Master of Arts - Education - Educational Pyschology

Washington State University's (WSU) Master of Arts degree in Education with specialization in Educational Psychology offers concentrations in research, evaluation, psychometrics, and cognition. While students at the Master’s level in educational psychology complete a common core of courses, a portion of each Master’s degree program is composed of courses selected by the student and their advisory committee to tailor the program of study around the student’s personal interests and professional aspirations. M.A. recipients in educational psychology are well prepared to continue doctoral level training if so desired. However, an M.A would give access to entry level positions in this intriguing field that presents an ever-changing, challenging, and rewarding work environment. The M.A. does require the completion of a written thesis and is encouraged if a student is considering the pursuit of a doctoral degree.

Learning Outcomes:

• Ability to think critically, evaluate, understand, apply, and communicate scientific research.
• Ability to understand and apply research designs.
• Ability to understand and apply statistical, measurement, evaluation, principles to their area of research.
• Awareness and understanding how diversity issues and protected populations influences research.
• Development of professional identity appropriate for future career plans.

Student Opportunities:

The work in such areas as research, evaluation, and measurement may include for example: the opportunity to make contributions to the improvement of educational settings (e.g., schools, universities), to have some influence on individuals through consultation on programs, methods, or to provide information through analysis to individuals who shape policy. Other opportunities may include positions in the testing industry; researcher at national firms studying educational issues; assessment specialist at national foundations.

Career Opportunities:

Experienced individuals in this profession can expect to earn a good salary and maintain an interesting and fulfilling career in employment in private firms, at school districts or university settings, business, industry, or state agencies as program evaluators or student assessment coordinators, research technicians, or data analysts, as examples.

Career Placements:

• Evaluator for Appalachian Education Laboratory, West Virginia
• Assessment specialist for the regional educational agency in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Assistant professor in measurement, statistics, and evaluation, Indiana State University
• Research scientist, Duke Energies, South Carolina
• Assistant professor of Educational Technology, Morehead State University, Minnesota
• Project Director of Psychometrics, Applied Measurement Professionals