Educational Psychology Areas of Study

Although coursework, research, and faculty interests span the sub-disciplines of the field of educational psychology, there are four areas of study within the department:

• Cognitive Science of Teaching and Learning (CSTL)
• Counseling Psychology
• Child Development
• Studies in Interpretive, Statistical, Measurement and Evaluative Methodologies for Education (QUERIES)

Faculty members and students with similar interests work together closely within each area of study. Most often, students apply to and are admitted to a specific area of study. At admission, students are linked to an academic advisor, who helps them select courses and understand the various academic expectations. If a student's interests change after enrolling, it is possible to change advisors and areas of study. Typically a student's advisor becomes the thesis chair, though this is not required. It is also always possible to have a thesis chair that is different from one's academic advisor.

Along with other departments in the College of Education, Educational Psychology can confer the following degrees: Ph.D., CAS, MA, MS, and Ed.M. However, we do not have a formal terminal MA or MS program. Except for our online Ed.M. program, virtually all our on-campus students are Ph.D. candidates. Ph.D. students who join our department with a bachelor's degree are required to get master's degree as the first step in their doctoral program. CAS degrees can be conferred in specific situations, but the department rarely admits a student as a CAS candidate.