Best Ph.D. and PsyD Programs in Educational Psychology

The focus of an educational psychologist's job is studying how people learn new information and how they retain it for later recall. Common career paths for those with an advanced degree in educational psychology include educational consultant, school counselor, and research-based positions.

Most people who have earned credentials in educational psychology work with students from kindergarten to grade 12. They may also work with adults who have learning disabilities. Educational psychologists typically specialize in working with students using one or more accepted theories in this field. These include:

• Behavioral theory focuses on how students acquire knowledge through social conditioning and learning. Professionals practicing behavioral theory operate on a system of rewards and punishments to influence student behavior.

• Cognitive theory emphasizes what students already know and prioritizes organization and memory. Concept theory and memorization are two examples of cognitive theory used in the classroom.

• Constructivist theory focuses on how students continually evolve and acquire knowledge throughout their educational journey. Educational psychologists who prefer this theory teach students to use critical thinking skills to solve problems in real-world situations.

• Developmental theory looks at how nature and nurture combine to shape a student's development. Practitioners also place heavy emphasis on developmental stages to help them understand student perspectives better.

• Experiential theory emphasizes how a student's experiences in life impact their capacity for learning and retention. These educational psychologists tend to consider feelings and thoughts more than the other types.

According to the employment website ZipRecruiter.com, the median annual salary for educational psychologists is $92,266. Those in the top 90 percent of earners for this job title earn more than $185,000 per year.

2025 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology Programs

Looking for the best online doctorate in educational psychology programs? CounselingPsychology.org has ranked top programs to help you find the right fit. Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier to balance studies with work or family. They open doors for students everywhere, especially those who need distance learning or remote options. Whether you're advancing your career or diving into research, these programs provide quality education from home. Learn how we ranked these programs https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN - Public 4-Year - memphis.edu

Doctorate - PhD in Educational Psychology and Research

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Memphis provides a comprehensive PhD in Educational Psychology and Research, accessible online, catering to professionals seeking flexibility. This program delves into human development, learning theories, and cognitive processes, emphasizing rigorous research skills. With a 54-credit curriculum culminating in a dissertation, it prepares graduates for leadership roles in academia and research. Unique features include part-time and full-time study options, assistantship funding, and a faculty research apprenticeship model. Admission involves indicating a preferred faculty advisor and completing an interview, with intakes in fall and spring. Notably, the program does not explicitly require an entrance exam, focusing instead on academic potential and research alignment.

• Online and face-to-face options
• 54 credit hours required
• Dissertation and research residency
• Part-time and full-time study
• Funding through assistantships
• Faculty research apprenticeship model
• Prepares for academia and research careers
• Focus on educational psychology
• Advanced research methodologies
• Customizable elective courses
• Graduate certificates available
• Dynamic faculty expertise
• Competitive career applicants
• Interviews required for admission
• Fall and spring entry deadlines

#2

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA - Public 4-Year - www2.gmu.edu

Doctorate - PhD in Education

Concentration: Educational Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

George Mason University offers a hybrid PhD in Education with a concentration in Educational Psychology, designed for those seeking to deepen their understanding of learning processes and educational interventions. This program stands out for its blend of online coursework and in-person internships, catering to working professionals. It emphasizes research methodologies and theoretical frameworks, preparing graduates for roles in academia, research, and policy-making. Admission prerequisites include a master's degree and relevant professional experience, with no GRE requirement mentioned, highlighting accessibility. The program's flexibility and focus on practical applications make it a compelling choice for advancing in educational psychology.

• Hybrid program format
• Focus on Educational Psychology
• Personalized study plans
• Requires master's degree
• Financial aid available
• Practical internships included
• Research methodologies focus
• Flexible student-centered structure
• Professional experiences beyond coursework
• Interdisciplinary program options

#3

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS - Public 4-Year - wichita.edu

Doctorate - Doctorate in Educational Leadership - Educational Psychology Track

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Wichita State University offers a hybrid Doctorate in Educational Leadership with an Educational Psychology Track, designed for professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in learning and leadership. This program stands out for its no GRE requirement, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants. It emphasizes advanced research methodology and offers a customizable interdisciplinary emphasis, catering to diverse professional goals. With a structure that allows for completion in three years, the program includes a dissertation and fosters mentorship and collaborative learning. Ideal for those with a graduate degree in education or related fields, it requires a 3.50 GPA and strong recommendations, blending online flexibility with essential in-person engagements.

• 55 total graduate hours
• Hybrid course delivery
• No GRE required
• Customizable interdisciplinary emphasis
• Advanced research methodology training
• Multiple emphasis options available
• Three-year completion design
• Dissertation required
• Mentorship and collaborative learning

*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.

What Will I Learn in an Online Educational Psychology Doctorate Program?

Here are a few courses that are typical requirements for students enrolled in the best online educational psychology doctorate programs:

• Behavioral Disorders in Children

• Early Childhood Special Education

• Educational Psychology

• Human Development

• Measurement and Evaluation

• Research Design and Methods

• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

• Statistical Analysis

Some colleges and universities offering a doctorate degree in this field online require students to complete one or more practicums to help them gain experience. This is especially true for those whose career interests include clinical practice, counseling, or school psychology. Students work under the supervision of a professional with similar credentials as they learn such skills as how to conduct educational assessments. In an online format, this usually translates to the doctorate students performing their internship hours in their own communities.

Students at the doctorate level also complete, present, and defend a dissertation on a specific research question related to educational psychology. They will take several courses to help prepare them for the research, writing, and presentation aspects of a doctoral candidate’s dissertation.

Those entering a doctorate program having already completed their master’s degree should expect to spend the equivalent of at least three years of full-time study to earn their PhD. Capella University and North Central University are examples of schools that offer online doctorate degree programs in psychology with the opportunity to specialize in the field of education.

Prospective doctorate students in educational psychology should also be aware that all states require anyone in this field working directly with students to have a license and complete 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical practice outside the practicums.

Admissions Requirements for a Doctorate in Educational Psychology

Here are the standard admissions requirements for this doctorate degree program at most online schools:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree and current or expected enrollment in a master’s degree program

• Grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate work

• Three letters of recommendation

• A letter from the student outlining their interest areas and career goals

• English language proficiency

Keep in mind that specific schools may have slightly different admissions requirements.

List of Educational Psychology Doctorate Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based doctorate program in educational psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

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Joel Gill

Joel Gill is a writer with a background in psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a deep interest in the human mind and behavior. Joel's writing often explores themes related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys cycling, meditation, and spending time with his family.