Best Online Educational Psychology Programs

Do you want to study the learning process and improve educational outcomes? Find out about the best educational psychology degree programs.

Updated on March 11, 2026

Educational psychology is the scientific study of how we learn and retain information. With a master's in educational psychology, you can pursue careers as an educational researcher, school psychologist, or curriculum developer. Discover the best educational psychology master's programs to find a program that matches your schedule, budget, and professional goals.

Popular Online Psychology Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Top Programs in Educational Psychology

How to Choose an Educational Psychology Program

The right educational psychology program can enhance your graduate school experience and future career prospects. Factors such as accreditation, career relevance, and admission requirements will help you identify reputable programs. Weigh considerations such as the cost, financial aid opportunities, and flexibility to make sure the program also fits your schedule and budget.

Accreditation

Always choose an accredited university for your educational psychology degree. Accredited schools meet high standards for faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and graduation requirements. An accredited degree will also meet the requirements for more employment opportunities, licenses, and professional certifications.

Admission Requirements

Review the admission requirements to find a program that aligns with your academic record. You'll generally need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA to get into a graduate program in educational psychology. Other admission requirements include GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Career Relevance

Look for programs that match your professional goals. For example, if you want to become an educational psychologist, consider schools that offer a doctorate in educational psychology. You can also find programs with tracks for school psychologists, school counselors, instructional design, and psychology research.

Flexibility

Do you prefer daytime classes, or do night and weekend classes better fit your schedule? Are you interested in a full-time or part-time program? Evaluating programs based on your need for flexibility will help you identify your best options. You can also consider an online educational psychology program if you require greater flexibility.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition, textbooks, school supplies, and living expenses make graduate school expensive. Compare the total cost of programs to find one that fits your budget. Make sure to research whether the schools offer financial aid. You can also submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal student aid and apply for scholarships and grants.

How to Apply to an Educational Psychology Program

Building a strong application will increase your odds of getting into an online educational psychology program. Remember that the application materials and deadlines vary by program, so carefully review the requirements and process for every program before starting your applications.

Step 1: Submit Official Transcripts

Educational psychology master's programs require a bachelor's degree, and some programs expect prerequisite courses in psychology. Before working on other areas of your application, make sure you meet the academic requirements, including the program's minimum GPA. Then, request official transcripts well before the deadline to ensure your application is complete.

Step 2: Take Admissions Exams

Not every program requires standardized test scores, but if you're applying to programs that do, schedule your exams with enough time to submit scores. The GRE is the most common exam for psychology graduate programs. Typically, international students must submit scores from an English Language Proficiency test such as the TOEFL.

Step 3: Request Letters of Recommendation

Educational psychology programs typically require 2-3 letters of recommendation. Request letters from professors or supervisors who can speak to your preparation for graduate study. These letters should showcase your academic, research, and clinical skills. The APA recommends contacting letter writers at least three months before application deadlines.

Step 4: Prepare Admission Materials

In addition to transcripts, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation, educational psychology programs evaluate your resume and statement of purpose to make admission decisions. These materials should showcase your academic and professional background. Customize your statement of purpose to each program and make sure to explain your interests and professional goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Educational Psychologist

Educational psychology studies the process of learning, how people retain new information, and barriers to learning. Psychologists in this specialty research the social, emotional, and cognitive factors that impact learning.