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Master of Science  in
Educational Psychology and Methodology

Improve Education Outcomes through Psychological Research

Discover new avenues to student success by studying interdisciplinary psychological theories and instructional tactics that impact human performance in learning environments throughout the lifespan.

The master's program in educational psychology and methodology prepares you for a research career in education settings or advanced graduate studies in the psychology of human development, disability, teaching methods, and knowledge acquisition.

Coursework includes instruction in social, emotional, and intellectual development, theories of learning and cognitive development, motivation in school settings, rubric development, testing and assessment, research design, and data collection and analysis.

Program of Study

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The 30-credit master's program can be completed part time over a period of years or over three semesters of full-time study.

Core courses comprise one class in each of the following areas.

 

Human Development

Sample courses: Development in Childhood, Adolescent Development, Lifespan Development, Advanced Developmental Psychology, Comparative Theories of Human Development.

 

Learning

Sample courses: Educational Psychology, Advanced Educational Psychology: Learning and Instruction, Motivation, Children’s Learning and Cognition, Application of Cognitive Theories to English Language Arts and Social Studies, Self-Regulated Learning.

 

Individual Differences and Special Education

Sample courses: Introduction to Human Exceptionality, Learning Disabilities, Instructional Environments and Practices for Students with Disabilities, Educating Students with Emotional Disorders and Challenging Behaviors, Assessment of Students with Disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education

 

Research Methods

Sample courses: Research Project in Educational Psychology, Educational Research Design.

Measurement and Evaluation

Sample courses: Assessment in Education, Educational and Psychological Measurement, Seminar in Measurement, Theories of Validity and Reliability.

 

Statistics

Sample courses: Statistical Methods I or II, Seminar in Statistics, Multivariate Methods for Applied Researchers.

 

Electives

Choose four courses with your advisor’s approval.

 

Educational Research Project

Gain experience collecting data and performing statistical analysis by designing your own research project and reporting your findings in a formal academic report. This special project may be completed in your research methods class.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Melissa Starman at [email protected].

Career Options

Teacher Certification

If you hold a NY State "Generalist" certificate (Early Childhood Education Birth- Grade 2, Childhood Education Grades 1-6, Generalist in Middle Childhood Education Grades 5-9, Students with Disabilities Birth-Grade 2, Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6 and Students with Disabilities Generalist Grades 5-9), this program can be used to fulfill the MS requirement for Professional certification (as of 11/29/2021).

 

Develop Expertise in Data Analysis

If you're aiming to land a research job, you can increase your competitive advantage by taking electives in computational statistics and other subjects related to empirical analysis.

Take classes to learn: Regression, Multivariate Statistics, Factor Analysis, Meta Analysis, Single Case Design, Psychometrics & Assessment, including Item Response Theory

 

Strengthen Your PhD Application

Improve your opportunities for doctoral study in education and psychology at UAlbany or other prestigious research universities by working on faculty-led research projects and/or completing an internship with a human services agency or school system.

 

 

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Why UAlbany

Join an International Academic Community

At UAlbany, you connect with students and faculty from around the world. The master's program also attracts international learners who want to develop advanced reading and writing skills in academic English while earning a graduate psychology degree at a major American research university.

 

Start Right Away with Rolling Admissions

Applications are reviewed year-round, so you can enroll soon after being admitted to the program. To apply, you only need to have earned 12 undergraduate or graduate credits in psychology, educational psychology, education, or related fields.

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Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

If you’re a current UAlbany undergraduate student with at least a 3.0 GPA, you may be eligible to begin your graduate degree coursework as early as your junior year. Save time and money by applying up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, towards both degrees. By doing so, you may be able to complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.

Contact your undergraduate advisor to see if you’re eligible and learn about your combined graduate program options.

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Admissions Requirements

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Deadlines
  • Fall: Rolling
  • Spring: Rolling
  • Summer: Rolling

Although admission is rolling, please note it can take 6-8 weeks for a decision.

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Goals

The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program.  It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals. 

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • Students will demonstrate a broad knowledge of the theoretical basis of educational psychology.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the research basis of educational psychology and will have methodological competence to carry out primary statistical analyses and to evaluate the credibility of research findings.
  • Students will be able to design and carry out a small-scale research study that addresses a relevant issue in the field of educational psychology.
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Careers and Advisement

The Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center is the central office on campus serving undergraduate, graduate, and prospective students interested in pursuing careers in education and programs leading to teacher certification.

Please call or email to schedule an appointment.

Graduate Advisement:
Email Graduate Advisement
518-442-3529

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