Online Ph.D. In Educational Psychology

A typical Ph.D. in educational psychology curriculum focuses on macro-level research and analysis. Educational psychologists use cutting-edge research and traditional psychological concepts and theories to improve teaching and learning in formal educational settings.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychologists earn median annual salaries of $82,180. The BLS projects a growth rate of 3% for the sector, or the addition of 5,700 jobs, in 2019-2029. Educational psychologists enter a highly paid workforce and a professional arena with ample opportunities for career advancement.

Hirers for top education positions often prefer candidates with a Ph.D. in educational psychology. Examples of these types of jobs include school principals, postsecondary education administrators, and instructional coordinators. Practitioners at this employment level earn median annual salaries higher than the national median. These professionals garner $98,490, $97,500, and $66,970, respectively.

Several colleges and universities now offer doctoral educational psychology degrees online. Educators who choose this path can often continue working while pursuing their degree. Some online programs follow accelerated schedules, allowing distance learners to graduate ahead of on-campus peers.

National Center for Education Statistics data show that postgraduate enrollment costs for 2018-2019 averaged $12,171 at public schools. Graduate students at nonprofit private institutions paid more than twice as much that year, averaging $27,776. Students can expect the cost for one year of enrollment in an educational psychology Ph.D. program to approximate these average amounts.

Many schools support educational psychology Ph.D. candidates through grants and fellowship programs. Some of these financial assistance opportunities include living stipends in addition to tuition and fee waivers. At the doctoral level, fellowship and grant programs often require recipients to take on teaching or research responsibilities. Doctoral candidates planning to continue working while pursuing their educational psychology degree should ensure they can do so under the program’s terms.

Some schools require online students to pay a technology fee, an added expense not typically required of on-campus enrollees. Assessed per credit or per enrollment period, technology fees can significantly increase the cost of a Ph.D. in educational psychology.

Some doctoral programs include on-campus requirements, such as an orientation seminar or dissertation presentation and defense. Doctoral candidates far from their desired school should include travel and accommodation expenses when calculating attendance costs.

Several factors influence how much educational psychology degree-holders earn, most notably the industry they work in. BLS data show psychologists garner the most working in other health practitioners’ offices and companies offering management, scientific, and technical consulting services. These companies pay mean annual salaries of $133,660 and $116,210, respectively.

Practitioners with an educational psychology Ph.D. might consider moving to increase their earning potential. Top-paying states for psychologists include California at $124,910, Alaska at $118,270, and Illinois at $115,340.

Educational psychology degree-holders who pursue careers as postsecondary teachers can also look forward to above-average salaries. Grant service companies, junior colleges, and four-year institutions pay them mean annual salaries of $127,120, $88,020, and $86,510, respectively. States that pay postsecondary teachers the highest salaries include New York at $126,560 and California at $105,100.

A Ph.D. in educational psychology typically comprises 54-66 credits over 3-5 years. Timeline factors include enrollment status, educational background coming into the program, and dissertation research and writing pace. Many doctoral programs include research, methodology and data analysis, and conceptual and theoretical foundation courses.

A Ph.D. in educational psychology often requires a practicum experience during enrollment, a postdoctoral internship, and a dissertation. Some programs require a comprehensive exam prior to dissertation research and writing.

States require psychologists to obtain a license prior to beginning their career. Licensure criteria vary by state, with many requiring applicants to hold a doctoral degree in psychology or counseling. State licensure often includes experiential components, such as a supervised postdoctoral internship comprising 2,000-4,000 hours.

Licensees renew their license every 3-5 years, depending on state regulations. States usually require practitioners to complete a certain number of continuing education units to keep their license current and valid. In addition to licensure, some states want psychologists to complete specialized training in their specific field of practice.

While psychologists need licensure to practice, certification remains voluntary. However, many psychologists still choose to pursue an industry-recognized credential in their specialization area. Certifications present the holder as a skilled professional committed to upholding the highest standards.