MEd in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
Become an expert in basic human development and learning and motivation, or focus on gifted and creative education or quantitative methods. With flexible core classes, you will be able to study a research area that suits your needs.
A large portion of our program involves in-depth research and analysis, and you will graduate with a strong grasp of your chosen topic and the research experience to be a leader in your field. Our graduates are consistently recognized for their innovative work, which covers diverse topics such as the impacts of curriculum and beliefs on learning, empirical studies of student behavior, new methods of assessment, and pushing the boundaries of giftedness and creativity.
Graduates of our program typically go on to careers in various non-clinical educational, training, or research support settings in schools, the military, or colleges and universities.
About the Program
This program is available on campus and in a fully online format. Both will enhance your knowledge of human development, learning, and motivation.
Because we have a rigorous but fixed number of required courses within and outside the department, 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.
Our online Applied Cognition and Development emphasis accepts a cohort of 10 students each year, which provides individualized attention. Our graduates improve education through research, implement projects in schools, and apply research and methods to a variety of settings. A minimal number of required courses allows you to create your own program of study, choosing from:
- Learning with technology
- Learning across the lifespan
- Qualitative approaches to education
- Development of high intellectual capability
Learn more about our online program »
Highlights
- Faculty are Fellows of the American Psychological Association
- Find programs in Athens and online
- Low faculty-to-student ratio
Curriculum
There are two options for completing the program: A 36-hour option that requires a comprehensive exit exam, and a 33-hour option that requires an applied project reflecting your interests and coursework. Along with departmental core requirements, you may take either seven (with project) or eight (without project) courses in an area of concentration.
Our faculty members are experts in an array of fields, including:
- Emergent reading, vocabulary, and oral language development
- The development of mathematics strategies and mathematics achievement
- Cultural influences on motivation and achievement
- Early intervention
- Economic disadvantage
Our Applied Cognition and Development faculty members are active in national-level organizations and have served in a number of positions, including dean of the University of Georgia’s College of Education, editor of the Journal of Research in Childhood Education, and president of the American Psychological Association Division 15 (Educational Psychology). Most of our faculty members are Fellows of the American Psychological Association.
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.Ed. in Educational Psychology (Applied Cognition and Development)
While completing your Graduate School application, note that your three letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably, at least two of the three letters will be from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study.
Deadline To Apply
Application deadlines for the online program:
- March 15 (applications received by this deadline will receive priority consideration)
- July 1 (final deadline)
- International Applicants: March 15 Admission for Fall Semester
Application deadline for the on-campus program:
- December 1
Applications for both the online program and the on-campus program are for Fall Admission only.
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.
A close working relationship with your advisor is key as you progress through your program of study. Please note that most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance.
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.
Our students have a range of opportunities available outside the classroom as well, from professional organizations, experiential learning, clubs and other non-academic experiences.
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.