Master of Science in Educational Psychology

ED 503: EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (4 Credits)

This course introduces students to prominent research-based theories of learning and examines the impact of these theories on students, learning and motivation, teaching, and assessment. Students critically evaluate opposing sides of current issues in educational psychology and articulate and defend personal positions on these issues.

ED 533: PERSPECTIVES ON DIVERSITY (4 Credits)

This course explores the various issues of student diversity and challenges students to examine and define their own educational experiences with regard to culture and ethnicity, socioeconomic class, race, gender, religion, language, learning style, and exceptionality. Particular emphasis will be placed on the practical implications of diversity issues in classroom practice.

HE 559: QUANTITATIVE METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT (5 Credits)

This course presents an in-depth overview of typical quantitative research designs, methods, data collection tools, and data analysis and reporting used in assessment and evaluation. It focuses on the research process related to assessment and evaluation and the basic skills required to plan, conduct, analyze, report, and evaluate research with a quantitative design. Detailed procedures associated with quantitative research, including experimental, quasi-experimental, survey, and correlational designs, are examined. Practical limitations of quantitative designs in assessment and evaluation and the role of quantitative research in mixed-method approaches are considered.

IX 540: RESEARCH METHODS FOR EDUCATION AND INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY (5 Credits)

This practitioner-oriented course is designed for students to explore different methodologies, designs, and tools used in educational research. Students will examine ethical standards for conducting research and write an applied research proposal on an approved topic in the field of education or instructional design and technology. Other learning activities include examining data analysis techniques, completing the institutional review board certification, and critically analyzing readings and examples of research related to K–12, higher education, military, corporate, and nonprofit organizations.

PS 506: LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT (5 Credits)

This course examines human development through the life span from birth to adulthood, concluding with issues surrounding death and dying. The student will use case studies to examine biological, social, and cognitive changes at each stage of life and their relevance to clinical, educa­tional, and social problems. Students also evaluate the major psychosocial issues and conflicts that arise, and identify individual and social needs at each stage of development.

PS 515: LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR (5 Credits)

This course provides an overview of some of the major concepts and issues in learning theory. Students will examine the scientific study of how learning is acquired, maintained, and adapted. Emphasis is placed on behavioral, social, cogni­tive, affective, and motivational factors in human learning. Students are assisted in interpreting available empirical research and in thinking criti­cally about the ethical application of that research.

PS 520: NEUROPSYCHOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course provides an introduction to major concepts and issues in the field of neuropsychol­ogy, including methodological and research issues. Students will explore the major components of neuroanatomy and the assessment and diagnosis of neuropsychological syndromes. Students will also examine ethical, legal, and forensic issues in the research and application of neuropsychology.

PS 530: COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course surveys the major concepts and issues in cognitive psychology. Topics include the scientific study of mind and mental functions including attention, memory, perception, problem solving, language, imagery and categorization, and human consciousness. Students will interpret available empirical research and use critical thinking to apply that research.

Specialization Courses (14 Credits)

ED 553: HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION (4 Credits)

This course introduces philosophical viewpoints that can affect new teachers' priorities and strategy choices in their practice. This course will also provide a historical perspective of how public education has become a democratic right in the United States. Candidates will compare and contrast philosophical theories that have driven pedagogy over the past two centuries. Candidates will also evaluate current research in their quest to develop as reflective and creative practitioners in the twenty-first century classroom.

ED 555: LEARNING THEORIES (5 Credits)

This course is an in-depth review of theoretical principles, concepts, and research findings on learning and education, with an emphasis on application to educational practices. Learning strategies for child, adolescent, and adult learners are reviewed. Students will explore additional concepts of learning including motivation and intelligence theories, learning styles, and technology-mediated learning. Case studies, problem-solving strategies, collaborative learning, emergent technologies, and distance-learning techniques are discussed and modeled throughout the course.

PS 505: TESTING, MEASUREMENT, AND ASSESSMENT (5 Credits)

This course examines the theoretical and conceptual framework of psychological testing, measurement, and assessment. Students learn about psychological test construction and psy­chometrics, and survey specific assessments and tools related to intelligence, education, personality, and clinical situations. Students also explore the uses and limitations of psychological testing and assessment, as well as ethical issues involved in the administration and interpretation of psychological testing and assessment results.