational psychology.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  • Describe the various schools of learning theory that have informed educators.
  • Conduct literature reviews to examine issues associated with how individuals learn.
  • Apply principles of human development and learning when developing and selecting educational approaches.
  • Identify best practices for maximizing student learning.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of theories and principles of learner motivation.
Hear from Brad Morris, Program Coordinator of the Online Master of Education in Educational Psychology

Educational Psychology Master’s Degree Program Admissions Requirements

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Gifted Education optional concentration only: A valid standard teaching certificate or provisional or professional teaching license from the State of Ohio (requirement removed starting spring 2025 admission term)
  • Gifted Education optional concentration only: (starting with spring 2025 admission term) Evidence of valid Resident Educator or Professional State of Ohio teaching license
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 58 PTE score
    • Minimum 110 DET score

1International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Important Dates

Aug
19
Classes Begin
Fall 2024 Semester
Jan
13
Classes Begin
Spring 2025 Semester
May
12
Classes Begin
Summer 2025 Semester
Aug
18
Classes Begin
Fall 2025 Semester
Jan
12
Classes Begin
Spring 2026 Semester
May
11
Classes Begin
Summer 2026 Semester
Aug
24
Classes Begin
Fall 2026 Semester

Program Courses

Program Requirements

Major Requirements
Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Major Requirements
EPSY 65520 CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT 3
EPSY 65524 LEARNING THEORIES 3
EPSY 65529 EDUCATIONAL MOTIVATION 3
EPSY 68901 PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION 3
EPSY 68905 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 3
Additional Requirements or Concentrations
Choose from the following: 15-18
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 30-33
Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration
Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Major Requirements
Specialty Area Electives, choose from the following: 15
EPSY 50093
VARIABLE TITLE WORKSHOP IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
EPSY 65523
LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT
ETEC 57403
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN
ETEC 57427
TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING
LRNS 66510
INTRODUCTION TO R FOR EDUCATIONAL AND LEARNING SCIENCES
LRNS 65525
INFORMAL LEARNING
RMS 55610
CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT
RMS 65510
STATISTICS I FOR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
RMS 65511
RESEARCH IN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
RMS 65515
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN AND ANALYSIS
Advisor-Approved Electives
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 15
Gifted Education Concentration Requirements
Course List
Code Title Credit Hours
Concentration Requirements
EPSY 63531 CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT FOR GIFTED LEARNERS 3
EPSY 63532 GIFTED PROGRAM DESIGN, ASSESSMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 3
EPSY 63535 SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF THE GIFTED AND SPECIAL SUBPOPULATIONS 3
EPSY 63540 NATURE AND NEEDS OF GIFTED 3
EPSY 63545 INSTRUCTIONAL PROCESSES FOR GIFTED CHILDREN 3
EPSY 64892 ADVANCED PRACTICUM: GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION 3
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 18

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements Summary
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • The M.Ed. degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate coursework.
  • Students have six years from the term of first enrollment to complete the program.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.

Educational Psychology Master’s Degree Program Tuition and Fees

Ohio Residents

Per Credit Hour Per 3-Credit Course Approximate Tuition Cost
$594.78 $1,784.34

$17,800 part-time1

$13,100 full-time2

Non-Ohio Residents

Per Credit Hour Per 3-Credit Course Approximate Tuition Cost
$604.78 $1,814.34

$18,100 part-time3

$13,400 full-time4

1The $594.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer that 11 credit hours per semester.

2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester. This amount is calculated at students completing the program in 2 semesters.

3The $604.78 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.

4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,528.50 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken each semester (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180). This program is calculated at students taking 2 (15 credit) semesters plus the surcharge ($150 x 2).

An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.

Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.

The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken.  Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person.  Program costs are subject to change without notice.

Careers

Examples of Possible Careers
  • K-12 teacher
  • Data analyst
  • Curriculum specialist
  • Academic counseling
  • Assessment specialist
  • Educational research
  • Program evaluation
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