Program: Master of Arts in Educational Psychology (EPDL) - Eastern Michigan University

Mar 30, 2025

2016-2017 Graduate Catalog

Model
Eastern Michigan University’s advanced professional education programs promote inquiry, advocacy and leadership in education for a diverse and democratic society.

Mission Statement
EDPS graduate programs prepare professionals who think critically about the ways diverse individuals learn and develop emotionally, cognitively, and socially. Students in educational psychology ask questions, seek answers, and apply those answers in real world situations.

Program Overview

The mission of the educational psychology program is to prepare educators as practitioners and researchers. The focus is on the application of psychological theories, principles and concepts to school and non-school settings. Specifically, the goals include enhancing the students’ abilities to:

Understand educational psychology concepts related to the cognitive, affective, physical and social development of children and adolescents;
Apply educational psychology and principles of learning in school and non-school settings;
Utilize the findings gained from research studies to create programs and environments that foster positive learning;
Design research studies and assessments of student outcomes; and
Understand the multiple dimensions of diversity and their potential impact on development and learning.

This degree has two concentrations. The Developing Learner concentration, focuses on understanding the individual learner as a whole person: cognitively, emotionally, and socially. The Research and Assessment concentration provides a foundation in understanding and conducting educational research and assessments. The master’s degree with the Developing Learner concentration is available totally online. The program with the Research and Assessment concentration is available through a combination of online an in person courses.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Meet the Graduate School admission requirements;
Hold a 2.75 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate work or 3.3 GPA in 12 hours or more of work at the graduate level or a minimum 50th percentile on the Graduate Record Examination writing. International students must have a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL;
For Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (ECE) , elementary education, middle level education, secondary education, curriculum and instruction, and for students in educational media and technology who are pursuing the NP endorsement: hold a valid teaching credential. For international students who do not intend to teach in the United States, this requirement can be waived. Teaching certification is NOT required for the programs Master of Arts in Educational Psychology (EPDL) , Master of Arts in Social Foundations of Education (SFND) , or for students in Master of Arts in Educational Media and Technology (EDMT) not pursuing the NP endorsement;
Furnish an analysis of professional goals written by the candidate. This analysis should include a description of how the chosen degree program will help meeting the selected goals and how the candidate’s life experiences, accomplishments and interests will contribute to his or her success in the program; and
Request and have submitted two letters of recommendation that address the candidate’s professional commitment, experience and potential. The transcripts, analysis of goals and letters of recommendation should give evidence of potential for graduate-level scholarship.

Online Education for Out-of-State Students

It is great that you are considering Eastern Michigan University for your online degree program. Before you apply, though, it is critical that you make sure you are eligible to enroll in a program based in Michigan. EMU is an approved State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) Participant. That means EMU can enroll students into online programs who live in any SARA member state without seeking additional authorization from that particular state.

Check your eligibility to attend EMU: Is your state a SARA member? If yes, you are eligible to enroll in an EMU–Online program. If your state is not a SARA member, you may still be eligible to enroll at Eastern Michigan University. For more information, please click here.