Educational Psychology (specializations within M.A., Ed.S., Ph.D. programs in Counseling and Psychology in Education)

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Degree Requirements for Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology in Education - Educational Psychology Specialization

The Master’s degree offers two options: Plan A, which requires a thesis and Plan B, a non–thesis alternative that requires a significant research project. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average throughout the program. For all students, a final written comprehensive examination is required. Additionally, students must take a final oral examination on the thesis or research project.

Master of Arts, Educational Psychology, Plan A (thesis): Total 33 credit hours

Educational Psychology Core 15 credit hours
Educational Psychology electives 6 credit hours
Thesis 6 credit hours
Supporting courses outside of area 6 credit hours

Master of Arts, Educational Psychology, Plan B (non–thesis): Total 33 credit hours

Educational Psychology Core 15 credit hours
Educational Psychology electives 9 credit hours
Graduate Project 3 credit hours
Supporting courses outside of area 6 credit hours

Educational Psychology core course work (M.A.): 15 credit hours

Preliminary Examination

- Upon successful completion of the first 9 credit hours of coursework, students will complete a preliminary examination and interview with program faculty to discuss progress and objectives.

Degree Requirements for Specialist in Counseling and Psychology in Education - Educational Psychology Specialization

The Specialist degree requires a minimum of 66 credit hours beyond the Baccalaureate with a minimum of 33 hours beyond the Master’s degree in a related field. The requirements can be tailored to the student’s needs and career goals with the approval of their graduate committee.

Specialist in Education, Educational Psychology: Total 69 credit hours

Master’s Degree 33 credit hours
Educational Psychology Specialist core 21 credit hours
Research Project 6 credit hours
Supporting courses 9 credit hours

Note

- Master’s degree must include USD’s 15 credit-hour core or its equivalent.

- Upon successful completion of 9 credit hours of course work, students will complete a preliminary examination and interview with program faculty to discuss progress and objectives.

- A final defense of the research project plus a written comprehensive examination is required for graduation.

Educational Psychology core course work (Ed.S.): 24 credit hours

Note

- As a culminating activity, students complete a three credit-hour research project (EDER 791 or EPSY 898S). This project will be designed to meet individual interests and needs and is guided by the student’s advisor.

- Upon successful completion of 9 credit hours of course work, students will complete a preliminary examination and interview with program faculty to discuss progress and objectives.

- A final defense of the research project plus a written comprehensive examination is required in the final semester before project or thesis hours may be taken.

Degree Requirements for Doctorate in Counseling and Psychology in Education - Educational Psychology Specialization

Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Psychology: Total 94 credit hours

Master’s degree 33 credit hours
Ed. Psychology Doctoral core 31 credit hours
Supporting courses 15 credit hours
Dissertation 15 credit hours

Note

- Upon successful completion of the first 9 credit hours of course work, students will complete a preliminary examination and interview with program faculty to discuss progress and objectives.

- The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 91 credit hours beyond the Baccalaureate degree.

- Two consecutive years are required in residence, which means that during this time, students must maintain full-time student status, predominantly on campus.

- Candidates are required to complete a specified core of courses covering human development, learning theory, computer methodology and application, measurement, statistics and research design.

Educational Psychology core course work (Ph.D.): 31 credit hours

Select one from the following

EDER 792 - TOPICS IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH 1 to 6
3 credit hours
EDER 862 - MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS AND STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING 3

Dissertation: 15 credit hours

EPSY 898D - DISSERTATION (Ph.D.) 1 to 15
15 credit hours required.

Note

- With the aid of their advisor and approval of their graduate committee, students can tailor their program to fit their areas of expertise and career goals. This is done through elective course work, independent studies and practicum experiences.

- Final written comprehensive examinations are required before dissertation hours may be taken.