Program Overview

Master of Science - Educational Psychology

The Master of Science in Educational Psychology is designed for students seeking core knowledge, research tools, and educational experiences necessary to succeed in various educational settings. This program is suitable for elementary, secondary, and special education teachers who wish to enhance classroom skills, students interested in pursuing advanced studies in educational psychology, and those who plan to apply their skills in government or business settings. Students' individualized programs are tailored with attention to their area of specialization.

Available Options

• Thesis Track: Available Online
• Non-Thesis Track: Available Online
• Quantitative Methods Non-Thesis Track: Available Online

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please refer to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Understand and analyze key theories related to learning, cognition, and development.
• Critically evaluate research studies based on methodology, literature support, and significance.
• Develop plans for assessment construction, item and test specification, and other assessment methods.
• Serve as scholars who can critique and evaluate reports of research studies.
• Understand and analyze key theories related to selected specialty or elective courses.
• Implement evidence-based intervention strategies and design learning environments to promote effective learning.
• Develop a professional identity consistent with the specialty or elective courses.

Career Possibilities

• Educational assessment coordinator
• Educational psychologists
• Program evaluators
• Community college faculty
• Human resource education specialist
• Research analyst for school districts, human services agencies, hospitals, businesses, etc.

Requirements

Plan Description

The Master of Science - Educational Psychology is appropriate for students seeking the core knowledge, research tools, and educational experiences necessary to succeed in various educational settings.

Plan Admission Requirements

• Applications are available on the UNLV Graduate College website.
• All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Graduate College Admission Requirements

1. Completed application and non-refundable application fee.
2. Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited institution or an approved equivalent.
3. Minimum overall grade point average of 2.75 (4.00=A) for the bachelor's degree or a minimum 3.00 (4.00=A) for the last two years (60 semester credits).
4. Unofficial transcript from each postsecondary institution attended, showing all degrees and coursework.

Department Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Science degree program in Educational Psychology is based on:

1. Three letters of recommendation
2. One writing sample
3. Submission of Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores is optional.

Subplan Requirements

Subplan 1: Foundations-Thesis

• Total Credits Required: 33
• Course Requirements:
  • Learning and Development Courses: 6 credits
    • EPY 711 - Human Growth and Development
    • EPY 712 - Foundations of Learning and Cognition
  • Research Courses: 9 credits
    • EPY 702 - Research Methods
    • EPY 721 - Descriptive and Inferential Statistics: An Introduction
    • EPY 723 - Psychometrics I
  • Elective Courses: 12 credits
  • Thesis: 6 credits
    • EPY 749 - Thesis

Subplan 2: Foundations-Non-Thesis

• Total Credits Required: 33
• Course Requirements:
  • Learning and Development Courses: 6 credits
    • EPY 711 - Human Growth and Development
    • EPY 712 - Foundations of Learning and Cognition
  • Research Courses: 9 credits
    • EPY 702 - Research Methods
    • EPY 721 - Descriptive and Inferential Statistics: An Introduction
    • EPY 723 - Psychometrics I
  • Elective Courses: 15 credits
  • Culminating Experience: 3 credits
    • EPY 748 - Capstone Seminar

Subplan 3: Quantitative Methods-Non-Thesis

• Total Credits Required: 33
• Course Requirements:
  • Required Courses: 18 credits
    • EPY 715 - Quantitative Research Methods
    • EPY 721 - Descriptive and Inferential Statistics: An Introduction
    • EPY 722 - Inferential Statistics and Experimental Design
    • EPY 723 - Psychometrics I
    • EPY 732 - Multiple Regression
    • EPY 735 - Programming for Quantitative Analysis
  • Elective Courses: 12 credits
  • Culminating Experience: 3 credits
    • EPY 755 - Quantitative Methods Capstone

Graduation Requirements

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway. The student must successfully complete a culminating experience.