Educational psychology focuses on how individuals learn. Educational psychology online masters degree programs teach students strategies that
- improve learning,
- increase motivation,
- make the environment more conducive to learning
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Educational psychology programs online feature courses focused on areas like:
Featured Programs
- cognitive development,
- learning challenges,
- testing methods.
Earning an online masters in educational psychology can also meet the graduate degree requirement for the Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) credential. Educational institutions offering a masters in educational psychology online may feature a specific concentration in ABA while other educational psychology programs emphasize the research and training components of the field. Educational psychology professionals may use their knowledge and skills to:
- create learning materials
- conduct training seminars
- work as part of a team of professionals helping students, their families, and training teachers to understand and change behavior.
We conducted a school search to create this ranking of the best educational psychology online masters programs to showcase some of the best in the country. We looked to the National Center for Education Statistics to conduct a school search for institutions offering these types of educational psychology online programs. We considered online educational psychology masters programs for our school rankings that had minimal on-campus requirements. We eliminated those with residencies during the school year. We then awarded points to educational psychology graduate programs online based on factors like
- student/faculty ratio,
- average graduate tuition rate
- availability of different specializations.
We believe the best educational psychology masters programs online are those that are:
- affordable
- offer individualized attention
- provide students with specialized courses to meet their career goals.
Our school rankings methodology for the best online educational psychology programs is below.
Student/Faculty ratio:
- 12:1 or less- 3 points
- 13:1 to 19:1- 2 points
- 20:1 and above- 1 point
Average Graduate Tuition Rate:
- Less than $10,000- 3 points
- $10,000 to $15,000- 2 points
- Greater than $15,000- 1 point
Specializations:
- 1 point for each area of specialization available in an online format
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#20 – Kent State – Kent, Ohio
Online Master of Education in Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $11,766/year in-state and $21,952/year out-of-state
Points: 3
The top online educational psychology program at Kent State University is offered as an MEd degree, appropriate for teachers or trainers. This 100% online program features a concentration in gifted education. Online education students will study the latest research findings that support effective educational programs and efficient learning. They will use these findings to assess different learning and instructional design types. Course offerings include:
- Educational Motivation
- Educational Psychology
- Learning Theories
New students are admitted to the program for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
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#19 – Northcentral University – La Jolla, California
MS in Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 3:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $16,983/year
Points: 4
Northcentral University features a low-cost online masters educational psychology program that gives students the tools they need to positively impact the classroom. Students will use educational psychology principles and research to enhance education and training for diverse groups of students. The educational psychology program offers unparalleled flexibility with weekly start dates and a one-to-one learning model. The 30-credit hour online education program can be completed in 18 months. Graduates may consider a variety of professional roles including instructional designer and education coordinator.
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#18 – Eastern Michigan University – Ypsilanti, Michigan
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $14,868/year in-state and $26,442/year out-of-state
Points: 4
The high-value educational psychology online master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University is an accelerated educational psychology program open to educators and those interested in areas like learning and motivation. Courses are delivered in a flexible, asynchronous format. The 30-credit hour curriculum includes courses in:
- Basic Concepts in Educational Psychology
- Principles in Educational Research
- Seminar in Educational Psychology
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university and meet admission requirements that include having a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7. Most accelerated program students can complete their master’s in educational psychology in less than two years.
#17 – The College of Saint Rose – Albany, New York
Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $14,382/year
Points: 4
Whether you are a teacher or a researcher, the affordable online master’s in educational psychology from The College of Saint Rose can help you meet your career goals. This part-time program can be completed in two years of study. Students can pursue professional teacher certification or a career in research or community education. Three program schemes are offered including:
- General Scheme
- Research Scheme
- School Psychology Scheme
Online education faculty are renowned for their experience and give students personalized attention throughout the program. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 to be considered for full admission.
#16 – University of Missouri Saint Louis – Saint Louis, Missouri
Online MEd in Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $12,283/year in-state and $30,154/year out-of-state
Points: 4
The University of Missouri St. Louis College of Education features a high-quality online master’s in educational psychology that takes just 12 to 18 months to complete. Students can customize the program by taking electives in areas like educational technology or educational research and evaluation methods. The 30-credit hour program includes foundational coursework in three areas:
- Educational and Psychological Foundations
- Human Development
- Educational Research and Evaluation Methods
Students can choose from a field experience, exit course, or thesis research for their capstone experience.
#15 – University of Northern Colorado – Greeley, Colorado
MA in Educational Psychology Online
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,867/year in-state and $19,620/year out-of-state
Points: 4
The University of Northern Colorado Extended Campus features an inexpensive online educational psychology master’s degree program emphasizing teaching applications. This five-term, 30 credit hour program begins during the summer term. The program is designed specifically for teachers and allows students to use their own classroom as the context for their studies. Students complete courses in:
- Cultural Issues in Educational Psychology
- Educational Assessment
- Life Span Developmental Psychology
All master’s in educational psychology students complete a comprehensive exam and a paper focused on a topic or issue in educational psychology during their final semester. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must submit transcripts and professional letters of recommendation to be considered for full admission. Financial aid is available to eligible students.
#14 – The University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
MA in Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,780/year in-state and $30,250/year out-of-state
Specialization: Learning and Assessment
Points: 4
The College of Continuing Studies at The University of Alabama features an affordable online educational psychology master’s degree program focused on learning and assessment. This 30-credit hour program is open to both educators and non-educators interested in areas like education research and learning sciences. Course offerings include:
- Evaluation of Classroom Learning
- Human Development
- Social and Cultural Foundations of Behavior
Students complete a capstone project during the final semester synthesizing the knowledge and skills developed throughout the program. Graduates are successful in a variety of roles in:
- education
- youth ministry
- social service.
#13 – Purdue University Global – West Lafayette, Indiana
Online Master of Science Degree in Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,766/year in-state and $9,740/year out-of-state
Points: 4
The best-value master’s in educational psychology online from Purdue University Global focuses on the latest technologies and techniques in education and learning. Courses at Purdue University Global are taught by faculty with experience in both education and psychology. Students complete six, six-week courses in education followed by five, 10-week psychology courses. Courses cover areas like:
- learning and behavior
- life span development
- perspectives on diversity
Applicants to Purdue University Global should have a bachelor’s degree to be considered for admission. Graduates have the skills and knowledge needed to design and evaluate instructional programs and interventions using psychological principles and relevant learning theories. They are prepared to pursue careers as educational psychologists, educators, and independent consultants. Generous financial aid is available to qualified students.
#12 – University of Nevada – Las Vegas, Nevada
Master of Science – Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $5,675/year in-state and $21,328/year out-of-state
Points: 4
Featured Programs
The University of Nevada Las Vegas features a cost-effective online educational psychology master’s degree program with a thesis and non-thesis track. The program is a great choice for educators and those interested in the areas of learning and motivation. Required courses include:
- Descriptive and Inferential Statistics
- Human Growth and Development
- Foundations of Learning and Cognition
Students can tailor the program by choosing elective courses that align with their specific area of specialization.
#11 – Marist College – Poughkeepsie, New York
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $15,300/year
Specializations: Childhood Education; Adolescent Education plus Middle School Extension
Points: 5
The high-value online master’s in educational psychology from Marist University leads to professional teaching certification in New York State with two different program tracks. Students can choose from:
- Childhood Education
- Adolescent Education plus Middle School Extension
Course offerings include:
- Building a Community of Learners
- Learning Theories Applied to the Classroom
- Educational Assessment and Evaluation
Students must submit and defend an electronic portfolio as their capstone project to complete their degree. This portfolio demonstrates the professional knowledge and skills developed during the program.
#10 – University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin
Online Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $10,728/year in-state and $24,054/year out-of-state
Specialization: Professional Educator
Points: 5
The University of Wisconsin-Madison features a budget-friendly online master’s in educational psychology for the professional educator who wants to study at a distance. Courses are taught by the same professors who teach the on-campus program. Required courses include:
- Legal Rights and Responsibilities for Teachers
- Collaborative Teamwork for Including School Reform
- Organizational Change and Instructional Coaching
During the final semester of the program, students participate in an instructional coaching practicum. Students are also engaged in the online Instructional Coaching Professional Learning Community at UW-Madison. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to be considered for full admission.
#9 – Florida State University – Tallahassee, Florida
Master’s Program in Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,684/year in-state and $24,116/year out-of-state
Specialization: Learning and Cognition
Points: 5
The College of Education at Florida State University offers a top value educational psychology master’s online emphasizing learning and cognition. This highly individualized program is grounded in research. The coursework only master’s track program includes core courses in:
- Inquiry and Measurement for Practitioners
- Theories of Learning and Cognition in Instruction
- Classroom Assessment
Students work closely with their advisor to develop their area of specialization. Most students can complete their degree in two years, taking courses 100% online.
#8 – University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri
Educational Psychology MEd
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,478/year in-state and $25,946/year out-of-state
Points: 5
The College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri offers an MEd in educational psychology through their Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology. The program is focused on student learning and well-being and is a great choice for K-12 grade teachers who want to advance their career. Course offerings include:
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Positive Psychology
- Wellness Management for School Personnel
This 33-credit hour program is offered 100% online. Students can complete their degree in under two years by completing one or two courses each term.
#7 – The University of Memphis – Memphis, Tennessee
Online MS in Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,216/year in-state and $12,672/year out-of-state
Points: 5
The University of Memphis features an inexpensive MS in educational psychology online that meets the needs of working professionals who need a flexible, online education. Students come from a variety of backgrounds including education and social service. Core courses include:
- Culturally Diverse Students
- Learning and Cognition
- Childhood Development in the Digital Age
Courses are taught by experienced faculty with terminal degrees in their field. All students design and complete a research project during their final semester as the culminating experience.
#6 – University of North Texas – Denton, Texas
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,350/year in-state and $13,712/year out-of-state
Specialization: Research and Evaluation
Points: 5
The University of North Texas College of Education offers an affordable online educational psychology master’s degree for students working in public or private organizations. Students will learn how to design effective educational programs using industry best practices. Students can earn their degree in as little as 15 months. The 33-credit curriculum includes courses in:
- Program Evaluation
- Grant Proposal Writing Techniques
- Educational Statistics
Students can complete either supervised research or a program evaluation during their capstone course. Future educational psychologists can begin their studies at one of five different start points throughout the year.
#5 – The University of Tennessee – Knoxville, Tennessee
Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $11,468/year in-state and $29,656/year out-of-state
Specializations: Adult Education; Applied Educational Psychology
Points: 6
The Educational Psychology and Counseling Department at the University of Tennessee Knoxville offers a cost-effective MS in educational psychology (EdPsych Online). The EdPsych Online program offers two concentrations:
- Adult Education
- Applied Educational Psychology
Courses are taught in an asynchronous format that allows students to participate in lively discussions while interacting with faculty and peers. This 36-credit hour program does not require a thesis, but students must pass a comprehensive exam before earning their degree. New students are admitted to the program for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
#4 – University of Georgia – Athens, Georgia
Master of Education in Educational Psychology
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,878/year in-state and $25,186/year out-of-state
Specialization: Applied Cognition and Development
Points: 6
The budget-friendly online MEd in educational psychology in applied cognition and development from the University of Georgia is offered through the Mary Frances Early College of Education. Students move through the program as a cohort, taking courses with the same peers throughout the program. Class size is kept small, usually under 10 students, which supports the development of close relationships between students and faculty. Courses include:
- Foundations of Human Development for Education
- Foundations of Cognition for Education
- Methods of Research in Education
During the final semester, students complete an applied project in educational psychology. Most students can complete their degree in just six semesters.
#3 – University of Southern Maine – Portland, Maine
Master of Science in Educational Psychology
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,776/year in-state and $21,348/year out-of-state
Specialization: Applied Behavior Analysis
Points: 6
The University of Southern Maine features an innovative online masters in educational psychology focused on applied behavior analysis. This online education program includes the course sequence verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) needed by students to be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam. Online courses are delivered in real-time during the late afternoon or evening hours. Faculty are supportive and accessible to students. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. By taking two courses each term, students can complete their degree in about two years.
#2 – Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas
M.Ed. in Educational Psychology
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,775/year in-state and $19,048/year out-of-state
Specializations: School Counseling; Creativity and Cognition; Special Education; Learning Design and Technology
Points: 8
Texas A&M University in College Station features a high-value online master’s in educational psychology with an emphasis in creativity and cognition. This 36-hour online program is designed to help students foster creative and effective learning in others. Course offerings include:
- Creative Thinking
- Creative Genius
- Measurement and Evaluation
The curriculum fosters a deep understanding of learning and instruction. Students complete a directed study in the form of a research paper in their final semester. New students are admitted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Financial aid opportunities are available to online education students.
#1 – Ball State University – Muncie, Indiana
Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Educational Psychology
School Profile
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,328/year in-state and $25,542/year out-of-state
Specializations: Human Development; Gifted and Talented; Neuropsychology; ABA; or a Customized Specialization
Points: 10
Our top choice for an online educational psychology master’s degree is offered by Ball State University. Their budget-friendly MA in educational psychology takes just 18 months to complete and is aimed at education professionals. Several different educational psychology programs are available including:
- Gifted and Talented
- Human Development
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Students at Ball State University can also earn a complimentary certificate while completing their master’s degree, making them more marketable in the workforce. Courses are taught by nationally recognized faculty who also teach the on-campus program. Online courses at Ball State University are delivered in a flexible asynchronous format that’s great for students with a busy schedule. Financial aid opportunities are available. Students can complete their degree in just one year!
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