Program Overview
The Master of Science in Education in Educational Psychology and Research at the University of Kansas is a research-focused graduate program designed for students interested in the scientific study of human learning, motivation, development, and research methodologies in educational settings. This master’s in educational psychology and research prepares graduates for careers in research, assessment, program evaluation, and educational consulting, as well as for doctoral study in psychology and education.
As a comprehensive master’s in educational psychology and research, the program emphasizes both theory and application. Students explore cognitive, social, and developmental processes that shape learning across the lifespan while developing advanced methodological and statistical skills. This balance of psychological foundations and research expertise distinguishes KU’s master’s of educational psychology and supports graduates who want to influence educational practice, policy, and scholarship.
KU’s educational psychology master’s degree provides a strong foundation in cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, along with rigorous training in research design, measurement, and data analysis. Students work closely with faculty mentors to develop individualized plans of study aligned with their professional goals. Through this mentorship model, the master’s in educational psychology and research fosters scholarly independence and prepares students for leadership in research-intensive and applied settings.
Students may choose one of three specialization pathways:
- Development & Learning: Focuses on human development, learning processes, motivation, and instructional contexts across diverse populations.
- Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics (REMS): Emphasizes advanced quantitative methods, psychometrics, program evaluation, and statistical modeling.
- Sport & Exercise Psychology: Focuses on the psychological aspects of sport participation, physical activity, motivation, performance, and well-being across the lifespan.
All tracks within the master’s in educational psychology and research share a common commitment to methodological rigor and ethical research practice. Students gain hands-on experience designing studies, analyzing complex data sets, and communicating findings to academic and professional audiences.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
master's in educational psychology and research & ResearchKU School of Education and Human Sciences
The Master of Science in Education in Educational Psychology and Research is part of the School of Education and Human Sciences, preparing educators and human science professionals of the future.Master’s in Educational Psychology and Research Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the master’s in educational psychology and research will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of theories of learning, motivation, and human development across educational contexts.
- Design and conduct educational research using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
- Apply principles of measurement, assessment, and evaluation to real-world educational problems.
- Analyze and interpret data using statistical and methodological tools aligned with research questions.
- Communicate research findings clearly and effectively to scholarly and professional audiences.
- Apply ethical standards in research design, data collection, and reporting.
These outcomes reflect the expectations of a rigorous educational psychology and research master’s degree and align with the competencies required for doctoral study and professional research roles.
What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in Educational Psychology and Research?
Graduates of the master’s in educational psychology and research pursue careers in education, research, program evaluation, and learning development. The research-intensive nature of the master’s of educational psychology prepares students for roles that require strong analytical and methodological expertise, including:
- Educational Researcher
- Program Evaluator
- Assessment Specialist
- Instructional Designer
- Research Analyst
According to Lightcast, employment for roles commonly associated with graduates holding a master’s in educational psychology and research is projected to grow in the coming decade, with competitive national median compensation for advanced research and evaluation positions.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers competitive tuition rates and financial aid options for graduate students. Scholarships, assistantships, and grants may be available.
For information on tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, and how to apply for financial assistance, please visit KU Financial Aid.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the master’s in educational psychology, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Official transcripts of all degree-granting post-secondary institutions you have attended and an official transcript for each degree earned.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Current resume or CV.
- Personal statement which addresses the following:
- Why you are interested in this degree program, including what skills, competencies, and experiences you hope to gain in the program.
- Your career goals and how this degree program relates to your career goals (that is, how you see this program preparing you to meet your career objectives).
- Prior relevant educational, work, and research experiences.
- One research topic or issue that you would like to pursue in this program, including the faculty member with whom you would like to work, if known.
- Writing sample of your best academic work.
For complete application details, visit KU Graduate Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
Students enrolled in the master’s in educational psychology and research engage in a vibrant academic environment centered on research, collaboration, and professional growth. As part of the MSE in educational psychology and research, students may:
- Participate in collaborative research projects with faculty and peers.
- Contribute to conference presentations and scholarly publications.
- Gain hands-on experience with data management, statistical software, and program evaluation tools.
- Engage in seminars that explore current issues in educational psychology and research methodology.
Graduate students in this educational psychology and research master’s program also benefit from:
- Networking opportunities with researchers, educators, and policy professionals.
- Professional development workshops focused on research design, grant writing, and academic career pathways.
- A supportive scholarly community committed to mentoring and student success.
Master’s in Educational Psychology and Research Sample Courses
The curriculum within the master’s in educational psychology and research includes coursework in learning theory, human development, research methods, and advanced statistics. Sample courses may include:
- Human Development through the Lifespan
- Understanding Research in Education
- Theories and Research in Human Learning
- Behavioral & Systems Neuroscience in Education
Additional advanced coursework in measurement, evaluation, and statistical modeling supports students in both specialization areas of the MSE in educational psychology and research. For a complete and current list of courses and degree requirements, consult the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Educational Psychology and Research Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The application deadline for the Development and Learning, and the Research, Evaluation, Measurement and Statistics tracks is Jan. 6. for both the fall and summer semester.
For the Sport & Exercise Psychology track, the summer semester deadline is May 1, and the fall semester is Aug. 4.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years.