The term educational psychology involves the study of how children, adolescents and adults learn in schools and colleges. This field of study involves the psychology of teaching in educational settings, the efficiency of educational interventions and the psychology of schools in social areas.
Although the terms school psychology and educational psychology have often been substituted for one another, they are not the same. Theorists and researchers are more likely to be recognized as educational psychologists, while practitioners in either schools or school-related settings are recognized as school psychologists. The field of educational psychology often focuses on subgroups such as those subject to certain disabilities and gifted children, and it is concerned with how students develop and learn.
Psychology Careers
1. The role of an educational psychologist is to study a student's behavior and his or her capabilities to learn in an academic environment. These psychologists are concerned with the tools and teaching techniques in the classroom in hopes of facilitating learning. This comes about by research done on classroom dynamics and teaching methods. They also research sub-groups that are within student populations such as students with learning disabilities, gifted children or those with behavioral problems.
2. School psychologists are concerned with the needs of individual students. In the field of educational psychology, school psychologists develop treatment plans, perform performance evaluations and diagnostic assessments, and monitor effectiveness and progress.
Educational Psychologist Skills
Getting a degree as an educational psychologist will allow individuals the develop skills that can positively influence the quality of education.
• Ability to analyze the behavior of children
• Ability to counsel students
• Evaluate needs
• Make good sound decisions
• Develop oral and written communication skills
• Increase knowledge concerning child development
• In possession of highly developed interactive skills
• Comprehend individual education programming
• Comprehend behavioral changes
• Develop assessment methods
Training and Education
The shortest route to becoming an educational psychologist is by enrolling in a two-year program known as a master's in educational psychology program (MEd). During this time, students are introduced to courses in cognition, development, human learning and research methodology. Upon graduation, individuals will have the ability to conduct applied research, as well as evaluate and consult the needs of public and private schools.
An Ed.S also known as an education specialist degree in school psychology, is needed for those who desire to become school psychologists. This typically takes one to three years to complete and is a basic follow-up to the master's in educational psychology degree.
In order to earn a Doctor of Education (Ed.D), also known as a Doctor of Philosophy degree, an individual typically has to commit to a four to six year program. These programs dig deeper into the field of educational psychology by concentrating on age groups and developmental specialties as well as sharpening a student's skills in areas of human development, research design, and educational, emotional and behavioral problems.
Does a career in educational psychology interest you? Then take the first step by getting in touch with an administrator at Argosy University, which offers a wide selection of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in a variety of psychology concentrations at 19 locations across the nation.
Educational Psychology Career Guide