The demand for professional psychologists is on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is expected to increase about 8% through 2030. Psychologists with specialized training usually have the best job prospects. Educational psychology is one popular area of specialization. Educational psychologists work in education settings, studying teaching and learning methods in the classroom and the cognitive development of their students. Earning an online Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Educational Psychology can give you the professional knowledge and skills needed to work in companies, schools and government organizations.
We created this ranking of the top online educational psychology doctorate programs to showcase some of the best programs in the country. Although the APA does not offer accreditation to online doctorate programs, the schools we selected do hold regional or national accreditation.
Featured Programs
We looked for programs with online courses and minimal residency requirements. We believe the best programs offer comprehensive coursework taught by expert faculty and hands-on learning opportunities. Finally, we looked for flexible programs for those with family and work obligations. We ranked the programs using a point system for student/faculty ratio and average graduate tuition rates. While ratios and tuition rates may be different for Ph.D. programs, we felt this was effective ranking criteria since the information was available on all the schools we considered.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Student/Faculty ratio:
- 10:1 or less- 3 points
- 11:1 to 18:1- 2 points
- 19:1 and above- 1 point
Average Graduate Tuition Rate:
- Less than $15,000- 5 points
- $15,000 to $20,000- 3 points
- Greater than $20,000- 1 point
#5. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago, Illinois
Ed.D. in Educational Psychology and Technology
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $22,212/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 4:1
Points: 4
What’s Unique:
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online EdD in Educational Psychology and Technology for part-time students. This three year degree program is guided by practitioner faculty who teach students how to apply educational and psychological theories to real-world situations. Concentrations are available in:
- Higher Education Learning and Technology
- K-12 Education Learning and Technology>
- Instructional Design
Students come to campus for two residency sessions focused on in-depth learning and face-to-face mentoring.
#4. Regent University – Virginia Beach, Virginia
Online Educational Psychology Ph.D.
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $15,552/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
Points: 4
What’s Unique:
Regent University features a PhD in Education in Educational Psychology in a flexible online format. This 67 credit hour program can help students take their career to the next level by expanding their career path. Students will align themselves with excellence, learning from some of the top faculty in the field. Courses include:
- Collaborative Research
- Culture, Communities, and Education
- Advanced Human Learning and Motivational Development
Students must present a research-based dissertation that demonstrates technical competence.
#3. Michigan State University – East Lansing, Michigan
Online Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $18,858/year in-state and $37,056/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 5
What’s Unique:
The College of Education at Michigan State University features an online PhD in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology designed for students working in full-time positions. This part-time program allows students to enroll in four courses per year and complete their degree in about five years. Students who are able to take a leave of absence from their job may come to campus for one semester of face-to-face classes. Course offerings include:
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in a variety of settings including community colleges and higher education institutions.
#2. Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Educational Psychology Specialization, Ph.D. in Psychology
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $14,767/year
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Points: 6
What’s Unique:
Capella University features an online PhD in educational psychology focused on areas like learning and cognition. The program is designed for students who want to conduct research or advance the field. Both core and specialized courses from the comfort of their home. Students complete three dissertation in-person residency experiences that allow them to work on their dissertation throughout the program. Graduates have found employment in roles as psychology faculty and research.
Featured Programs
#1. University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
EdS in Educational Psychology
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $10,780/year in-state and $30,250/year out-of-state
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Points: 6
What’s Unique:
Our top choice for an online doctorate in educational psychology is offered by the University of Alabama. They offer an EdS in Educational Psychology focused on school psychology. The program is open to students with a current master’s level certification in in Special Education or Psychometry. Students who don’t meet this criteria must complete the MA in Educational Psychology first. All students complete a 150 clock hour practicum and a 1,200 field-hour internship in a public school setting. Course offerings cover a variety of areas including:
- Data-Based Decision Making and Accountability
- Consultation, Intervention, and Prevention
- Psychological and Diversity Factors
New students are admitted for the fall semester. Graduates may be eligible for state certification and licensure.
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