In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable online master’s in educational psychology programs.
With a graduate degree in educational psychology, you will be eligible to apply for jobs such as career counselors, educational psychologists, educational researchers, school counselors, or school psychologists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for career and school counselors is projected to grow 13% over the next seven years. Increasing school enrollments call for more specialists, such as educational psychologists, though budget cuts can impact hiring.
Top 30 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Educational Psychology Programs Methodology
We looked at approximately 75 colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and across the web that offered at least one online master’s in educational psychology program. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: national or regional accreditation, school or program ranking with one or more major publication like U.S. News and World Report, and affordability. We then listed the schools according to raw affordability.
Below is our list of the top 30 most affordable master’s in educational psychology online programs.
#30 – Rutgers University
Online Master’s in Learning, Cognition, and Development
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,984
Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Education offers an M.Ed. ideal for those seeking a master’s in educational psychology online degree. The online master’s in learning, cognition, and development is intended for students wanting to study the psychology of human learning as it applies to education. Classes are delivered online and taught by Rutgers faculty. These courses include cognition and language from birth to eight, cognition and motivational learning strategies, cooperation and collaborative learning, language acquisition, and memory systems and processes. Accepted students will have five years to complete the program. Admission requires a completed application, and decisions are made twice each year. U.S. News and World Report ranks Rutgers #56 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #141 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#29 – University of Illinois
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Champaign, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,224
The online master’s in educational psychology program at University of Illinois is designed for working educators and individuals wanting to seek a master’s in educational psychology. The program is offered fully online and has one specialization in evidence-based decision making. Some of the required courses include advanced seminar in educational psychology, data and decisions, economic analysis and educational policy, educational statistics, principles of measurement, psychology of learning in education, and technology and educational reform. For application consideration, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Illinois #46 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #25 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#28 – University of Massachusetts
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Boston, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,730
The Department of Counseling and School Psychology at University of Massachusetts offers a master’s in educational psychology online degree. The 60-credit master’s program covers courses in both general counseling and school counseling. Required courses include counseling theory and practice, cultural diversity in counseling, family therapy theories, group counseling for children and adolescents, orientation to professional school counseling, and practicum in school counseling. In addition to classes, students are required to complete field experiences in school settings through both a practicum and internship. U.S. News and World Report ranks UMass Boston #191 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #88 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by the publication.
#27 – Eastern Michigan University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,188
Eastern Michigan University’s online master’s in educational psychology is open to educational professionals seeking an advanced degree. Applicants must hold an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better, have received teacher certification, and furnish an analysis of their professional goals. The degree consists of 30 credits, which includes coursework in areas like basic concepts of educational psychology, human development, principles of educational research, psychology of adolescence, seminar in educational psychology, and sociology of education. The program ends with the completion of a culminating research project. U.S. News and World Report ranks Eastern Michigan #230-#301 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #148 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#26 – Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
San Antonio, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,818
Our Lady of the Lake University’s master’s in educational psychology online programs include the school counseling degree. The program is fully online and designed for working educators who want to diversify their knowledge or pursue careers as a school counselor. Courses, taught by Our Lady of the Lake’s esteemed faculty, include child and juvenile psychological development, counseling theories – methods and techniques, disability issues, ethical issues in schools, guidance and counseling services, and vocational and aptitude assessment. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Counseling Certification (NCC), the Licensed Professional Counseling Certification (LPC), and a school counseling certification. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #69 in best regional universities in the West.
#25 – National University
Online Master’s in School Psychology
La Jolla, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,976
National University’s online master’s in educational psychology is a rigorous and fast-paced program designed for educators. The master’s in school psychology program offers onsite and online learning opportunities. Courses run four weeks in length and cover a variety of school psychology topics. Some of the courses include advanced counseling theories and methods, applied behavior analysis, cognitive assessment, developmental psychopathology, leadership in school psychology, school psychology roles and ethics, and test and measurement. To apply, students must complete a relatively standard online application. U.S. News and World Report ranks National University as having the 185th best online graduate education program in the country.
#24 – Oregon State University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Corvallis, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,061
One of the most affordable online educational psychology programs on our list is the school counseling program at Oregon State University. This 75-credit M.Coun. program is offered in a hybrid format with 50 percent online and 50 percent in the classroom. The classroom component requires two weekend meetings each term in Salem, Oregon. Most classes are delivered entirely online. These classes include addictive behavior counseling, appraisal of the individual, cross-cultural counseling, developmental perspectives in counseling, introduction to research in education, leadership of school counseling programs, and social and cultural perspectives. U.S. News and World Report ranks OSU #140 in best national universities.
#23 – Regent University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,326
Regent University offers a CACREP-accredited master’s in school psychology online degree program ideal for compassionate educators and leaders. The program may be completed 100% online. Courses run 16 weeks in length, and internship placement may occur in your own geographic location. Required courses include assessment techniques in counseling, counseling children and adolescents, counseling skills and techniques, principles of school counseling, program development and evaluation for school counselors, and theories of counseling. Successful applicants must hold a bachelor’s from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Official GRE or MAT scores are required. U.S. News and World Report ranks Regent #201 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #56 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#22 – University of Tennessee
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Knoxville, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,064
One of the most affordable online educational psychology programs on our list is from University of Tennessee. To further tailor the degree, the program offers concentrations in adult education or applied educational psychology. The program consists of 36 hours of non-thesis coursework and a comprehensive examination. Courses include adult learning, facilitating change in educational environments, introduction to educational research foundations, motivation in learning, program planning and outcomes, and survey of educational psychology. Successful admission requires official transcripts, three completed rating forms by faculty members, and a clear statement of goals. U.S. News and World Report ranks UT #115 in best national universities and #100 in best value schools.
#21 – University of Northern Colorado
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Greeley, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,238
University of Northern Colorado offers a master’s in school psychology online program designed to accommodate working educators. This 30-credit master’s in educational psychology degree can be completed entirely online and offers courses taught by experienced professors. Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better for the most recent degree or degree in progress. Courses are delivered online and include brain and education, cultural issues in education psychology, educational psychology for teachers, graduate research methodology, life span developmental psychology, and motivation in education. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school among the top 300 best national universities in the country. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #150 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#20 – Edinboro University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,557
One of the more affordable of the online educational psychology programs on our list is offered by Edinboro University. The 30-credit master’s in educational psychology can be completed part-time over a two-year period. Classes are delivered online and are taught by experienced Edinboro faculty. Degree requirements stipulate a student maintain a 3.5 GPA on all graduate level courses and satisfactorily complete the comprehensive examination. Successful admission requires official transcripts, a professional resume, and a one to two-page essay answering specific questions as listed on the program website. U.S. News and World Report ranks Edinboro #142-#187 in best regional universities in the North.
#19 – Florida State University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Tallahassee, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,553
Florida State University’s master’s in educational psychology online degree program was ranked by U.S. News among the top 20 educational graduate programs in the country. The program is highly individualized, flexible, and available online. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 or better GPA. Satisfactory GRE test scores are also required for admission. The online master’s in educational psychology requires core learning and cognition courses as well as electives. Required classes include cognition and perception, group processes in instruction, lifespan development, and theories of learning and cognition in instruction. U.S. News and World Report ranks FSU #70 in best national universities. The graduate online education programs rank #13 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#18 – North Carolina State University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Raleigh, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,027
The master’s in educational psychology online program at North Carolina State University emphasizes school counseling through the school-college-community collaboration model. The program is designed to prepare students to work as school counselors. Eligibility to apply to the program requires a completed online application, GRE or MAT scores, three recommendations, official transcripts, and other items as listed by the program. The online option to complete the program takes three years to earn the degree. It is a part-time cohort program that requires students to take courses year-round, even in the summer. U.S. News and World Report ranks NCSU #80 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #15 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#17 – University of Georgia
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Athens, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,970
University of Georgia’s master’s in school psychology online degree programs include the master’s in educational psychology. Offered through the College of Education, the online M.Ed. in educational psychology emphasizes the impact on a person’s applied cognition and development. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include applied statistical methods in education, foundations of human development for education, foundations of motivation for education, and seminar in educational psychology. Admission eligibility requirements include a bachelor’s from an accredited institution with at least a 2.6 GPA and satisfactory GRE or MAT scores. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Georgia #46 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #8 out of 1,200 measured programs.
#16 – Purdue University Global
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Indianapolis, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,927
Purdue University Global offers an accredited online master’s in educational psychology program with multiple start dates to accommodate busy schedules. The program’s flexibility consists of six- and ten-week long courses and online delivery. All classes are taught by experienced faculty who work as professionals in the education and psychology fields. Courses include cognitive psychology, educational psychology, learning and behavior, life span development, quantitative methods and instruments for assessment, and research methods for education and instructional technology. To enroll in the graduate program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #194 in best national universities.
#15 – The University of Alabama
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,780
The University of Alabama’s online educational psychology programs include the MA in educational psychology with a specialization in learning and assessment. This 30-credit online master’s degree is ideal for busy and working teachers who have little time to earn graduate credentials. While the degree is open to educators, it is also designed for non-educators. Courses are delivered online and include advanced educational psychology, development of self-regulation, evaluation of classroom learning, introduction to education research, self-regulation and motivation, and statistical methods in education. Admission requires an earned bachelor’s and undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and a minimum score of 300 on the GRE or 50th percentile on the MAT. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university #129 in best national institutions.
#14 – University of Memphis
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Memphis, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,697
Some of the best online educational psychology programs on our list are also the most affordable. University of Memphis offers an online master’s in educational psychology designed to prepare educational leaders. A core set of introduction classes followed by research components allow students to explore contemporary theories, strategies, and analyses that contribute to the field. Admission to the program requires satisfactory GRE scores, a completed online application, and written statement. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Memphis #230-#301 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate educational programs rank #150 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#13 – Indiana University
Online Master’s in Learning and Developmental Science – Educational Psychology
Richmond, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,279
The master’s in educational psychology online program at Indiana University consists of a 36-credit hour degree led by nationally known researchers. Admission requires a bachelor’s from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA. GRE scores, personal statement, official transcripts, and three letters of recommendation are also required. Courses are a mix of residential and online delivery. These courses explore aggression and bullying in schools, family influences on child development, learning and motivation, and the social development of children. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the publication ranks the school #128-#165 in best regional universities in the Midwest.
#12 – University of Missouri
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Columbia, Missouri
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,828
One of the most affordable online educational psychology programs on our list is the program at University of Missouri. The master’s degree offers a student learning and well-being emphasis track that is 100 percent online. The master’s program requires the completion of 33 credit hours. Courses include advanced human learning, cognition and emotion, human diversity elective, lifespan development, and quantitative foundations in educational research. Toward the end of the program, students in the master’s program take a four-hour comprehensive examination. Admission eligibility requires unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work with a minimum GPA of 3.0. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Missouri #129 in best national universities and #78 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #36 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#11 – Ball State University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Muncie, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,216
Ball State University’s online master’s in educational psychology program is designed for educational professionals and others working in the field related to learning and human development. Courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. Several online certificates are also available in areas like gifted and talented education, human development and learning, and neuropsychology. To apply to the program, a bachelor’s degree from an institution that is accredited by its regional accrediting association and a cumulative baccalaureate GPA of at least 2.75 is necessary. Additional admission criteria include two professional references, a personal statement, and a copy of your most recent resume or vita. U.S. News and World Report ranks Ball State #171 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #36 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – Texas A & M University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
College Station, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,065
A master’s in school psychology online degree from Texas A&M University prepares highly qualified individuals as school counselors. Degree candidates earn an M.Ed. in educational psychology with an emphasis in school counseling. The program consists of various online courses that include career counseling in schools, consultation in special education, foundations of school counseling, issues in child and adolescent development, planning and organization of comprehensive guidance programs, and school counseling theories and techniques. Admission requires three letters of recommendation, a preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and two years of classroom teaching experience. There is no GRE requirement. U.S. News and World Report ranks Texas A&M #66 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #53 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#9 – Touro University
Online Master’s in Psychology – Educational Psychology
Los Alamitos, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000
No GMAT or GRE is required for the online master’s in educational psychology at Touro University. The program follows a rigorous format that enables students to earn a master’s degree in just one year. Six start dates add to the flexibility of the online graduate program. Classes are taught by professors with real-world experience. Students must complete 12 courses, nine required and three elective courses, to satisfy degree requirements. Some of these courses include educational psychology in diverse settings and strategies to make learning more effective. This degree does not lead to any form of licensure. Touro is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
#8 – Oklahoma State University
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,197
The master’s in educational psychology online program at Oklahoma State University covers all aspects of psychology as they pertain to education. The program emphasizes human development as well as gifted education. A total of 36 hours of graduate coursework with many online and summer courses are required. Also, enrolled graduate students have the option of completing a thesis or pursuing the degree through a non-thesis pathway. Some of the online courses include creativity for teachers, developing resources to support educational programs, human development in psychology, psychology of learning, and research design and methodology. GRE scores and letters of reference are required for admission to the educational psychology program. U.S. News and World Report ranks OSU #157 in best national universities and #80 in top public schools.
#7 – Lamar University
Online Master’s in Counseling and Development
Beaumont, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,112
Lamar University’s online educational psychology programs include the master’s in counseling and development with a specialization in professional school counseling. The program is NCATE-accredited, consists of 60 credit hours, and can be completed in 30 months. Courses are delivered online and designed to meet the educational requirements set forth by the state of Texas. These courses include child and adolescent counseling, counseling skills, human growth and development, individual counseling theories and techniques, and professionalism, ethics, and the law. Admission eligibility includes an undergraduate degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA and teaching certification. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lamar #230-#301 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #115 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#6 – University of Southern Maine
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Portland, Maine
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,922
University of Southern Maine offers a master’s in school psychology online program. Graduates earn a master’s in educational psychology with a concentration in applied behavior analysis. The program is comprised of 12 courses (36 graduate credits). Eight courses are verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Courses include behavioral principles of learning, consultation and collaborative problem solving, functional behavioral assessment, professional ethics in behavior analysis, and research methods and techniques. To be considered for admission, an earned bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA of 2.5 and qualifying GRE scores must be submitted. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #142-#187 in best regional universities in the North.
#5 – University of North Texas
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Denton, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,165
University of North Texas offers an online master’s in educational psychology with a concentration in research and evaluation. The program is designed for individuals employed by educational institutions, such as school districts and higher education organizations. Flexible courses and online delivery make the program ideal for working professionals who want to earn a master’s quickly. In fact, the degree is designed to complete in just 15 months. Online courses include educational research and evaluation, foundations of program evaluation, grant proposal writing skills, introduction to educational psychology, and statistics for educational research. U.S. News and World Report ranks UNT #230-#301 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #4 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – University of Texas
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Tyler, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,700
The University of Texas offers graduate programs ideally designed for those interested in a master’s in school psychology online. The master’s in school counseling is a two-year online program comprised of 48 credit hours. Admission eligibility includes undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GRE scores, three completed reference request forms, and a statement of purpose essay. Courses explore a variety of topics in educational psychology and school counseling. Some of these courses include applied school counseling, counseling theories and application, cultural diversity and advocacy, mental health in schools, and research and program evaluation. UT-Tyler is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the institution #81 in best regional universities in the West.
#3 – University of Nevada
Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
Las Vegas, Nevada
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,776
The master’s in school psychology online program at University of Nevada is appropriate for students seeking core knowledge, research tools, and experiences in educational psychology. Courses are primarily delivered online, but some face-to-face requirements may be necessary. There are two completion tracks for the master’s in educational psychology degree – the thesis and non-thesis pathways. Courses covered in the program include descriptive and inferential statistics, foundations of learning and cognition, human growth and development, and research methods. Admission requires GRE scores in the 50th percentile or better, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. U.S. News and World Report ranks UNLV #230-#301 in best national universities. The online education graduate programs rank #224-#291 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#2 – Chadron State College
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Chadron, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,647
Chadron State College’s online educational psychology programs include the master’s in school counseling. Entrance requirements include an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a GPA of 2.75 or better and official transcripts. Courses are taken online and taught by Chadron State College’s experienced faculty. Some of the required courses include advanced human development, career and lifestyle development, counseling and communication skills, counseling ethics and professional identity, fundamentals of assessment, group counseling, and school counseling. U.S. News and World Report ranks Chadron State among the top regional universities in the Midwest.
#1 – Fort Hays State University
Online Master’s in School Counseling
Hays, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,162
Fort Hays State University’s master’s in educational psychology online program is open to individuals with an earned bachelor’s degree in psychology or education. Courses are taught by Fort Hays State professors and cover a wide variety of topics in educational psychology and school counseling. These courses include appraisal of children, behavior therapy, developmental psychology, experimental methods, methods in school psychology, observation in school psychology, and professional ethics in psychology. U.S. News and World Report ranks Fort Hays State #128-#165 in best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate education programs rank #62 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What career path is available for those with a master’s in educational psychology online degree?
The role of an educational psychologist is to study and address how people, particularly children, learn. School psychologists are often hired by schools and educational institutions to work directly with students and staff in an effort to improve learning outcomes and address behavioral needs.
In a school setting, the role of a school psychologist is to apply psychological principles and techniques. These techniques improve learning, assist with behavioral issues, and help with overall performance both in and out of the classroom.
School and educational psychologists also work closely with staff, often educating teachers on how to implement strategies in the classroom. Psychologists in a school setting may also work with parents of school-aged children to assist in meeting behavioral modification and improving performance. Other duties may include consultation with school boards and educational professionals.
Some school psychologists are former teachers while others begin a career in education as a counselor or psychologist. In some cases, school psychologists have worked in private practice as clinical psychologists. Also, some psychologists have gone back to school to earn a teaching degree or license that enables them to teach classes while also working or consulting as an educational psychologist.
What are the admission requirements for master’s in educational psychology online programs?
Most master’s in educational psychology online programs require applicants hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university. The bachelor’s degree does not necessarily need to be in a field of psychology or education. In some cases, earning a bachelor’s in business or criminal justice can be as valuable as earning an undergraduate psychology degree. However, it is helpful to have at least taken one or two courses in psychology or a closely related discipline.
To enter a master’s in educational psychology online program, satisfactory undergraduate performance is required. Top-tier programs may require an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.5 or better, while others require a minimum of 3.0. In some cases, a low GPA may be accepted if a careful explanation is provided.
In addition to undergraduate performance, GRE or GMAT test scores may also be required. Again, top-tier programs require satisfactory performance on the GRE. If you do not plan to take the GRE or do not have test scores that are less than five years old, you may apply to programs that do not require the graduate exam.
Additional requirements vary with programs. Some schools require one to three letters of recommendation, while others require only the name and contact information of a recommender. Also, plan on submitting a statement of goals and/or writing sample.
How long does it take to earn a master’s in educational psychology online degree?
Students enrolled in a master’s in educational psychology online degree may take between 15 months and two years to complete requirements. The traditional master’s degree takes between two and three years, while an online master’s generally takes less time.
The master’s in educational psychology online programs on our list, on average, take 22 months to complete. Time may be cut shorter or stretched depending on the program and type of enrollment. Full-time enrollment shortens the length of the program while part-time enrollment lengthens completion time. If you are looking for an accelerated pathway and a short completion time, full-time enrollment options are available. The average full-time online master’s in educational psychology takes 18-20 months, while the part-time program takes longer.
Time can be cut if the program does not require a thesis. If you prefer a research-intensive program that includes the requirement of a thesis, the program will typically take longer to complete. Most thesis programs on our list take two years with full-time enrollment. Non-thesis programs generally take less time and are more application-based. This means there will be less research and more time spent analyzing current research theories and already published materials.
What is the career outlook for individuals with a master’s in educational psychology online degree?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports overall employment of psychologists will increase by 14 percent through the year 2026. Due to an increase in mental health awareness, schools will likely increase psychological services. This means school psychologists will be in demand.
The employment of school psychologists is expected to grow thanks to raised mental health awareness and the connection between learning and positive mental health. Educational psychologists will be needed to work with students, particularly those with special needs or behavioral issues. Administration will become more reliant on psychologists to help address learning issues in schools.
While the demand for mental health services in schools rises, state and local budget cuts can impact hiring. As a result, competition for these jobs will be stiff. Earning a master’s in educational psychology online degree without giving up teaching or other valuable work experience will set you apart from competition.
Offering a strong research background will also provide a competitive edge. Many master’s in educational psychology online programs offer thesis pathways for degree completion. Completing a thesis will provide valuable research experience. Employers often look at research as a highly valuable commodity when hiring school or educational psychologists.
What is my earnings potential with a master’s in educational psychology online degree?
PayScale, a global research compensation analysis organization, reports the average educational psychologist salary to be $73,692 as of January 2019. The lowest 10 percent of educational psychologists earned $50,000 per year while the highest 10 percent earned $114,000. These numbers fluctuate by region, experience, and education level of the psychologist.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reports a similar average. School psychologists earned an average wage of $75,090 as of May 2017. The highest earners topped out around $125,000 per year, while the lowest ten percent earned approximately $42,000 annually.
School psychologists typically work a traditional Monday through Friday work week, though weekend events may occur throughout the year. It is common for a school psychologist to have a portion of their summer off, though many educational settings offer a pay schedule stretching across 12 months. This means that time off from work does not equate to no pay.
Most school psychologists work full time and during regular school business hours. Also, some psychologists are responsible for multiple schools and thus travel compensation is provided.
Over time, school psychologists can expect raises. State employees will benefit from state wage increases. In some areas, budget cuts may impact resources and limit job prospects and wage increases.
BCO Staff
January 2019
This concludes our list of the top 30 most affordable online master’s in educational psychology programs.
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