Doctorate in Educational Psychology: Requirements and Curriculum

A doctorate in educational psychology is an advanced research degree designed for individuals seeking careers in academia and research. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements and curriculum typically associated with a Ph.D. program in educational psychology.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. degree program in Educational Psychology and Research aims to prepare advanced educational leaders for roles in university teaching, applied research, and other professional settings. The program focuses on areas such as human development (spanning infant, child, adolescent, adult development, and aging), learning (motivation and cognitive processes in education), educational research methods, statistics, measurement, and program evaluation. A core tenet of doctoral-level training is developing research expertise in a specialized area. Individuals without a strong interest in research are discouraged from applying.

Program Objectives

The primary objectives of a Ph.D. program in educational psychology include:

Research Contribution: Developing the ability to contribute to the professional field through research presentations and scholarly writing.
Career Preparation: Preparing graduates for careers as academicians in higher education institutions, applied researchers, and scholarly contributors.
Leadership Development: Cultivating leadership skills for professional organizations and fostering the ability to contribute to the field through professional service activities.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a Ph.D. program in educational psychology is competitive and selective. The application process typically involves multiple stages and criteria.

Application Deadlines

Many programs evaluate applications twice a year with deadlines of November 1 for spring semester admission, and April 1 for fall admission. Applications for international students are frequently only accepted for the fall semester (November 1 deadline). Late submissions may be considered, but are often deferred to the following semester.

Application Components

A complete application packet generally includes the following:

Letters of Recommendation: At least three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic background and aptitude for graduate work. These letters should detail the applicant's capabilities for graduate study and future performance in scholarship. Academic references are strongly preferred from current or former advisors or professors.
Statement of Purpose: A statement of 500-1000 words outlining the applicant's intended area of concentration, present interests, career goals, research and applied interests, and prior research and applied experience. A professional statement (1-3 pages), stating your goals and rationale for applying to the desired degree program and concentration area may also be required.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 as an undergraduate or 3.3 as a graduate student is often required.
GRE Scores: Submission of GRE scores may be required, with applicants encouraged to aim for at least the 50th percentile in all three sections (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing). However, some programs may make GRE scores optional.
Resume: A professional resume delineating previous work, educational experiences, membership and involvement in professional organizations, and scholarly activities.
Academic Writing Sample: An academic writing sample that demonstrates one’s abilities at the graduate level.
Interview: A willingness to be interviewed by members of the Educational Psychology & Research faculty, if required.

Evaluation Criteria

The admission committee uses multiple criteria to evaluate applicants, including:

Undergraduate and graduate grade point average
GRE scores (if required)
Personal goals statement
Relevant employment history
Letters of recommendation

Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of the applicant’s submitted materials. Applicants that are strong in all areas will have first priority of admission.

Program Requirements

The doctoral program in educational psychology typically requires a minimum number of graduate credit hours beyond the master’s degree.

Credit Hours

A minimum of 54 hours of graduate credit beyond the master’s degree is generally required. Some programs may require more (e.g., 72 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the bachelor’s degree, or 63-78 hours of course work and research experience). The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology may require 73 credit hours plus 18 dissertation hours, for a total of 91 hours. Students with relevant graduate level course work can transfer up to 30 hours into their degree.

Core Competency

All students upon admission into the doctoral program need to demonstrate competencies in the departmental core domains (research methods; human development; and learning and cognition) as prerequisites for further coursework. Students may demonstrate their competency by (a) having earned at least a 3.0 in a master’s level course in each of the above domains, or (b) passing proficiency exams. Doctoral students without proficiency in any of these core domains must complete the appropriate entry level course before more advanced coursework. These entry level courses will not count toward the minimum of 54 hours required.

Coursework

The curriculum typically includes core courses, concentration courses, and electives.

Core Courses: A set of required courses covering foundational topics in educational psychology, research methods, and statistics. (e.g., 24 credits)
Concentration Courses: Courses focused on the student's chosen area of specialization within educational psychology or educational research. (e.g., 15 credits) Courses to be taken within the area of concentration will be planned with the major advisor.
Electives: Courses chosen by the student to complement their concentration and broaden their knowledge base. (e.g., 3 credits to be taken outside of the major)

Concentrations

Doctoral students in educational psychology can specialize in various concentrations, including:

Research, measurement, and statistics
Human development and family science
Gifted and talented education
Learning sciences
Psychosocial aspects of sport and exercise
Sport pedagogy and motor behavior
Educational Neuroscience

Comprehensive Examination

Upon completion of coursework and residency project each doctoral student will complete a three-part open-book written comprehensive examination covering both the educational research and the educational psychology components of their program. The written examination will cover the three key subject areas of the student’s concentration. Each part will be administered by one of the student’s advisory committee and will be coordinated by the student’s advisor. An oral examination will follow the written examination.

Dissertation

A dissertation is a requirement for all doctoral students. The dissertation must embody the results of an extended research effort that is an original contribution to the existing body of research within the area of concentration. The dissertation should reflect the candidate’s ability to conduct independent research and interpret in a logical manner the facts and phenomena revealed by the research. The purpose of the dissertation is to study one educational psychology & research problem or specialty in depth.

The dissertation research may be written up in one of two ways. Students may elect either to write a traditional five-chapter dissertation or to write two journal articles and submit them with the approval of the committee for journal reviews. Upon completion of the dissertation, each student will orally defend the research undertaken.

Additional Requirements

Additional program requirements may include:

Teaching Experience: All Ph.D. students in EPR are expected to have college teaching experience. The program also offers opportunities to develop college-level teaching skills through teaching internships and assistantships.
Research Internships: Doctoral students develop advanced skills in one or more research methodologies. They acquire hands-on research experiences through research internships.
Full-time Enrollment: Doctoral students must be enrolled full-time for at least two semesters in a row during their doctoral training.
Ethics Training: Students must complete a training course sponsored by the Office for the Vice Chancellor for Research on the ethics of conducting research with human subjects.

Curriculum Components

A Ph.D. curriculum in Educational Psychology typically encompasses several key areas:

Foundations in Psychology

Students develop a broad and critical perspective on the psychological factors affecting individuals in schools, other educational settings, and other learning situations throughout the life span. This includes a research-based curriculum covering basic concepts and theories in psychology as they relate to learning and instruction.

Research Methodology and Statistics

A rigorous training sequence in educational statistics and research methodologies allows students to evaluate and conduct educational research in a variety of contexts. Students will be able to critically evaluate and apply research and theory based on a firm grounding in measurement, assessment, research methodology, and quantitative methods.

Learning and Instruction

An integrated sequence of courses and other learning experiences ensures the development of a clear basis for understanding the connection between teaching, learning, and assessment.

Electives and Special Topics

Students can tailor their elective coursework to meet their goals by emphasizing either practitioner-oriented courses or researcher-oriented courses. Examples of elective courses include:

EPSY 808-Social Psychology
PSYC 870-Cognitive Development
Any statistics / measurement course (e.g., EPSY 803, EPSY 812, PSYC 896, STAT 823)
EPSY 896 / 980 special topics courses (multiple can count if on different topics)
Other relevant courses as discussed with advisor

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