Anyone who wonders what the career outlook for an educational psychologist is will be glad to know that it is encouraging. Keep reading to learn why the career outlook for educational psychology is good, more about these degree programs and what problems an educational psychologist solves every day.
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Why Educational Psychology Matters
The basic goal of educational psychology is to identify, analyze and report on how students perceive, learn and retain new information. To achieve this, educational psychologists use human development concepts and tools to understand individual and collective knowledge acquisition. Then they can inform leaders and adjust pedagogical processes, such as those related to teaching methods, learning outcomes and instructional policy. Most people associate educational psychologists with observing classrooms and guiding teachers, but they also study the social, cognitive and emotional processes that impact learning in a variety of environments. Work may be available in research centers, community colleges, non-profit organizations and government agencies.
Core Classes and Electives
Some of the most common core courses may include educational strategies, learning models, applied research, child development, applied psychology and academic performance evaluation. Common humanities electives may include behavioral management, intercultural communications, self-concept development and multicultural learning environments. Psychology electives may cover the psychology of learning, memory, stress, culture, personality, motivation and problem-solving. Science and math electives may include applied statistics, case study methods, qualitative/quantitative approaches and structural and hierarchical modeling.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Graduates of educational psychology degree programs will be able to apply knowledge of psychology to educational settings and personnel to facilitate learning, inspire creativity and to promote academic performance. They will know how to employ assessments, collect data, conduct interventions and make evidence-based decisions using industry-approved tools and models. Graduates of educational psychology programs will be prepared to listen to academic, emotional or social concerns to help students tackle their problems, set goals and commit to action. These degree programs prepare students to meet with parents, teachers and the public to discuss and resolve familial, social and learning and behavioral problems.
Common Problems and Solutions
Educational psychologists usually take on and resolve similar problems. First, performance challenges are often related to low test scores, students with gifted abilities and insufficient support for students with special needs. Educational psychologists may conduct needs assessments and implement research to formulate recommendations and suggest resources to resolve these issues. This could include identifying and administering psychological tests. Common problems related to instructor training and education quality include inexperienced staff, high employee turnover rates and uncredentialed teachers working in specialized roles. Educational psychologists may take on a managerial or human resources role as they create and conduct skills training and knowledge enhancement programs.
Related Resource: Top 25 Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment outlook for psychologists is increasing by 14 percent in the next 10 years. The career outlook for an educational psychologist is positive, so anyone who wants to be an educational psychologist should find a reputable degree program. Ideally, educational psychology degrees will be approved by the American Psychological Association.
