Program: Educational Psychology MA - Andrews University

Apr 02, 2025

2024-2025 Academic Bulletin

Educational psychologists are involved in the following settings: classroom teaching at the elementary, secondary, and higher education levels; research related to schools, learning and human growth and development; the construction, administration, and evaluation of tests; early childhood education programs; training programs in business and industry; and residence-hall directors.

Each student in the Educational Psychology program must select one of the following concentrations: General, Instructional, Developmental, or Research.

The student and advisor plan a provisional sequence of experiences in accordance with the student’s professional objectives, the general requirements of the MA degree and the chosen concentration.

Continuation in the Educational Psychology program is based upon a periodic review, by the department, of the student’s academic performance and personal qualifications as they pertain to an educational psychologist.

Delivery: The Educational Psychology MA program is offered in a face-to-face format on the main campus. The Developmental concentration is also offered in an online format, which includes interactive online courses that are offered synchronously (via Zoom) (see Global Campus definitions). The interactive online degree does not require any on-campus time. Students are encouraged to come to campus for graduation.

Total Credits - 30-33

Core - 8-9

3 credits of EDFN 500 - Philosophical Foundations for Professionals Credits: 2,3 (only 2 credits required for Instructional Psychology Concentration)
EDRM 505 - Research Methods Credits: 3
EDUC 670 - Master’s Comprehensive Exam Credits: 0
GDPC 614 - Human Development Credits: 3

Concentrations - 21-24+

General - 21

EDRM 611 - Applied Statistical Methods I Credits: 3
GDPC 514 - Psychology of Learning Credits: 3
GDPC 644 - Psychological Testing Credits: 3
Electives
Choose 12 credits from GDPC or EDCI, in consultation with academic advisor.

Developmental Psychology - 21

EDRM 611 - Applied Statistical Methods I Credits: 3
GDPC 514 - Psychology of Learning Credits: 3
GDPC 525 - Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children Credits: 3
GDPC 634 - Cognitive and Biological Psychology Credits: 3
GDPC 642 - Behavioral and Emotional Problems of Children Credits: 3
GDPC 643 - Career Development Credits: 3
GDPC 676 - Theories of Personality Credits: 3

Instructional Psychology - 22

GDPC 525 - Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children Credits: 3
GDPC 617 - Seminar in Professional School Psychology: Ethical, Professional, and Legal Issues Credits: 3
GDPC 634 - Cognitive and Biological Psychology Credits: 3
GDPC 635 - Theories and Techniques of Counseling Credits: 3
GDPC 642 - Behavioral and Emotional Problems of Children Credits: 3
GDPC 644 - Psychological Testing Credits: 3
GDPC 649 - Crisis Intervention Credits: 1
Electives
Choose 3 credits from GDPC, in consultation with academic advisor. It is presumed that this course will assist in the understanding of the learner and/or the learning environment. For those who wish to complete their EdS in School Psychology degree, GDPC 652 is recommended.

Research - 24+

EDRM 604 - Design and Analysis of Educational and Psychological Surveys Credits: 3
EDRM 605 - Qualitative Research Methods in Education and Psychology Credits: 3
EDRM 611 - Applied Statistical Methods I Credits: 3
EDRM 612 - Applied Statistical Methods II Credits: 3
EDRM 613 - Applied Statistical Methods III Credits: 3
GDPC 514 - Psychology of Learning Credits: 3
GDPC 644 - Psychological Testing Credits: 3
GDPC 699 - Thesis Credits: 1-3 (Students must register for a minimum of 3 credits of GDPC 699 Thesis. Registration of additional credits is required for each semester until Thesis is defended.)

Additional Information

The 30+ credit MA Educational Psychology programs (without thesis) may be completed in one year of full-time study.

Students in the General, Developmental, or Instructional Psychology concentrations who are planning further graduate work are encouraged to include GDPC 699 Thesis. Please note that the thesis option will add an additional 3 credits to your 30-credit program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate:

The ability to integrate a spiritual perspective into educational psychological practice and theory.
Knowledge and understanding of human development, and human learning across the life span.
Knowledge and understanding of the major theories of learning and motivation.
Competency in the planning and prescribing of teaching and curriculum strategies for students.
Knowledge of human behavior and behavior management techniques and capacity to plan and implement classroom management procedures pertaining to the behavior of students.
The acquisition and mastery of a broad understanding of learning and learning impairments.
Skills in the ability to consult, counsel, and collaborate with students, parents, school personnel, and appropriate outside personnel regarding mental health, behavior, and educational concerns utilizing psychologist principles.
Knowledge of human growth and development in pupils with or without handicaps.
The ability to use current technology for supervision, assessment, and professional record keeping and consultation.
Ability to understand and interpret statistical data from research studies.
Ability to integrate data from tests and other measurement sources.
Ability to understand dynamics of research.
Ability to communicate research findings to parents, students and other professionals in a meaningful way.
Ability to provide psychological information to special populations including ethnic minorities, female students, learning disabled students, mentally challenged students, emotionally handicapped students, physically disabled students, and gifted students.
Ability to conduct research in the area of Education and School Psychology.
Ability to understand ethical standards for the profession of Educational Psychology.
Ethical behaviors in the area of Educational Psychology.