Educational Psychology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Education psychology explores the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that shape learning and teaching within formal and informal educational settings. This field integrates psychological principles with educational practice to understand how individuals acquire knowledge, develop skills, and respond to instructional environments. The program prepares scholars and practitioners to analyze and improve educational outcomes through evidence-based strategies.
- Learning Theory: Examines the psychological frameworks that explain how individuals acquire, process, and retain knowledge, including behaviorist, cognitive, and constructivist models.
- Human Growth and Development: Investigates the psychological, physical, and emotional changes across the lifespan, with emphasis on developmental milestones relevant to educational contexts.
- Research Methods: Focuses on quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches to design, conduct, and evaluate studies in educational settings.
- Psychological Evaluation: Involves the development and application of assessment tools to measure cognitive abilities, learning disabilities, emotional well-being, and academic progress.
Educational Psychology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Educational Psychology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Educational Psychology degrees, including Managers, All Other, Psychologists, All Other and School Psychologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 754,210 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Psychologists, All Other 19-3039 | $117,580 | $51,410 - $163,570 | 17,790 | $56.53 |
| School Psychologists 19-3034 | $86,930 | $60,880 - $132,320 | 63,830 | $41.79 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1066 | $80,330 | $47,870 - $158,900 | 41,610 | N/A |
Salary Comparison
Educational Psychology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $77,853 in West Virginia to $135,793 in California—a 74% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 754,210 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Educational Psychology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 90 institutions offering Educational Psychology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Educational Psychology is found at Mississippi State University (MSU) (95 graduates), University of Minnesota (UMN), Twin Cities (87 graduates), University of Utah (U of U) (83 graduates), Texas A & M University, College Station (80 graduates), and Purdue University Global (80 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,979 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Admissions | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
95 |
SAT: 1110-1410 ACT: 21-29 |
Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
87 |
SAT: 1310-1480 ACT: 27-31 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
83 |
SAT: 1180-1398 ACT: 22-29 |
Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
80 |
SAT: 1140-1380 ACT: 25-31 |
College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Purdue University Global |
Master's
|
80 | N/A | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdueglobal.edu |
| Ball State University (BSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
70 |
SAT: 1080-1250 ACT: 25-30 |
Muncie, Indiana | Public | bsu.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
68 |
SAT: 1270-1450 ACT: 29-33 |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Capella University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
65 | N/A | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | capella.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
63 |
SAT: 1360-1510 ACT: 28-32 |
Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
62 |
SAT: 1160-1390 ACT: 25-32 |
Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of Southern Maine (USM) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
62 |
SAT: 995-1280 ACT: 23-26 |
Portland, Maine | Public | usm.maine.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
59 | ACT: 18-24 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
58 |
SAT: 1230-1490 ACT: 27-33 |
Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
47 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 24-31 |
Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
47 |
SAT: 1240-1390 ACT: 27-31 |
Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| University of Virginia (UVA) |
Master's
|
42 |
SAT: 1410-1530 ACT: 32-34 |
Charlottesville, Virginia | Public | virginia.edu |
| The University of Tennessee |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
39 |
SAT: 1190-1340 ACT: 25-31 |
Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | utk.edu |
| Tufts University |
Master's
|
37 |
SAT: 1460-1550 ACT: 33-35 |
Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| University of North Texas (UNT) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
35 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 19-27 |
Denton, Texas | Public | unt.edu |
| University of the Pacific (UOP) |
Master's
|
34 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 23-31 |
Stockton, California | Private | pacific.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
34 |
SAT: 1090-1270 ACT: 22-28 |
Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| Loyola Marymount University (LMU) |
Master's
|
33 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Private | lmu.edu |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
31 |
SAT: 970-1180 ACT: 17-26 |
Greeley, Colorado | Public | unco.edu |
| Alliant International University |
Doctorate (P)
|
29 | N/A | San Diego, California | Private | alliant.edu |
| University at Albany (UAlbany) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
27 | N/A | Albany, New York | Public | albany.edu |
| William & Mary (W&M) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
25 |
SAT: 1365-1510 ACT: 32-34 |
Williamsburg, Virginia | Public | wm.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
24 |
SAT: 1210-1420 ACT: 29-33 |
Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Master's
|
24 |
SAT: 1160-1340 ACT: 27-31 |
Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Master's
|
21 |
SAT: 1040-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Boca Raton, Florida | Public | fau.edu |
| University of Missouri-St Louis (UMSL) |
Master's
|
21 |
SAT: 1030-1220 ACT: 20-27 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Public | umsl.edu |
| Kean University |
Master's
|
20 | SAT: 1020-1198 | Union, New Jersey | Public | kean.edu |
| Kent State University |
Master's
|
20 |
SAT: 1000-1230 ACT: 18-25 |
Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
18 |
SAT: 1490-1570 ACT: 34-35 |
New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Baylor University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
18 |
SAT: 1210-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Waco, Texas | Private | baylor.edu |
| The Chicago School (TCSPP) |
Doctorate (R)
|
18 | N/A | Los Angeles, California | Private | thechicagoschool.edu |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Master's
|
17 |
SAT: 910-1170 ACT: 18-26 |
Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (R)
|
17 |
SAT: 1090-1330 ACT: 22-28 |
Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
16 |
SAT: 1080-1290 ACT: 21-28 |
Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) |
Master's
|
16 |
SAT: 940-1170 ACT: 17-24 |
Indiana, Pennsylvania | Public | iup.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNLV) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
15 |
SAT: 980-1230 ACT: 18-24 |
Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | unlv.edu |
| George Mason University |
Master's
|
14 |
SAT: 1140-1340 ACT: 25-30 |
Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Master's
|
13 |
SAT: 1270-1480 ACT: 28-33 |
New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
13 |
SAT: 1030-1240 ACT: 20-27 |
Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Master's
|
13 |
SAT: 990-1230 ACT: 18-26 |
Arlington, Texas | Public | uta.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
12 |
SAT: 1170-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| Harvard University |
Doctorate (R)
|
12 |
SAT: 1500-1580 ACT: 34-36 |
Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Master's
|
12 | SAT: 1210-1470 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| Youngstown State University (YSU) |
Master's
|
12 |
SAT: 940-1210 ACT: 17-24 |
Youngstown, Ohio | Public | ysu.edu |
| Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) |
Doctorate (P)
|
11 | N/A | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | pcom.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
10 |
SAT: 1040-1280 ACT: 19-26 |
Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
10 |
SAT: 1050-1290 ACT: 21-27 |
Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Master's
|
10 |
SAT: 940-1170 ACT: 20-26 |
California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Master's
|
9 | N/A | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
9 |
SAT: 1160-1420 ACT: 21-30 |
Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Northern Iowa (UNI) |
Master's
|
9 |
SAT: 860-1210 ACT: 20-26 |
Cedar Falls, Iowa | Public | uni.edu |
| New Jersey City University (NJCU) |
Master's
|
9 | N/A | Jersey City, New Jersey | Public | njcu.edu |
| University of Memphis (UofM) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
9 |
SAT: 905-1205 ACT: 17-24 |
Memphis, Tennessee | Public | memphis.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 970-1250 ACT: 18-26 |
Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| Louisiana State University (LSUS) |
Post-Master's
|
8 |
SAT: 1000-1150 ACT: 19-24 |
Shreveport, Louisiana | Public | lsus.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 |
SAT: 1150-1350 ACT: 26-31 |
East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
7 | N/A | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| University of Hawaii (UHM) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
7 |
SAT: 1020-1240 ACT: 20-27 |
Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | manoa.hawaii.edu |
| Eastern Washington University (EWU) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
7 | N/A | Cheney, Washington | Public | ewu.edu |
| Webster University |
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1006-1233 ACT: 20-28 |
Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | webster.edu |
| University of New Mexico (UNM) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
6 |
SAT: 900-1160 ACT: 19-26 |
Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | unm.edu |
| CUNY Graduate School and University Center |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
6 | N/A | New York, New York | Public | gc.cuny.edu |
| University of Toledo (UToledo) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
6 |
SAT: 1050-1300 ACT: 22-28 |
Toledo, Ohio | Public | utoledo.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
6 |
SAT: 1220-1400 ACT: 27-32 |
University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTSA) |
Master's
|
6 |
SAT: 1000-1200 ACT: 19-26 |
San Antonio, Texas | Public | utsa.edu |
| Northcentral University (NCU) |
Master's
|
6 | N/A | San Diego, California | Private | nu.edu |
| Northern Illinois University (NIU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
5 | N/A | Dekalb, Illinois | Public | niu.edu |
| Nicholls State University |
Post-Master's
|
5 |
SAT: 928-1145 ACT: 18-24 |
Thibodaux, Louisiana | Public | nicholls.edu |
| Andrews University |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
4 |
SAT: 1070-1370 ACT: 20-28 |
Berrien Springs, Michigan | Private | andrews.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Master's
|
4 |
SAT: 1010-1240 ACT: 20-26 |
Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1120-1340 ACT: 25-32 |
Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1040-1260 ACT: 21-28 |
Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Master's
|
3 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 27-32 |
Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 940-1170 ACT: 18-24 |
Commerce, Texas | Public | tamuc.edu |
| University of Houston (UH) |
Doctorate (R)
|
3 |
SAT: 1150-1330 ACT: 23-28 |
Houston, Texas | Public | uh.edu |
| La Sierra University |
Doctorate (R)
|
2 | N/A | Riverside, California | Private | lasierra.edu |
| Howard University (HU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
2 |
SAT: 1100-1298 ACT: 22-28 |
Washington, District of Columbia | Private | howard.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Doctorate (R)
|
2 |
SAT: 1130-1320 ACT: 22-28 |
Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Doctorate (R)
|
2 |
SAT: 1370-1520 ACT: 32-35 |
College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Southern California Seminary (SCS) |
Doctorate (P)
|
1 | N/A | El Cajon, California | Private | socalsem.edu |
| University of the Southwest (USW) |
Doctorate (R)
|
1 | N/A | Hobbs, New Mexico | Private | usw.edu |
| Miami University |
Master's
|
1 |
SAT: 1210-1380 ACT: 26-31 |
Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Doctorate (R)
|
1 |
SAT: 1140-1330 ACT: 23-29 |
Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
1 | N/A | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Bethany College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | N/A | Bethany, West Virginia | Private | bethanywv.edu |
| Texas A&M University (TAMUCT) |
Master's
|
1 | N/A | Killeen, Texas | Public | tamuct.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Educational Psychology programs
How much can I earn with a Educational Psychology degree?
Salaries for Educational Psychology graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Psychologists, All Other earn around $117,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $135,793 compared to $77,853 in West Virginia. Approximately 754,210 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Educational Psychology programs?
Currently 90 accredited institutions offer Educational Psychology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Mississippi State University (MSU) (95 graduates), University of Minnesota (UMN), Twin Cities (87 graduates), and University of Utah (U of U) (83 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Educational Psychology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 2,034 in 2010 to 1,979 in 2023-24. This represents a 3% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Educational Psychology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Psychologists, All Other, and School Psychologists. Related occupations employ approximately 754,210 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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