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Explore the field of Educational Psychology with a program designed for a comprehensive study of the science of learners and learning. The coursework and research opportunities in this program will equip students with a profound understanding of psychological principles to address pressing educational issues, including various fundamental factors influencing student learning, engagement, and motivation.

Scientific Focus:

  • Courses structured for a solid grasp of scientific methods.
  • Critical topics covered: tests and measurements, statistics, research methodology.

Online Convenience:

  • The entire program is 100% online for flexibility.

Time Commitment:

  • Complete the program in just 35 hours.

Application Deadline:

  • Fall semester deadline: August 1st

Potential Careers
Our alumni have embarked on diverse career journeys, landing roles such as:

  • Instructional Support Team Supervisor
  • Doctoral Student of Educational Psychology
  • Student-Athlete Development Coordinator
  • Educational Specialist
  • Assistant Director of Athletic Academic Support Services
  • School Psychologist

Who Should Pursue This Degree?
Ideal for individuals interested in the psychological dimensions of learning and education, including:

  • Those aspiring to build a career in higher education.
  • Individuals seeking to apply knowledge to research in their field of interest.
  • K-12 educators aiming for career advancement through a deeper understanding of educational psychology and pedagogical practices.

Program Structure

Educational Psychology Major Core (10 hours)

Course Number Course Title Hours
EPY 6214 Educational and Psychological Statistics 4
EPY XXXX Educational Psychology elective approved by the advisor 3
EPY 8263 Psychological Testing in Educational and Related Settings 3

General Educational Psychology Concentration Requirements (19 hours)

Course Number Course Title Hours
EPY 6033 Applications of Learning Theories in Educational and Related Settings 3
EPY 6073 Personal and Motivational Factors in Education Related Settings 3
EPY 8214 Advanced Educational and Psychological Statistics 4
EPY 8223 Psychological Foundations of Education 3
EPY 8293 Cognitive and Affective Development 3

EDF 8363

or

PSY 8513

Function and Methods of Research

Psychological Research

3

Thesis Hours or Non-Thesis Option Electives (6 hours)

Master's students may elect either the thesis or non-thesis option

Thesis Option:

  • 29 hours of coursework
  • EPY 9000 Research/Thesis in Educational Psychology (6 hours)

 

Non-Thesis Option:

  • 29 hours of coursework
  • EDF 9453 Introduction to Qualitative Research (3 hours)
  • ONE EPY or PSY course approved by the advisor (3 hours)

Recommended EPY and PSY courses:

  • EPY 6553 Creativity and Innovation
  • EPY 8253 Child and Adolescent Development and Psychopathology

  • EPY 8533 Practicum in Teaching with Educational Psychology

  • EPY 9313 Education Evaluation Methods

  • EPY 9723 Seminar in Contemporary Issues in Educational Psychology

  • PSY 6403 Biological Psychology

  • PSY 6713 Language and Thought

  • PSY 6983 Psychology of Aging

  • PSY 8313 Developmental Psychology

Admissions Requirements

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

  1. Submit online application. You will choose General Educational Psychology as your Program of Study and Online Education as your campus.
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Three letters of recommendation
    • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
  4. The GRE is not required for this program, but is encouraged for students that may not meet the minimum GPA requirement. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students
    • ETS is providing home testing for the TOEFL iBT test, and MSU is encouraging students to take advantage of this testing option. For those students applying for the summer or fall 2020 semester who have taken the TOEFL within five years of the semester they plan to enroll and are unable to access the TOEFL iBT test from home, we will accept your previous test scores.
    • The department evaluates the overall admissions packet in considering a student for the program.
  5. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  6. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper Transcripts Address (USPS):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      175 President Circle
      116 Allen Hall
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  7. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
    Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
  8. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor

Academic Advising

Post-Admission Guidance:

  • Upon admission, you must connect with your advisor to identify suitable courses.
  • Before each semester, expect course recommendations via email to your MSU account, aligning with your program of study.
  • Virtual advising sessions, both individual and group, may also be conducted.

Important Communication Note:

  • Mississippi State University relies on email (NetID@msstate.edu) as the official communication method with students.
  • Check your MSU email daily for important updates
  • Setup instructions for your MSU email can be found at the student services link
Wei Tainlan Headshot

Dr. Tianlan (Elaine) Wei

Counseling, Educational Psychology & Foundations

  • Associate Professor/ Program Coordinator

Faculty and Staff

Photo of Anusha Rijal

Anusha Rijal

Online Education

  • Coordinator
Daniel Gadke Headshot

Dr. Daniel Gadke

Counseling, Educational Psychology & Foundations

  • Department Head
Headshot of Tianlan (Elaine) Wei

Dr. Tianlan (Elaine) Wei

Counseling, Educational Psychology & Foundations

  • Associate Professor/ Program Coordinator