Program Description
The Educational Psychology concentration in the Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum master’s program focuses on the examination and evaluation of psychological principles across the lifespan with an emphasis on cognition, development, motivation, identity, and social processes. We prepare students to serve as scholar-practitioners in a variety of educational settings.
Our goal is to create scholars, educators, and leaders who will help improve and transform the lives of learners throughout the lifespan. Students can select either the 30-credit hour M.Ed. (non-thesis) option or the 36-credit hour M.S. (thesis) option.
Educational Psychology students learn to apply psychological theory and research methodology to answer these and other questions:
- How is learning influenced by the social and cultural contexts of the classroom, school and community?
- How do students learn and grow?
- What motivates students to achieve and teachers to teach?
- What is the best way to help individuals learn across the lifespan?
- How can we best assess student learning and educational outcomes?
As scholar-practitioners, educational psychologists generate new knowledge that can improve the outcomes of people in a broad range of settings, from formal classrooms to training and continuing education in the professions.
What can graduates do with a master’s in educational psychology?
Our graduates are prepared to apply to competitive Ph.D. programs to become researchers, leaders, university faculty, independent researchers in military, governmental or private industry settings, as well as skilled practitioners in their chosen field of study. As university or college faculty, we may teach college courses, conduct research, prepare prospective teachers and other educators, and/or develop statistical and research methods. Educational psychologists may also work in instructional improvement programs and/or curriculum development projects.
Educational psychologists also leverage their deep knowledge of psychology to work in research and development organizations (such as those found in the Research Triangle) in which they help evaluate new educational initiatives, influence policy, or help develop instructional materials or educational tests for schools. Educational psychologists increasingly work in government, school, military, corporate settings or private enterprise, the courts, and other organizational settings where they participate in training staff, developing and implementing educational programs, evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs, and/or analyzing educational data.
We accept both full-time and part-time students to the program, though most of our students are enrolled full-time. The master’s program is typically completed in 2-4 years. For the Educational Psychology concentration, the delivery method for courses is in-person, on campus. Though some courses may be online or hybrid, there is no entirely online option for completion of the degree.
Admissions Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant area with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Three or more years of relevant teaching experience (preferred but not required)
Applicants should also consult the general requirements of The Graduate School at NC State.
To apply, you will need to submit transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended, a personal statement (approximately 500-800 words), a current resume or CV, and letters of recommendation from three individuals attesting to your scholarly aptitude, motivation, and research skills. GRE test scores from within the past five years are required for this concentration. In your personal statement, clearly describe your research experience and/or interests as well as your career goals. You should also explain how your research interests align with one or more of our program faculty and how our faculty’s mentorship will contribute to your career goals.
The Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum program was formerly named Curriculum & Instruction. The name change is still pending in the application system. When applying, select Curriculum & Instruction as the program name, and then select the appropriate concentration area.
Faculty
The primary faculty associated with the Educational Psychology concentration are:
- Vandna Bindra, Concentration Coordinator
- Christy Byrd
- DeLeon Gray
- John Nietfeld
- Margareta Thomson
Tuition and Fees
Review the tuition and fee rates for graduate students at NC State.
