Educational Psychology, M.Ed. or M.A.

The Educational Psychology Program is open to those who have a sufficient number of credits in undergraduate professional education to be admitted to a M.Ed. program in the department or who have an undergraduate major in related social sciences. Applicants who do not meet these requirements should consult with the Program Coordinator regarding prerequisites for admission to this program. The M.Ed. in Educational Psychology focuses on learning theories, human development, research methods, assessment, and measurements, which could be utilized in a variety of settings and fields. The program includes a core set of courses, as well as electives to allow for specialization. The Educational Psychology program can help prepare graduates for the environment of assessment and outcomes-based practice that is prevalent today in many fields. The program is a good fit for teachers or those from social science backgrounds who want to pursue a master’s degree to further their career. The program can also help prepare graduates to apply for doctoral programs in Educational Psychology or related fields. The Educational Psychology Program is 30 semester hours.

The Department of Education academic unit is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Learning Goals for Graduate Education Programs

Contexts:

1. Understands the contexts of professional practices.

2. Demonstrates accuracy, organization, and persistence in achieving intellectual and professional goals.

3. Contributes to the school, district, and the broader professional community.

4. Engages in systematic inquiry.

Learner Development:

1. Assumes responsibility in data-based decision-making and helps to ensure that decisions are based on the highest professional standards.

2. Demonstrates knowledge of clients/students.

Practice:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of content and pedagogy.

2. Demonstrates knowledge of resources.

3. Designs coherent, evidence-based interventions.

4. Establishes favorable conditions for instruction and intervention.

5. Uses knowledge of communication techniques to foster collaboration and supportive interactions.

Person:

1. Takes initiative in assuming leadership roles.

2. Initiates activities that contribute to the profession.

3. Seeks out opportunities for professional development and growth.

4. Actively participates in professional events and projects.

5. Challenges negative attitudes and practices; is proactive in serving clients/students/colleagues.

6. Assists and supports fellow professionals.

The endorsement program in Reading is open to candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree and a valid Ohio teaching license.

Certificate of Advanced Studies: Assessment, Research and Measurement is designed to help professionals at the master’s and post-master’s level to develop skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods, assessment, measurement, program evaluation, and data-driven decision making.

Candidates planning to apply for one of the state licenses or endorsements should be aware of possible changes in state licensure requirements. Candidates will be required to meet the state requirements in effect at the time application is made for licensure. Although the program descriptions included in the Graduate Studies Bulletin  conform to the current standards, additional information may be obtained by consulting department officials. An individual orientation is held with the academic adviser for candidates for the M.Ed. and M.A. following admission to graduate studies. Details of these procedures are available in the Department of Education offices.

At the conclusion of the master’s degree coursework, a written comprehensive examination or program assessment such as the  edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment)  or PASL (Performance Assessment for School Leaders) is required for both the M.Ed. and M.A. The comprehensive examination consists of a general section and a program section. Examination schedules are available in the department office. Program assessments such as edTPA or PASL are conducted during the final semester of fieldwork.   Successful completion of the comprehensive examination or program assessment is a requirement for graduation.

Candidates for Initial and Advanced Licensure and endorsements will be required to pass the appropriate state exam(s) and other program assessments in the specific licensure/endorsement area in order to be recommended for licensure/endorsement. Most programs also require field hours and clinical placements. Any fees associated with assessments are paid by the student.

General Admission Criteria (may vary depending on program)

The following admission criteria for full acceptance into the M.Ed. or M.A. programs apply to the majority of Education graduate programs:*

Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Candidates for the M.Ed. Advanced Studies will have a major in education (equivalent to the training necessary for a teacher credential) or the equivalent in training or experience. Candidates ordinarily are or have been licensed teachers. Candidates for other  M.Ed. Programs hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution.

• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

• Current resume or curriculum vita.

• A written statement indicating personal interests, goals, and expectations from the degree program.

• Two letters of reference from persons who are familiar with and able to assess the applicant’s ability to succeed in graduate studies.

• A personal interview with Faculty for the specific program.

• Verification of valid teaching certificate/license for specific programs.

*NOTE: Applicants for the School-Based M.Ed., Professional Teacher M.Ed., Educational Psychology, or School Psychology programs do not require a major in education, teaching experiences, and/or a teaching credential.

Course of Study

Required Courses

Subtotal: 21

Electives: Choose 9 hours from the following courses:

Subtotal: 9

Note: Other courses from student’s professional content area with approval of the program coordinator.

The Master of Education degree is conferred at the satisfactory completion of the above courses and comprehensive examination.

Master of Arts Programs

Programs that may lead to the Master of Arts include the Advanced Studies and Educational Psychology programs. The M.A. degree includes a research component not required in the M.Ed. programs.

Degree Requirements

• Plan A: Course requirements for the M.Ed. including six thesis credits.

• Plan B: Course requirements for the M.Ed. including a research essay.

• Completion of ED 502 by candidates in the first 15 hours of their program.

Please Note:

• Course requirements for the M.A. degree parallel those for the M.Ed.

• Candidates approved for Plan A must register for ED 599 in the semester in which the thesis is to be completed. These six credits are substituted for two elective courses.

• Candidates approved for Plan B may not substitute the essay for coursework.

Program Faculty