EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
In educational psychology (EPY), we conduct high-quality research that explores how emotional, social and cognitive processes impact development and learning with the goal of making learning more effective and equitable.
Explore What We Offer
Our Degree Programs
Educational Psychology, Minor
This minor is for undergraduates interested in a deeper understanding of how psychological principles can be applied in educational settings.
Learn how to apply for the Educational Psychology, Minor »
Human Learning and Development, B.I.S.
This program provides students an opportunity to acquire a career-oriented range of skills and knowledge. Students choose from the coursework in behavior and learning disabilities, counseling, deaf studies, educational psychology, family and community literacy, learning technologies and research methods and problem-solving.
Learn how to apply for the Human Learning and Development, B.I.S.»
Educational Psychology, M.S.
This program helps students understand the science of learning and behavioral change with emphasis on the application of the principles of psychology to the systematic study of education.
Concentrations include:
General
Our faculty members are active researchers covering a broad spectrum of educational psychology topics. This concentration caters to students interested in understanding the intricacies of human learning, cognition and motivation within educational contexts. Join us to delve into various aspects of educational psychology and gain valuable insights to apply in diverse educational settings.
Adult Literacy
This concentration is designed for students passionate about literacy and adult education, and provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of adult literacy and contribute to cutting-edge research. Join us and interact with faculty, staff, postdocs and students from across the Georgia State campus at the internationally recognized Adult Literacy Research Center.
Development & Social Justice
This concentration is designed for students passionate about human development and social justice issues. Join us and explore the opportunities available at Georgia State to deepen your understanding of human diversity and society and make a difference in these important areas.
Faculty
- Jason Braasch
- Sarah Elizabeth Carlson
- E. Namisi Chilungu
- Iris Feinberg
- Daphne Greenberg
- Miles Irving
- Ann Cale Kruger
- Kathryn McCarthy
- Joe Magliano
- Ashley Marie Stewart
For information about our master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis, please see the ABA program page.
Educational Psychology, Ph.D.
In this program, students work closely with faculty in an apprenticeship-based model to examine how theories of learning, culture, development and behavior can be applied to educational settings.
The program follows an apprenticeship model. This means you are paired with a faculty advisor in your first year of the program. Along with your advisor, you will put together a tailored curriculum that suits your interests and satisfies the requirements. You are also encouraged to reach out to faculty members whose research interests overlap with your own.
Broadly, our faculty’s areas of research include:
- Urban Education and Diverse Learners
- Literacy Across the Lifespan
- Behavior Analysis
- STEM Thinking
- Disciplinary Learning
- Computer-Based Learning Environments
See our faculty biographies (below) for more information.
If you do not have a master’s degree, you are still encouraged to apply to the Ph.D. program. You can be admitted concurrently and receive your master’s degree on the way to your Ph.D.
Health Literacy Graduate Certificate
Improved health literacy increases health equity. This reduces disparities through improved communication between patients and health consumers and those who provide health information, such as doctors or public health workers.
Faculty
Interested in studying Educational Psychology or explore how Educational Psychology can enhance your training in another field?
Below is a list of the courses we offer in EPY. Note that these courses may not be offered every semester and some may contain restrictions on who can enroll. Please see the course catalog or contact us for more information.
Undergraduate Courses
- EPY2040 – The Science of Learning
- EPY2050 – Human Growth and Development
- EPY3010 – Memory and Cognition in the Real World
- EPY4190 – Introduction to Behavior Analysis
- EPY4450 – Culture & Cognition
Graduate Courses for Georgia State Students
- EPY 7080 – The Psychology of Learning and Learners
- EPY 7090 – The Psychology of Learning and Learners: The Young Child
- EPY 8050 – The Psychology of Instruction
- EPY 8070 – Understanding and Facilitating Adult Learning
- EPY 8080 – Memory and Cognition
- EPY 8120 – Motivational Factors in Learning and Behavior
- EPY 8180 – Learning and the School-Age Child (5 to 18 Years)
- EPY 8200 – Advanced Developmental Psychology: Cognition and Intellect
- EPY 8220 – Advanced Developmental Psychology: Personality and Socialization
- EPY 8240 – Development of Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Identity
- EPY 8250 – Psychology of Inner-City Children
- EPY 8265 – Health Behavior: Acquisition and Change
- EPY 8760 – Seminar in Text and Media Comprehension
- EPY 8790 – International Experiences and Issues in Education
- EPY 9000 – Facilitating College Teaching
- EPY 9310 – Reading Development, Disorders, and Intervention Research
- EPY 9320 – Language Development, Disorders, and Intervention Research
- EPY 9330 – Measurement and Assessment in Advanced Language and Literacy Science
Seminars for Graduate Students in EPY
- EPY 7975 – Seminar for Graduate Assistants
- EPY 7990 – Master’s Capstone
- EPY 8010 – Professional Studies in Educational Psychology
- EPY 8810 – Directed Reading or Research in Educational Psychology
- EPY 8960 – Seminar in Educational Psychology
- EPY 8961 – Professional Development Seminar in Educational Psychology
- EPY 9660 – Internship in Educational Psychology
- EPY 9990 – Dissertation
Courses for Applied Behavior Analysis (for more information on our ABA program, see the ABA unit page).
- EPY 7660 – Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis
- EPY 8020 – Principles of Behavior Analysis
- EPY 8030 – Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
- EPY 8360 – Staff Management and Supervision
- EPY 8380 – Verbal Behavior and Skill Acquisition
- EPY 8850 – Introduction to Single-Case Methodology
- EPY 8860 – Applications of Single-Case Methodology
- EPY 8870 – Single-Case Methodology
- EPY 8970 – Ethics for Behavior Analysts
Our Faculty
In the EPY program, you’ll work with a faculty advisor to conduct research on how theories of psychology can inform educational settings.