MA in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
Enhance your knowledge of human development, learning, and motivation with this program, which is appropriate anyone who wants to pursue a deeper understanding of how students learn and what makes effective learning environments. Graduates of our master of arts program usually continue on to a doctoral degree.
Because we have a rigorous but fixed number of required courses, you may create personalized programs of study suited to your interests. Our student researchers tackle diverse topics such as children placed at risk for learning difficulties; the development of science, mathematics, and literacy skills; and instruction in preschools. We also encourage our students to take courses outside of the department to broaden their experiences.
A large portion of our program involves in-depth research and analysis, and you will graduate with strong theoretical grounding in your specialization and research experience to be a leader in your field.
Highlights
- World-renowned faculty
- Gain a master’s thesis as part of a research-oriented program
- Faculty are Fellows of the American Psychological Association
Curriculum
Take core courses in cognition, development, and motivation, and sharpen research skills with classes in statistics, research methodology, and measurement. We encourage you to focus on your research interests and take courses in fields such as psychology, social work, development, linguistics, and education.
Most of our students continue to a doctoral program.
Our applied cognition and development faculty members have expertise in fields such as reading development and vocabulary, mathematics strategies, cultural influences on achievement, and early intervention. They are also active in national organizations and have served in a number of positions, including dean of the college of education, editor of the Journal of Research in Childhood Education and president of the American Psychological Association Division 15 (Educational Psychology).
This degree program does not meet the GaPSC requirements for a certification upgrade for public school teachers.
How to Apply
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Start A Graduate School Application
Part 2: Apply to the M.A. in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
Admission is dependent on a number of factors including the match of the student’s interests to the faculty research interests, GPA, GRE scores, and availability of an appropriate advisor.
Only students who are considered possible future candidates for the doctoral program are recommended for admission to the Master of Arts (M.A.) program.
The Master of Arts in the applied cognition and development program is considered the typical route to the doctorate because of its strong research emphasis.
Application deadline is December 1 for admission in the following Fall Semester ONLY. Applications will be reviewed after this deadline.
Applications require:
- Statement of Purpose
- GRE Scores
- TOELF/IELTS scores (for international students)
- Current resume
- Transcripts from every institution at which a degree was earned
- 3 letters of recommendations (preferably 2 of them from faculty who had you)
Applied Cognition and Development
Admission is decided by the faculty with a majority decision required, with a faculty member agreeing to serve as temporary advisor. The master of arts in the applied cognition and development program is considered the typical route to the doctorate because of its strong research emphasis.
Deadline To Apply
- Applications are due December 1 for admission for the following Fall semester.
- This program only accepts for Fall admission.
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.