Department of Educational Psychology
Introduction
Become a leader in the fields of teaching, learning, human development, and behavior in our Educational Psychology programs. Graduate-level researchers study how students think and learn, the science of giftedness and creativity, Measurement, Data Science, and Statistics, and the best practices in the field of school psychology.
By crafting personalized plans of study, we prepare you to be an educational researcher, theorist, or practitioner who works to serve diverse populations. Our department comprises four interconnected areas of emphasis, which provide depth and flexibility to customize your program of study and become an expert in the research skills to build knowledge about the ways students think and learn.
Our department is also home to several leading research centers and clinics that offer opportunities for practical experience working with clients and conducting research projects. This includes the School Psychology Clinic and the Academic Computing Center. Our students also may work closely with the Torrance Center for Creativity.
Our faculty members have been awarded millions of dollars in federal and private funding for research on topics such as:
- Assessment and remediation of children’s reading difficulty
- Sex differences in mathematics strategies
- Underrepresented populations in gifted education
- Creativity
- Reading comprehension and vocabulary development
- Diagnostic classification models
- Preschool intervention for children living in poverty
- Design of student-centered learning environments
- Dropout prevention
Concentrations
- Applied Cognition and Development
Our applied cognition and development programs prepare graduates to improve education through research, to implement projects in schools, and to apply research and methods to various settings.
- Gifted and Creative Education
Grounded in the understanding that giftedness and creativity are expressed in diverse ways, and that talent and creative potential can be developed, our program integrates research, educator preparation, and service to advance knowledge and evidence-based practices in gifted education, creativity, and talent development. We are committed to creating equitable and appropriately challenging educational opportunities for diverse learners.
- Measurement, Data Science, and Statistics
Do you have an interest in theoretical developments in psychometrics, statistics, measurement, and other statistical modeling strategies? The Measurement, Data Science, and Statistics Program exists to advance the field of quantitative studies and connect to real-world problems in educational and social science research.
- School Psychology
The School Psychology program is designed to produce clinically skilled scientists who are proficient in principles of theory, science, and practice. We are fully accredited by the APA.
Degree Programs
Double Dawgs
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees
- BS in Statistics / MA in Educational Psychology (Measurement, Data Science, and Statistics)
Become an expert in collecting, analyzing, and presenting data by combining a BS in Statistics with an MA in Measurement, Data Science, and Statistics.
- BS in Biology / MEd (Non-Thesis) in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
- BS in Psychology / MEd in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development, Non-Thesis)
- BSEd in Elementary Education / MEd in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development, Non-Thesis)
For students who specify a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Elementary Education, the addition of a Master of Education degree with Educational Psychology, with an Emphasis in Applied Cognition and Development, may provide additional employment opportunities in the areas of instruction, educational administration, educational consulting, and curriculum development. The applied nature of this MEd program would allow for increased employment opportunities for students. The completion of the Intervention Endorsement courses combined with the completion of the MEd will make students eligible for a T5 upgrade.
Minors
- Personal Health and Well-Being Minor
Housed in the Department of Educational Psychology and the Department of Kinesiology, the personal health and well-being minor supports students’ exploration, understanding, and development of practices and habits that support personal health and well-being.
- Educational Psychology Minor
The Educational Psychology Minor is designed to support students’ advanced understanding and application of the cognitive, sociocultural, emotional, and moral development of children and adolescents, as well as developmental issues in a wide range of educational contexts.
MEd/EdS Professional Programs
- EdS in School Psychology
Earn certification as a school psychologist through our Educational Specialist program in three years.
Master of Education (MEd)
- MEd in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
Become an expert in human development, learning, and motivation, or explore gifted and creative education or quantitative methods.
- MEd in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development) (Online)
- MEd in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education)
Cultivate your expertise in gifted education, creativity, and talent development. Learn research-based strategies to create equitable, supportive, and appropriately challenging learning environments that nurture students’ academic and social-emotional growth. Help advanced learners build on their strengths and realize their potential.
- MEd in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education) (Online)
Cultivate your expertise in gifted education, creativity, and talent development. Learn research-based strategies to create equitable, supportive, and appropriately challenging learning environments that nurture students’ academic and social-emotional growth. Help advanced learners build on their strengths and realize their potential.
- MEd in Educational Psychology - Measurement, Data Science, and Statistics (Online)
The online M.Ed. in Educational Psychology with an area of emphasis in Measurement, Data Science, and Statisitics, (1) increases the effectiveness of applied research and assessment in the social sciences by advancing students’ knowledge, technical skill, and technical communication in all aspects of Measurement, Data Science, and Statisitics; and (2) supports students to become high-quality practitioners in the areas of psychometrics, statistics, measurement, and assessment.
- MEd in Educational Psychology (Measurement, Data Science, and Statistics)
Become an expert in human development, learning, and motivation, or explore gifted and creative education or quantitative studies.
Master of Arts (MA)
- MA in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
Become an expert in human development, learning, and motivation through our program in applied cognition and development.
- MA in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education)
Develop foundational knowledge and methodological skills to conduct meaningful research in the fields of gifted education, talent development, and creativity.
- MA in Educational Psychology (Measurement, Data Science, and Statistics)
Explore quantitative studies by developing and disseminating advances in measurement in the social and behavioral sciences, educational assessment and statistical methodology.
Educational Specialist (EdS)
- EdS in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
Develop a deeper understanding of human development, how students learn, and what motivates students in educational settings.
- EdS in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education)
Advance your career as a leader and advocate in gifted and creative education. Deepen your knowledge and skills to champion advanced learners, drive educational change, and shape learning environments that are responsive, challenging, and equitable.
- EdS in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education) (Online)
Advance your career as a leader and advocate in gifted and creative education. Deepen your knowledge and skills to champion advanced learners, drive educational change, and shape learning environments that are responsive, challenging, and equitable.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- PhD in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
Explore cognitive processes both inside and outside of the classroom, connect real-world issues in education, or become a skilled psychologist at all levels of child development.
- PhD in Educational Psychology (Gifted and Creative Education)
Deepen your understanding of gifted education, talent development, and creativity while expanding on your methodological expertise to conduct groundbreaking research relevant to the educational community.
- PhD in Educational Psychology (Measurement, Data Science, and Statistics)
Explore quantitative studies by developing and disseminating advances in measurement in the social and behavioral sciences, educational assessment and statistical methodology.
- PhD in Educational Psychology (School Psychology)
Explore the cognitive process both inside and outside the classroom, connect research to real-world issues in education, or become a skilled psychologist at all levels of child development.
Non-Degree Programs
Endorsement/Certificate Programs
- Gifted In-Field Endorsement and Certificate
The Gifted In-Field Endorsement is an add-on credential that allows certified teachers in Georgia to provide direct instruction to students in their areas of initial certification. Teachers with gifted endorsement can also serve as a resource teacher for indirect services for gifted education in any content area or grade level P-12.
- Gifted In-Field Endorsement and Certificate (Online)
The Gifted In-Field Endorsement is an add-on credential that allows certified teachers in Georgia to provide direct instruction to students in their areas of initial certification. Teachers with gifted endorsement can also serve as a resource teacher for indirect services for gifted education in any content area or grade level P-12.
- Intervention Specialist Endorsement
This endorsement program prepares educators to design and implement developmentally appropriate, evidence-based instruction that is responsive to the strengths, needs, and experiences of all learners, including those at risk for academic challenges.
Featured Faculty Videos
Additional Faculty Videos
Scholarships, Awards, and Other Funding Opportunities
There are many scholarships and funding opportunities offered by the Mary Frances Early College of Education. These include both College-wide scholarships and those specific to individual programs and departments. Visit the College’s Scholarships and Other Funding Sources webpage to learn more and to apply.
In addition, the following EPSY Department awards were made possible through the support of generous donors but do not have an application process:
Support Our Programs
Donate to a Specific Unit/ProgramStudent Organizations
Association of School Psychologists (ASP)
To advise the scholarly goals and professional interests of future school psychologists.
Faculty advisor: Scott Patrick Ardoin
Graduate Researchers in Educational Psychology
This organization fosters communication between graduate students and faculty in the Department of Educational Psychology and encourages active participation in projects relating to fields represented in the department.
Faculty advisor: Kristen Bub
Latest News
- The Advanced Placement gender gap is narrowing but not across all subjects
The gender balance among the top scorers on Advanced Placement exams tends to track the gender balance among students taking those tests, according to a new study led by the Mary Frances Early College of Education.
- Associate professor named to UGA’s Faculty Innovation Fellows program
Sycarah Fisher, an associate professor in the Department of Educational Psychology, was recently named to the second cohort of UGA Faculty Innovation Fellows.
- Striving for perfection could impact well-being of gifted youth
AP tests, GPA tracking, and looming college decisions add to stress for high school students, according to new research from the College’s Department of Educational Psychology.