Study Educational Psychology: Degrees at a Glance
Educational psychology is the study of how people learn and what affects learning. In an educational psychology program, you'll examine statistics, research, counseling psychology and the psychology of learning. To work as an educational psychologist, you may be required to complete a minimum of a master's degree program and practical experience as well as pass an examination, which can lead to licensure. An associate's or bachelor's degree can be an excellent stepping stone toward working in this field.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts faster-than-average job growth for psychologists, with a 22% increase in employment from 2010-2020. As a psychology bachelor's holder, you could also qualify for a career in social work, a field that's projected to see a 25% increase in jobs that same decade.
| Associate's | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who Is This Degree For? | Students who want to explore the field of psychology and go on to earn a bachelor's degree or higher | Students who are interested in studying the effects of learning and who are considering a graduate degree in the field |
| Common Career Paths (with approx. median salary)* | The purpose of an associate's degree in psychology is to prepare students for acceptance to a bachelor's degree program | A graduate degree is typically required to become an educational psychologist - Social worker, all other ($54,000)* - Research technician (salary unavailable)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years, full-time | 4 years, full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - General education courses, such as math, history and English - Major requirements, including psychology courses - Electives of your choosing | - General education courses - Educational psychology classes |
| Prerequisites | - High school diploma or the equivalent | - High school diploma, GED or associate's degree - Minimum GPA (depending on the college or university) |
| Online Availability | There are associate's degree programs in psychology available in an online format | Online programs in psychology are available |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2011 figures)
Associate's Degree in Educational Psychology
Educational psychology is a highly specific field; therefore, associate's degree programs dedicated specifically to the field aren't generally available. However, many schools offer associate's programs in general psychology that can provide you with general education and teach you about foundational psychology methodologies, including introducing you to educational psychology.
To become an educational psychologist, a graduate degree is required. Therefore, associate's degree programs typically prepare you to enter a bachelor's degree program or a joint bachelor's and master's degree program.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Associate's programs can prepare you for transfer to a bachelor's degree
- You'll receive an overview of the major methodologies and approaches used to study human behavior
- An associate's program can be used as a foundation for further training in several fields, including psychology, anthropology or sociology
Cons
- To become an educational psychologist, a graduate degree is necessary
- An associate's degree in psychology does not prepare you for a specific career that you can attain immediately after graduation
- An associate's degree is not necessary to enter an educational psychology bachelor's degree program
Courses and Requirements
As an associate's degree candidate, you'll likely take general education courses such as composition and history as well as classes in child, adolescent, abnormal and educational psychology. You'll also choose a number of elective courses.
Online Degree Options
With most online associate's degree programs in psychology, you aren't required to attend courses in person. Everything can be completed from your home computer, as long as you have high-speed internet access. Though the curriculum typically can be completed on your schedule, you might have to complete exams and assignments on a deadline. You'll also be required to interact with professors and students online.
Stand Out With This Degree
If you intend to transfer to a 4-year degree program upon completion of your associate's degree, choose your electives wisely. Take courses that focus on your area of interest or that you know will transfer to an advanced program.
Bachelor's Degree in Educational Psychology
A bachelor's degree program in educational psychology can give you the foundational knowledge you need to continue your studies in a graduate program. These programs are for individuals who are interested in working with children and who would like to examine the influences of school and homework without becoming a K-12 teacher. You'll examine learners through biosocial and cognitive changes.
Since a graduate degree is necessary to become an educational psychologist, you'll still need to complete a master's program. Some colleges and universities offer joint bachelor's/master's programs in educational psychology that allow you to complete graduate courses while you're an undergrad.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Some programs allow you to further specialize in areas such as corrections, human development, counselor education or special education
- Educational psychology bachelor's programs can lay the ground work for graduate-level training
- 5-year bachelor's/master's programs in educational psychology might prepare you for licensure
Cons
- Bachelor's-level programs may be limited in number
- 5-year bachelor's/masters programs are designed for academically successful students and may have GPA requirements
- Some states require you to meet experience requirements prior to licensure
Courses and Requirements
General education courses such as composition, biology, history and sociology usually are required. The majority of your coursework will consist of educational psychology classes. Additionally, some programs require a psychology capstone course. You can expect to take courses such as:
- Applied learning theory
- Personality adjustment
- Social psychology
- Research methods
- Human growth
- Psychology and educational statistics
Online Degree Options
Many colleges and universities offer online bachelor's degree programs in psychology, some of which allow you to concentrate on educational psychology. These programs require you to work closely with instructors and classmates while working toward the completion of your degree through an online learning platform.
Stand Out With This Degree
Some undergraduate programs in educational psychology include courses in curriculum and instruction. These courses can prove extremely helpful since many educational psychologists work in colleges and universities.
