HELP Master of Arts in Educational Psychology - The Developing Learner (EPDL) Print-Friendly Page Add to Portfolio

Program Overview

The master of arts degree program offers programs in development and personality, research and evaluation, and educational media and technology. 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:

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

This program is under revision. Please contact the department for changes to the program.

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

Admission Requirements
See general admission requirements.

Retention Requirements
Retention requirements can be considered a mid-point check in the master’s degree programs. It is necessary to successfully complete all retention requirements before proceeding with the remainder of the program.

To gain approval to proceed with exit requirements, each student must:

1. Complete a total of 12 but no more than 18 hours of graduate credit with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better;
2. Write a three-page interim prospectus that includes: (a) a statement of professional goals; (b) a self-assessment of professional development since entering the program; (c) an identification of key issues to be pursued for the remainder of the program; and (d) a plan of action for the culminating experience. A copy of this statement will be placed in the student’s file; and
3. Set up an appointment with the faculty adviser to discuss the prospectus. In the event that the student’s GPA has dropped below 3.0, or if any other deficiencies are noted, the adviser will develop a plan of remediation in consultation with the student.

Exit Requirements
In order to graduate, each student is expected to:

1. Complete a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit applicable to the program;
2. Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0;
3. Complete the program-culminating seminar, including a successful thesis proposal, comprehensive exam or project;
4. Successfully complete a thesis, if the thesis proposal is chosen in No. 3;
5. Fill out an application for graduation and obtain the adviser’s recommendation; and
6. Meet all other requirements for a master’s degree adopted by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.

Program Theme
This program provides knowledge about human development, personality and learning, and helps students to apply these concepts to a variety of environments. Students analyze issues regarding individual differences including children at risk, and the impact of poverty, giftedness, multicultural factors, social class and gender influences on learning and development. Students learn to analyze critically and synthesize information to respond to individual differences within the classroom and other educational settings, thereby creating situations that enhance the motivation and capacity for learning.

Admission Requirements:

1. Personal Statement;
2. Three letters of recommendation.