Doctoral Program in Educational Psychology

The PhD program in Educational Psychology is designed to help young scholars extend their knowledge and develop skills for independent scholarly work and research at the intersection of psychology and education.  Doctoral students in our program generally pursue research in one or more of four general areas.

1. Academic Motivation
2. Multicultural Education
3. Quantitative Research Methods
4. Human Development Across the Lifespan

Although these areas are not considered to collectively represent the entire field of educational psychology, they are well aligned with the program area faculty's expertise.  Most of our program's graduates pursue careers as faculty and researchers in higher education.

Progress toward attainment of those goals is demonstrated through intellectual initiative and exemplary course work, by the caliber of the work completed in the research portfolio and qualifying examination, and, ultimately, by the production of a dissertation. 

A full description of the requirements for the PhD in Educational Psychology are fully described in the program Handbook (listed by topic below and in the menu on right):

Search PhD Program Handbook by Topic:

• Choosing an Advisor and establishing an Advisory Committee
• The PhD Program of Study
• Timeline for Completion of the PhD
• Research Requirements
  • Research Portfolio
  • Internship
  • Qualifying Examination
  • Dissertation Proposal
  • Dissertation
• Annual Evaluation of Progress 
• Additional Information for PhD Students
• Important forms
• Funding Opportunities
• Useful links for students (information on careers, organizations, etc.)
• Statistics help
• Professional organization in psychology and education
• Dissertations written by former students in Educational Psychology