The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 14% job growth rate for psychologists over the next several years, including psychologists working in the educational psychology field. Educational psychology is the study of identifying and understanding how people absorb and retain information. Educational psychologists work in school settings, employment settings, and social settings. They study how people learn across settings to identify and promote effective learning.
Earning an online master’s in educational psychology is a great way to improve your career trajectory. Studying online gives you the flexibility to learn when it’s convenient, while still keeping up with work or family responsibilities. The schools included on this list offer the same rigorous programs online as those offered in a brick-and-mortar classroom.
Top Online Master’s in Educational Psychology Degree Programs Methodology
We reviewed approximately 68 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and reputable online sources that offered online master’s in educational psychology programs, or closely related degrees. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation (particularly regional), institution and/or program rankings with U.S. News and World Report, and affordable graduate tuition and fees less than $20,000 per year. We then ranked our findings according to raw affordability.
Below are the resulting selections of our top 20 online master’s in educational psychology for 2020.
20. Rutgers University
Online Master’s in Learning, Cognition, and Development
New Brunswick, New Jersey
100% online curriculum – Rutgers University! Offering top online master’s in educational psychology programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,416
Rutgers University’s online educational psychology master’s degree programs include the master’s in learning, cognition, and development. This program offers 100% online curriculum and focuses on learning, cognition, and development as they apply to education. Also, the program prepares students for a variety of educational careers in addition to doctoral study. The program uses a cohort format, allowing students to move through the program together and earn their degree in just two years. Online courses cover topics like cognition and memory, cognition and motivational learning strategies, and language acquisition. In addition to Rutgers offering quality curriculum and accredited programs, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings in Best Colleges list Rutgers #62 in best national universities.
19. University of Illinois
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Champaign, Illinois
Ranked and accredited! University of Illinois – Online master’s in educational psychology!
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,126
The University of Illinois offers an online master’s in educational psychology. Students will develop the skills and expertise needed to make data-driven and evidence-based decisions across educational settings. Coursework is delivered online through an integrated learning platform. Students need to attend class online during specified times, though the program is flexibly designed for working students. Courses include educational statistics, evaluation in society, and principles of measurement. According to the latest publication of Best Colleges, U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Illinois #48 in best national universities and #126 in best value schools. Also, several of the school’s online master’s degree programs rank among top 10 graduate programs.
18. Eastern Michigan University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Only 30 credits! Eastern Michigan University’s online master’s in educational psychology.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,100
The top educational psychology master’s degree program at Eastern Michigan University focuses on the developing learner. This 30 credit hour program studies individual learners from a cognitive, emotional and social perspective. Students come from all walks of life. They include teachers, parents, businessmen, and those who want to gain a better understanding of other people. All courses are offered online and students move through the program at their own pace. These courses include basic concepts in educational psychology, human development, multicultural teaching and learning, principles of educational research, psychology of adolescence, and sociology of education. In addition to offering accredited programs, Eastern Michigan ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.
17. Northcentral University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
La Jolla, California
Finish your online master’s in educational psychology in just 20 months at Northcentral University.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,917
Northcentral University’s online master’s in educational psychology program provides students with the information, skills, and experience needed to make an impact in the classroom. Through ten courses and the completion of 30 credit hours, students gain a strong foundation for a viable career as an educational psychologist. Courses cover topics like child and adolescent development, diversity in education, gifted education, and professional ethics and the law in education. The recommended completion time for this program is just 20 months, making it one of the fastest online degrees on our list. Northcentral is an accredited proprietary institution that has received recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
16. Edinboro University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Ranked with U.S. News! Edinboro University’s online master’s in educational psychology.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,328
The online master’s in educational psychology program at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania is a 30-credit hour program. It’s designed as a part-time program to be completed over two years. All courses are online and taught by highly educated faculty with experience working with children and families. Students will learn how to monitor children’s progress while having a broad understanding of the overall development of children. There are no field requirements. All coursework can be completed online. In addition to the quality online programming, Edinboro offers accreditation and rankings with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks #129-#170 in best regional universities in the North and #82 in top performers on social mobility.
15. Marist College
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Poughkeepsie, New York
Marist College offers a fully online master’s in educational psychology!
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,500
Marist College features a hybrid model master’s in educational psychology that can be completed in just two years. Students begin the 36-credit hour program in the summer and take two courses each semester. Students attend two-week summer sessions on-campus and complete the rest of the program online. Online students are engaged with faculty and peers through iLearn, an innovative online system. Courses are offered in a set sequence in this cohort model program. Courses cover topics like building a community of learners, content area assessment and portfolio development, and educational assessment and evaluation. Marist College ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 10th best regional university in the North.
14. University of Tennessee
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Knoxville, Tennessee
Online courses and flexible schedules! University of Tennessee’s master’s in educational psychology online program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,120
The online master’s in educational psychology at the University of Tennessee is a 36-credit hour program with a concentration in either adult education or applied educational psychology. Students can earn their degree in two years by taking two online courses each semester for six semesters. There is no thesis requirement for this top educational psychology online master’s program. Students need to complete only the coursework and pass a comprehensive examination. Online courses cover topics like adult learning in social context, assessment and testing in counseling, introduction to educational research, motivation in learning, and program planning in adult education. UT ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 104th best national university.
13. University of Northern Colorado
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Greeley, Colorado
A top ranked degree program. University of Northern Colorado’s online master’s in educational psychology.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,444
The University of Northern Colorado offers an online master’s in educational psychology designed especially for teachers. The program can be completed online in about 19 months. Interactive courses help facilitate personal and professional relationships with faculty and peers. Graduates have gone on to work as consultants in occupational learning. They are also teachers with an in depth knowledge of human motivation and learning in school districts and other educational settings. Faculty at UNC are experienced professionals in the field. In addition to offering quality programs like the online master’s in educational psychology, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report.
12. Eastern Washington University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Cheney, Washington
A unique online degree in ed leadership with psych classes – Eastern Washington University.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,381
Focusing more on leadership psychology, the online master’s in educational leadership at Eastern Washington University prepares students for careers in psychology leadership fields. The program can be completed in two to three years of study, depending on whether or not the students attend full-time. Students are required to complete a 1,200-hour internship to gain experience and apply their knowledge. The program also operates as a cohort model. Students complete asynchronous program components through discussion boards and assignments. Students need to be on campus each fall they are enrolled to complete a four-day long weekend session to connect with each other, their instructors, and engage in live classes. However, most of the classes are delivered online. EWU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 62nd best regional university in the West.
11. Florida State University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Tallahassee, Florida
Ranked with U.S. News! FSU’s online master’s in educational psychology.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,553
Florida State University delivers a highly individualized and flexible educational psychology online program designed to meet the needs of busy professionals. It’s considered one of the best online educational psychology master’s programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Students come from a variety of backgrounds. They develop close working relationships with faculty and staff who have earned international recognition for their work. Students can choose between a thesis track or non-thesis track depending on their professional goals. The time it takes to earn this degree will depend on which track is selected.
10. Purdue University Global
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Indianapolis, Indiana
Accredited and affordable! Purdue University Global’s online master’s in educational psychology.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,414
Purdue University Global offers an accredited online master’s in educational psychology program accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This fully online master’s degree focuses on the skills and knowledge used to develop, evaluate, and implement instructional programs from K-12 settings to higher education. A sampling of the courses offered through the program include the following topics: learning and behavior, life span development, neuropsychology, and perspectives on diversity. Purdue University Global ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top global university. In fact, 2020 indicators list Purdue Global #114 in best global universities.
9. University of Georgia
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Athens, Georgia
Affordability! University of Georgia’s master’s in educational psychology online program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,982
The online master’s in educational psychology, applied cognition and development program at the University of Georgia is offered through the College of Education. Students will gain an understanding of how human cognition, motivation, and development impact education and practice. Students can choose a secondary area of focus to get more in-depth knowledge. Courses offered for the program include advanced topics in educational psychology and applied cognition and development. These courses include foundations of human development for education, multicultural perspectives in technology, and research methods. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Georgia #50 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #5 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
8. The University of Alabama
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
NCATE-accredited! University of Alabama’s online master’s in educational psychology.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,780
The University of Alabama offers an online master’s in educational psychology program with a specialization in learning and assessment. This 30-hour program is accredited by NCATE. It’s taught by the same outstanding faculty who teach the traditional brick and mortar program. Unlike several other programs, this top online educational psychology master’s program is open to both educators and non-educators. One of this program’s strengths is the diversity of professionals enrolled in the program. In addition to U of A’s quality programs, the school ranks with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #153 in best national universities and #129 in best value schools.
7. University of Memphis
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Memphis, Tennessee
Ranked with U.S. News and highly affordable! University of Memphis – Top online master’s in educational psychology.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,697
The University of Memphis features an online master’s in educational psychology program ideal for students who are unable to attend a traditional classroom-based program. Students come from a variety of backgrounds including administration, military, health, law enforcement, and business. The program teaches students to use educational and psychological research to understand and solve complex problems in society and educational institutions. In addition to accreditation credentials, University of Memphis ranks with major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Memphis #272 in best national universities and #135 in top public schools. Also, the online master’s in education programs rank #96 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
6. Texas A & M University
Online Master’s in Educational Technology
College Station, Texas
Cheap options for an online master’s in educational psychology – Texas A&M University.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,812
The online master’s in educational technology at Texas A&M University prepares students to become instructional designers and technology leaders. While this program does offer educational psychology courses, or the ability to take additional courses in educational psych, the program does focus on engaging instruction for a variety of audiences. Courses are delivered online and explore topics like educational psychology, emerging technologies for learning, instructional design, and learning theories. Students can expect to become prepared to work in a variety of educational settings as course developers, educational specialists, evaluators, or trainers. In addition to offering quality education, Texas A&M ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 70th best national university.
5. Ball State University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Muncie, Indiana
18 months full-time! Ball State University’s online master’s in educational psychology.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,392
Ball State University’s top educational psychology master’s program online allows students to earn their degree while keeping up with professional and personal responsibilities. The program can be completed entirely online in about 18 months of full-time study. Students can select from different specializations, such as gifted and talented, human development, and neuropsychology. Faculty are nationally accredited and offer individualized attention to students taking courses online. In addition to offering affordable and accredited programming, Ball State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 192nd best national university. Also, the online master’s in education degree programs, including educational psychology, rank #35 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
4. University of Louisiana
Online Master’s in Psychology
Monroe, Louisiana
ULM offers an online master’s in psychology that can be applied to education fields.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,068
University of Louisiana is the online school on our list to offer a more general online master’s in psychology degree. However, students seeking careers in educational psychology may apply the knowledge gained from this program to these fields. Courses are delivered online and cover a variety of psychology and educational psychology topics. Courses include intelligence testing, psychological assessment, and sociology of law. Five additional hours of electives may also be taken in a variety of psychology courses. Here, students may tailor their degree to meet career goals or align with personal interests. University of Louisiana Monroe ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.
3. Touro University Worldwide
Online Master’s in Psychology – Educational Psychology
Los Alamitos, California
No GMAT or GRE required! Touro University’s online master’s in educational psychology.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000
Touro University Worldwide offers a master’s in psychology online with a concentration in educational psychology. This affordable program has six start dates throughout the year and can be finished in just one year. No GMAT or GRE are required for admission, adding to the flexibility of the degree. Once admitted, students take 12 courses delivered 100% online. Curriculum implements theoretical knowledge and the application of educational psychology skills in various learning settings. While the program is complete and offers robust courses, the degree does not lead to any form of licensure. Touro University has received recognition and rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top-ranked institution.
2. University of Nevada
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Las Vegas, Nevada
Online courses & a non-thesis option! University of Nevada’s master’s in educational psychology online program.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,934
The University of Nevada at Las Vegas offers an online educational psychology master’s degree program. The program is designed for students in education, those specializing in educational psychology and those interested in school psychology. Students have the opportunity to tailor the program to meet their personal and professional goals. This top online master’s in educational psychology allows students to choose between a thesis or non-thesis option. Students choosing the non-thesis option will complete a culminating experience. Online courses cover topics like human growth and development and research methods. UNLV ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, recent rankings include #293-#381 in best national universities and #187 in best online master’s in education programs.
1. Fort Hays State University
Online Master’s in School Psychology
Hays, Kansas
#1 most affordable online master’s in educational psychology – Fort Hays State University!
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,266
Fort Hays State University offers a top online master’s in school psychology for students unable to attend a traditional on-campus program. The program can be completed in two years of study. The program can be completed with 66 credit hours of coursework. Students complete their master’s in 30 credit hours and their Education Specialist degree in 36 credit hours. In order to meet licensure requirements in Kansas, students need to complete a supervised internship of 1,200 clock hours. For a degree in school psychology, students will need to take classes like cultural diversity, psychological consultation in schools, and theories of exceptionality. Fort Hays State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 117th to 153rd best regional university in the Midwest and is our #1 most affordable school for earning an online master’s in educational psychology.
ADP Staff
March 2020
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