A master's in educational psychology degree will allow you to enter a highly demanding field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 3% growth for psychologists, including educationals, as well as an accelerated growth for school counselors.
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the need for school counselors. One study found that school counselors' mental health training will be essential in helping to transition students back to in-person learning, and helping them manage the trauma of the last year and a half.
State counseling licensure and counseling jobs typically require at least a master's degree in counseling. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in 2017, the average cost for a year of study was $18,416. But not every option will break the bank.
If you're considering obtaining a master's degree in Educational Psychology, now is the time to compare program costs. This guide explores online masters in educational psychology degrees. We'll identify some of the most affordable options, as well as looking at common courses, program rankings, licensure requirements, and areas of concentration for counseling students.
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These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Most Affordable Online Master's in School Counseling Degrees in 2021
Everything You Should Know About Earning an Online Master's in Educational Psychology
Career and Salary Outlook for Educational Psychology Graduates
As student enrollment grows, schools hire more school and career counselors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 8% increase in school and career counselor positions during the 2019-2029 period, more than double the average for all occupations.
However, a school counselor isn't the only job available to graduates who hold a master's degree in educational psychology. There is a variety of forward-facing and research-based career options out there, allowing you to choose a path that best suits your personality and strengths. Some of the most common options include educational psychologist or researcher, college counselor, and college professor.
| Job Title | Median Pay (annual) | Job Outlook, 2018-2029 |
| School Counselor | $58,120 | 8% |
| Educational Psychologist | $79,820 | 8% |
| Educational Researcher | $53,740 | -4% |
| College Counselor | $58,120 | 8% |
| College Professor | $80,790 | 9% |
If you choose to pursue a doctorate in educational psychology, earning potential can increase by several thousand dollars, hovering between $70-120,000. This is particularly true of those who go on to work as curriculum developers or instruction designers in the business and public sectors.
It's important to note that school counselors must hold licensure from their state's school counseling board. Most states require candidates for licensure to have a clean record, a counseling-related master's degree from an accredited school, and at least two years of supervised experience. Candidates may also need to pass a licensure examination or obtain a teaching license.
State requirements vary, so prospective counselors should understand the licensure requirements for their state. The American School Counselor Association provides a detailed list of licensure requirements by state. Many states maintain reciprocity agreements that allow school counselors to transfer their licenses between states.
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Admission Requirements for Online Master's in Educational Psychology Programs
While every school will have its own specific admission requirements, the most successful candidates often share a handful of common traits:
A bachelor's degree in a related field. Not every program requires a bachelor's degree in education or psychology, but if you do have one in either field, you should emphasize it on your application as some admissions departments may give these students a preferential position.
Professional experience. Many programs will require some proof of previous experience in either education or psychology. An active teaching license or a resume denoting counseling experience may be necessary to obtain admission.
GRE/GMAT scores. Online masters in educational psychology programs are moving away from these standardized test scores, but some may still require them for admissions.
Letters of recommendation/professional experience. As application numbers increase, many schools are looking for things, like professional experience or letters of recommendation, that set you apart from the crowd.
What Common Courses Are Offered in a Master's in Educational Psychology Programs?
What Are Some Related Concentrations on Educational Psychology programs?
Gifted and talented: This concentration allows professionals to identify students who qualify for gifted and talented programs. Additionally, the concentration teaches educators and counselors how to build programs that will challenge the students and allow them to reach their full potential without overwhelming them.
Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing: This concentration allows students to gain an even deeper understanding of the assessment, evaluation, and testing techniques used to meet the needs of students from elementary school through college. The concentration helps students develop the skills necessary to meet these needs while learning how to design and implement programs that allow students to thrive in all social and cultural contexts.
Accreditation for Master's Degrees in School Counseling
Accreditation is a voluntary quality-verification process that helps students safeguard their educational investments. Accredited schools meet the standards set by third-party accrediting agencies, which must hold approval from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Only students at accredited institutions can receive federal financial aid.Counseling programs usually hold programmatic accreditation from the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Students comparing counseling programs can use programmatic accreditation status as an indicator of academic quality.
Why Should I Get an Online Masters in Educational Psychology?
A master's degree in educational psychology has the potential to open many doors and inspire real change.
Various work environments Those who hold this type of upper-level degree have access to an increased number of jobs, both in traditional K-12 settings, but also in the government, research organizations, curriculum design, youth mental health facilities, large corporations, and colleges.
Career advancement For those who currently hold a degree in education or general psychology, a master's in the field can allow for a mid-career pivot, moving from the classroom to an office or vice-versa. Earning potential can also go up significantly for those with a master's degree.
Personal fulfillment Earning an online master's degree in educational psychology will allow you to make a real difference. Our current education system leaves thousands of children behind each year, and pursuing this pathway means you can gain the tools you need to reach these students where they are and to create systems that ensure our children can keep up with their peers. This type of degree is unique because its holders have the potential to change the face of American education in ways that truly matter.
