Educational psychology degree programs are typically for educators who want to apply research, counseling, and evaluation methodologies within a learning environment. In general, educational psychology degree programs are opportunities for educators to understand the learning characteristics of different students. Graduate educational psychology degree programs equip educators with an understanding of the behavioral and emotional connections of student learning. A postgraduate degree has similar instruction, but also prepares educators to conduct research studies on various student groups. Certificate programs in educational psychology can expand the credentials of educators to counsel students.
Generally, coursework to understand aspects of student learning is similar to all types of educational psychology degree programs. Usually, coursework related to graduate degree programs include cognitive learning techniques and developmental psychology. With postgraduate degree coursework, educators may receive a combination of classroom instruction and practical experience in a student learning environment. For certificates, educators might take coursework such as human growth theories in preparation for a licensing exam.
Typically, graduate degree programs enhance the existing skill level of educators in evaluating student learning needs. These programs may focus on human development and cognitive theories that may predict learning habits. Educators who enroll in graduate educational psychology degree programs might gain additional knowledge in conducting research studies.
Several graduate educational psychology degrees might also offer a specialization in areas that affect student learning abilities. One type of specialization might allow educators to counsel students who have learning disabilities. Most educators might pursue this specialty to comply with local or regional certification requirements to counsel students.
Another type of specialization may focus on behavioral and cognitive assessments for students in various learning categories. Some of these categories may include adult learners, adolescence and special education. This program specialization can prepare educators to apply techniques that affect the learning capacity of students in each category.
Postgraduate educational psychology degree programs may also include specialized areas related to this discipline. Unlike graduate degrees where most educators work directly with students, postgraduate degrees have a scholarly approach to evaluation and assessment methodologies. Most prepare educators in a research environment to assess processes that may affect learning outcomes. Training is normally gained through the collection of statistical data to understand the connection between learning and human capacities.
In general, certificate degree programs are available for educators who already have a graduate degree in educational psychology. To certificate diploma requirements, this type of degree program might include classroom instruction and participation in an internship. Completing an educational psychology certificate might enable educators to sit for an exam and obtain a license in the field.
Online educational psychology degree programs are also available for graduate, post graduate and diplomas. Many online programs in educational psychology have similar structures and coursework to on-campus degrees. Generally, these degree programs also prepare educators to conduct assessments and evaluate learning techniques from a psychological perspective.