Educational psychology students learn about learning. They study how
people learn, how they develop and how they create effective educational environments.
"If you want to work in any field where children will be the focus, educational
psychology (even as one course in the undergraduate degree) will be useful,"
says professor Jacqueline A. Specht.
Areas that educational psychology students can concentrate on include child
development, individual differences, cultural diversity, teaching theory,
instructional techniques, motivating students, managing classrooms and assessing
students.
Educational psychology courses are often available at the undergraduate
level. "We feel that we give a beginning understanding to help teachers make
decisions in the future in their classrooms," says Specht.
However, to get a degree specializing in educational psychology, you must
study at the master's or doctoral level. That means you need to complete a
bachelor's degree first.
Psychology or education are common first degrees. However, other bachelor
of arts (BA) degrees are often allowed. Be sure to check the entrance requirements
carefully. They differ from school to school.
Master's programs take one or two years. Students are usually required
to write a thesis. Getting your PhD takes at least another year or two after
that.
"The M.Ed. level takes those issues that we raise in the B.Ed. and expands
upon them. People then choose to do a research project or a thesis in the
area," says Specht. She says the PhD coursework is more general, but thesis
topics are specific.
Students competing for entrance to these programs should be well prepared.
"The application process is extremely competitive. We have 100 applications
for 10 spots," says Edward A. Delgado-Romero. He is a professor and the training
director of counseling psychology at the University of Georgia. Students must
have a master's degree to enter the program.
"The things we look for are clinical and research interests, GRE [graduate
record examination] scores, undergraduate GPA [grade point average], and related
experience in research or practice," he says.
These degrees prepare graduates to work in school settings where they
provide psychological help to students. The degrees can also prepare people
for careers in counseling research and teaching.
Some institutions offer school counseling as a specialty, allowing practicing
teachers to become school counselors. Graduates might also work in medical
centers, private practices, hospitals, government agencies and professional
associations.
"I think it is wonderful to study and research the best ways to help kids
learn," says Specht. "Outside of the academics, we see that social issues
are also very important. If we can figure out how to have schools that are
welcoming communities that help all children feel like they have a place in
the world, the academics will be learned a lot better."
Delgado-Romero recommends that future educational psychology students
concentrate on getting good grades.
There are also a lot of volunteer opportunities for students who wish to
pursue a path in educational psychology. You can participate in psychology
research as a subject. Or, you can volunteer to help with research teams.
"Volunteer to work as a peer counselor, crisis line worker, or any other
kind of work that will give you a realistic idea of what to expect in working
with people in crisis or dealing with problems," he says.
Specht agrees that gaining experience is a good idea for secondary students
considering the field. "Working with children in an educational environment
(schools, day cares, camps, coaching, instructing) will provide them with
the practical experience that they can bring to the theoretical study of educational
psychology," says Specht.
Students in certain programs might earn a small paycheck for teaching or
doing research work at the university. Some schools cover tuition and pay
some living expenses for PhD students.
"Some highly qualified students may win a fellowship from the university,
which involves tuition and a stipend, and does not require a job," says Delgado-Romero.
Expenses include textbooks, professional association membership fees,
professional insurance (required to practice) and travel expenses if you attend
professional conferences.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see Education
Careers in Psychology
Read articles, research programs and explore career paths
Careers/Roles of Professional School Counselors
From the American School Counselor Association