Master's Program

We offer two different master's degree programs. The M.S. program with thesis is primarily for students who will continue on through the doctoral program. The alternative without a thesis requirement is intended for students who plan to terminate their graduate study after obtaining an M.S. degree.

General Master of Science Degree with Thesis

This program requires a core of basic courses and research experience which is considered as a foundation for the doctoral program. The core courses include statistics, measurement, research methodology, and learning. Also required are breadth courses (i.e., one course in each of the following four areas: individual differences, cognitive-affective bases of behavior, social bases of behavior, and biological bases of behavior). A formal thesis based on empirical research culminates a program of a minimum of 30 graduate credits. The thesis is made available to the public through the University library.

Degree Requirements

1. Core Courses – 12 Credits

• EDPSY 406 – Applied Statistical Inference for the Behavioral Sciences

• EDPSY 421 – Learning Processes in Relation to Educational Practices

• EDPSY 450 – (PSY) Principles of Measurements

• EDPSY 475 – Introduction to Educational Research

2. Foundational Requirement – 3 Credits

One course in either of the following foundational areas: (a) historical and/or philosophical foundations, or (b) individual differences

3. Areas of Concentration – 9 Credits (minimum)

These credits must be at a 500-level or higher and they must define an area of specialization. Of these 9 credits, at least 6 must be in the Educational Psychology program and related to the area of concentration.

4. Master's Thesis – Maximum 6 Credits

The master's thesis is an original empirical project conducted by the student in consultation with a thesis adviser. The topic is focused on some aspect of his/her area of concentration. In some cases it is experimental in nature, in other cases it might involve gathering and analyzing data from a newly developed instrument, but in ALL cases, it is an empirical project that requires extensive analysis.

TOTAL CREDITS IS 30 (MINIMUM)

Master of Science Degree without Thesis

This program may be designed to prepare you (a) in research and evaluation methods used in the social and behavioral sciences; (b) in classroom learning, behavior management, and other behavioral change processes; or (c) to explore opportunities in educational psychology. An extended scholarly paper is required in lieu of a thesis. In consultation with a faculty adviser, the plan of study is tailored to student goals. The M.S. without thesis may be completed by taking a course load of 30 credits.

Degree Requirements

1. Core Courses – 12 Credits

• EDPSY 406 – Applied Statistical Inference for the Behavioral Sciences

• EDPSY 421 – Learning Processes in Relation to Educational Practices

• EDPSY 450 – (PSY) Principles of Measurements

• EDPSY 475 – Introduction to Educational Research

2. Foundational Requirement – 3 Credits

One course in either of the following foundational areas: (a) historical and/or philosophical foundations, or (b) individual differences

3. Areas of Concentration – 15 credits (minimum)

These credits must be at the 500-level or higher and must define an area of specialization. Of these 15 credits, at least 9 must be taken in the Educational Psychology program and related to the area of specialization.

4. Master's Paper

The master's paper should be an in-depth paper on an issue or topic in the student's area of specialization following the pattern of a review of research or critique of research. This is NOT an empirical project.

TOTAL CREDITS IS 30 (MINIMUM)

Master of Science Degree without Thesis (emphasis in Educational Measurement)

This program is specifically designed as a terminal M.S. to focus on applied issues in measurement and psychometrics. The goal is to prepare individuals to work in the design and implementation of testing programs in the public and private sector. The program involves 30 credits of course work and a final project. The course work includes foundation courses in educational psychology, psychometric courses, and statistics courses. The final project involves the development and analysis of an assessment procedure, or an in-depth analysis of an existing measure.

Note: The Graduate School has its own set of graduate degree requirements for earning master's and doctoral degrees at Penn State.

For more information about applying to our program, please see the application materials pages.