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 quality of programs online that are offered in a brick-and-mortar classroom.
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 psychologists work on identifying and understanding how people absorb and retain information. These professionals work in school, employment, and social settings. They study how people learn across settings to identify and promote effective learning.
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Top Online Master’s in Educational Psychology Degree Programs
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We reviewed approximately 25 colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator, and other reputable online sources, that offered either educational psychology graduate programs online or closely related degrees. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation, institution and/or program rankings with U.S. News & World Report, and affordable graduate tuition and fees less than $35,000 per year. We then ranked our findings according to affordability, based on out-of-state tuition.
Below are the resulting selections for our top 20 online master’s in educational psychology programs for 2021.
20. The University of Tennessee
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Knoxville, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $31,568
The online master’s in educational psychology at the University of Tennessee is a 36-credit 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 only to complete the coursework and pass a comprehensive examination. UT ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report as the 112th best national university.
19. Rutgers University
Online Master’s in Learning, Cognition, and Development
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $31,338
Rutgers University’s online master’s degree programs include this master’s in learning, cognition, and development. This program offers a 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 must be completed within five 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 & World Report. In fact, recent rankings list Rutgers as having tied for #63 in best national universities.
18. University of Georgia
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Athens, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $27,476
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 certain advanced topics in educational psychology and applied cognition and development. These courses include foundations of human development for education, multicultural perspectives in technology, and methods of research in education. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Georgia as having tied for #47 in best national universities.
17. Eastern Michigan University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $26,552
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 others 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. The courses include human development, basic concepts in educational psychology, 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 & World Report as a top national university.
16. Ball State University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Muncie, Indiana
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, including summers. 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 & World Report among the best national universities.
15. Florida State University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Tallahassee, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,985
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 & 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. Students will need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA when applying to this online educational psychology program.
14. Alliant International University
Master’s in School Psychology Online
Emeryville, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,615
Alliant International University offers this top master’s in school psychology online. Those who graduate from this Master of Arts in education also graduate with a pupil personnel services (PPS) credential. The PPS credential is even available for those who already have a master’s degree and would simply like to add on the credential. All coursework, both for the master’s in school psychology online and the credential, takes place online. It is possible to work while studying full-time in this program; however, the program website recommends considering limiting work hours to leave adequate time for school projects. The program uses eight-week terms. Alliant International University ranks with U. S. News & World Report among the top national universities and top performers on social mobility.
13. Texas A&M University
Master’s in Educational Psychology Online with an emphasis in Creativity and Cognition
College Station, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,743
The online master’s in educational technology at Texas A&M University prepares students to become instructional designers and leaders in the field of education. The emphasis is on how creativity and research impact each other, and how creativity can be used for solving problems in a variety of areas. A M.Ed. (Master of Education) and a M.S. (Master of Science) are both offered. The program consists of 36 credits, and courses are delivered online. 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 & World Report as the 66th best national university.
12. University of Northern Colorado
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Greeley, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,708
The University of Northern Colorado offers an online master’s in educational psychology that is designed especially for teachers. The program can be completed online in about 19 months, or five terms. Interactive courses help facilitate personal and professional relationships with faculty and peers. Graduates have gone on to work as consultants in education, and some have worked in other careers. 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 this online master’s in educational psychology, the school ranks with U.S. News & World Report.
11. University of Nevada
Master’s in Educational Psychology Online
Las Vegas, Nevada
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,692
The University of Nevada at Las Vegas offers an online educational psychology master’s degree program. Students have the opportunity to tailor the program to meet their personal and professional goals. The program is designed for students working in education, both for those specializing in educational psychology and for those interested in school psychology. 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 & World Report. In fact, recent rankings include tying for #258 in best national universities and ranking #119 in top performers on social mobility.
10. University of Louisiana
Online Master’s in Psychology
Monroe, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,068
The University of Louisiana offers 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 their chosen field. 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 be taken in a variety of psychology courses. Here, students may tailor their degree to meet career goals or align with personal interests. The University of Louisiana at Monroe ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report as a top national university.
9. Regent University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,052
Regent University offers an online Master of Science in psychology. Like some of the other degrees on this list, the master’s in psychology, while not specific to the education field, can be helpful for those who want to understand how people learn and put that knowledge into practice in an academic setting. The program is available entirely online and takes 39 or more credits to complete. Courses cover topics like research methods in psychology, biological bases of behavior, social psychology, and integrative psychology. Regent University has received recognition from major publications like U.S. News & World Report.
8. Edinboro University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,890
The online master’s in educational psychology program at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania is a 30-credit 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 who have experience working with children and families. Students will learn how to monitor children’s progress and gain 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 both rankings with U.S. News & World Report and accreditation. The school has ranked #47 in top public schools.
7. Marist College
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Poughkeepsie, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,400
Marist College features a hybrid-model master’s in educational psychology that can be completed in just two years. This program is partly online and partly on campus in Poughkeepsie, New York. 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. Coursework is divided into five main areas within education: art and science of teaching; the learner; literacy; foundations, context, and purpose; and research and inquiry. Marist College ranks with U.S. News & World Report as the 11th-best regional university in the North, as well as the fourth-best school for veterans.
6. Capella University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,787
Capella University’s online master’s in educational psychology is affordable and convenient. There are two options for students in the online master’s in educational psychology program. They can choose the FlexPath learning format, which allows them to make their own schedule and take as many or as few courses as they want at a time. When they have finished one course, they can go on to another. GuidedPath, the other learning format option, is also online. However, with GuidedPath, students have a more structured learning experience, with deadlines and faculty guidance, as well as a community of other students. Some of the courses offered include learning theories in psychology, quantitative design and analysis, and program evaluation. U.S. News & World Report ranks Capella University among the best education schools.
5. University of Memphis
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology and Research
Memphis, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,202
The University of Memphis features an online master’s in educational psychology program that is 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, the University of Memphis ranks with major publications. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Memphis #258 in best national universities and #126 in top public schools.
4. Texas A&M University – Central Texas
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Killeen, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,561
This online master’s in educational psychology from Texas A&M University – Central Texas has an emphasis in experimental psychology. This program, with its focus on research, does not lead to licensure, and the emphasis is not on counseling, as in many educational psychology degrees. Instead, students are prepared for advancement in their current role, entry into a research field, or the pursuit of a doctoral degree. Some of the courses are research methods, human development, theories of learning, advanced quantitative methods, and a six-credit psychology thesis. Texas A&M University – Central Texas ranks with U.S. News & World Report as offering one of the best online master’s in education available.
3. Purdue University Global
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Indianapolis, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,592
Purdue University Global offers an accredited online master’s in educational psychology program that is 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 includes the following topics: learning and behavior, life span development, neuropsychology, and perspectives on diversity. Purdue University Global ranks with U.S. News & World Report as a top global university.
2. Touro University Worldwide
Online Master’s in Psychology – Educational Psychology
Los Alamitos, California
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 scores are required for admission, adding to the flexibility of the degree. Once admitted, students take 12 courses that are delivered 100% online. Curriculum implements theoretical knowledge and 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 from major publications like U.S. News & World Report as a top-ranked institution.
1. Fort Hays State University
Online Master’s in School Psychology
Hays, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,478*
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. 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 & World Report as the 112th-best regional university in the Midwest, and it is our number-one most affordable school offering an online master’s in educational psychology.
*Estimate based on information available on the program’s website
ABADP Staff
July 2021
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