What Do Educational Psychologists Do?

Educational psychology is a branch of psychology that involves the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes related to teaching and learning. It focuses on understanding how people learn, develop, and acquire knowledge and skills and the factors that influence learning outcomes. 

Educational psychologists use research and theories from psychology and education to inform instructional practices and design effective learning environments. They may also study motivation, memory, cognition, assessment, and educational technology to improve educational outcomes for individuals and groups.

What Educational Psychologists Do

Educational psychologists are professionals who specialize in applying psychological theories, principles, and research to the field of education. They study human behavior and mental processes related to learning and development, using this knowledge to inform instructional practices and create effective learning environments. 

One of the primary goals of educational psychology is to understand how people learn. Educational psychologists explore the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical factors influencing learning outcomes, looking at individual differences in learning styles, abilities, and motivation.

By understanding these factors, educational psychologists can develop strategies and interventions to improve learning outcomes for individuals and groups.

Educational psychologists also focus on designing and implementing educational programs and interventions. They use their knowledge of human learning and development to design educational curricula, assessments, and effective instructional materials for a wide range of learners. They also evaluate existing academic programs and recommend improvements based on their research.

In addition to their work in schools and other educational settings, educational psychologists also research various topics related to learning and development. They may investigate the effectiveness of different teaching methods, study the effects of educational technology on learning outcomes, or explore the relationship between motivation and academic achievement. Their research aims to advance the education field and improve outcomes for learners of all ages.

The work of educational psychologists is essential to developing effective teaching and learning practices. By combining knowledge from psychology and education, they can create educational programs and interventions that are grounded in research and tailored to meet the needs of individual learners.

Examples of Educational Psychology

Educational psychologists are trained to apply psychological principles and research to the field of education to improve learning outcomes for individuals of all ages. Here are some examples of tasks that an educational psychologist might do:

• Develop and evaluate educational programs: Educational psychologists may be involved in developing and evaluating educational programs designed to improve student learning outcomes. They may work in schools, universities, or other organizations to develop and test programs addressing student motivation, learning styles, or social-emotional development.
• Research learning and development: Educational psychologists may conduct research studies to explore questions related to learning and development. This could involve studying the effectiveness of different teaching strategies, exploring the impact of technology on learning outcomes, or investigating the role of motivation in academic achievement.
• Counseling and support services: Educational psychologists may provide counseling and support services to students, teachers, and administrators. This could include individual counseling sessions with students, workshops and training sessions for teachers, or consultation with school administrators on school climate and culture issues.
• Conduct assessments and evaluations: Educational psychologists may conduct assessments and evaluations of students to identify learning challenges or disabilities. They may administer tests and other checks to evaluate student performance and work with teachers and parents to develop intervention plans and accommodations that support student success.
• Train teachers and other education professionals: Educational psychologists may provide training and professional development opportunities to teachers and other education professionals. This could involve leading workshops on effective teaching strategies, classroom management, or student engagement.

The tasks that an educational psychologist might do are varied and diverse. They frequently involve research, assessment, counseling, and program development activities to improve learning outcomes for individuals across various settings.

Where Do Educational Psychologists Work?

Educational psychologists can be employed in a wide variety of settings, both within and outside of traditional educational institutions. Some common places of employment for educational psychologists include schools, universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private consulting firms.

Schools

Educational psychologists might work directly with students, teachers, and administrators in schools to provide assessment, counseling, and other support services. They might also collaborate with teachers to design and implement effective instructional strategies for diverse learners or conduct research to evaluate the effectiveness of different educational programs.

In universities, educational psychologists might teach courses in educational psychology or related fields and conduct research on various topics related to learning and development. They might also provide counseling and support services to students or work with faculty and administrators to improve the quality of instruction and student outcomes.

Government

Government agencies, such as the Department of Education or local education authorities, may employ educational psychologists to develop educational policies, guide educators and parents, and conduct research on topics related to learning and development.

Private Sector

Non-profit organizations and private consulting firms may also hire educational psychologists to provide assessment, training, and consulting services to schools and other educational institutions. These professionals might work with educators to develop and implement evidence-based interventions that support student learning and success.

The employment opportunities for educational psychologists are diverse and varied, reflecting the broad range of issues related to learning and development that they address. Wherever they work, educational psychologists play a critical role in advancing the field of education and improving outcomes for learners of all ages.

How to Become an Educational Psychologist

To become an educational psychologist, individuals typically need to complete a rigorous course of study, including academic coursework. Depending on where you plan to work, you may also be required to complete supervised practical experience and obtain a state licensure. 

Here are the general educational and training requirements to become an educational psychologist:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree: Individuals who wish to become educational psychologists typically start by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. During this time, they may take courses in child development, educational psychology, statistics, research methods, and other relevant subjects.
2. Obtain a master’s degree: After completing a bachelor’s degree, aspiring educational psychologists usually pursue a master’s degree in educational psychology or a related field. This program typically takes two years to complete and involves coursework in advanced psychology, research methods, assessment, and counseling.
3. Complete a doctoral degree: If you plan to work in private practice, teach at a university, or perform clinical work, you will need to earn a doctoral degree in educational psychology, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or a related field. This program typically takes 4-6 years to complete and involves advanced coursework in research, statistics, and the application of psychology to education. Students may also complete a dissertation, which involves original research on a topic related to educational psychology.
4. Complete a supervised internship: Individuals must typically complete a supervised internship or residency program before practicing as an educational psychologist. They gain practical experience working with clients in a supervised setting during this time.
5. Obtain licensure or certification: In most states, educational psychologists must obtain a license to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, but typically involve completing a doctoral degree, completing a specified number of supervised clinical hours, and passing a licensing exam.

Becoming an educational psychologist requires a significant investment of time and effort. However, for those passionate about applying psychology to the field of education and improving outcomes for learners, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career.

How Much Do Educational Psychologists Earn?

Some estimates suggest that the average salary for an educational psychologist is $84,576 as of May 1, 2023, and may range from $67,000 to $159,328. It is important to note that wages vary depending on a variety of factors including employment sector, geographic location, educational background, and years of experience.

Alternatives to Educational Psychology

There are many careers related to educational psychology, which involve applying psychological principles and research to the field of education. Here are some examples of careers related to educational psychology:

School Psychologist: School psychologists work in schools to support students’ social-emotional and academic needs. They may provide individual counseling, conduct assessments, and collaborate with teachers and administrators to develop interventions and strategies that promote academic success.

Curriculum Developer: Curriculum developers design educational programs, materials, and resources that are effective for diverse learners. They may work in schools, universities, or educational publishing companies.

Instructional Designer: Instructional designers use their knowledge of psychology and learning theory to create effective instructional materials and technologies. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, or private industry.

Educational Consultant: Educational consultants provide guidance and support to schools, universities, and other educational institutions. They may advise on issues such as curriculum development, instructional design, and student assessment.

Researcher: Educational psychologists also work in research, exploring topics related to learning and development. They may conduct studies on the effectiveness of different teaching strategies, the impact of educational technology on learning outcomes, or the relationship between motivation and academic achievement.

If you are unsure if educational psychology is right for you, there are a number of other fields you might want to consider. Fields related to educational psychology involve applying psychological principles and research to the field of education, to improve outcomes for learners of all ages.

Educational Psychologists vs. School Psychologists

Is an educational psychologist the same as a school psychologist? While there is some overlap between the roles of educational psychologists and school psychologists, they are not the same thing.

Educational psychologists are trained to apply psychological principles and research to the broader field of education, including issues related to teaching and learning across a variety of settings. They may work in schools, universities, government agencies, or private organizations. Their work may involve developing educational programs and interventions, researching learning and development, and providing counseling and support services to students, teachers, and administrators.

School psychologists, on the other hand, are specialized professionals who work specifically in schools to support students’ social-emotional and academic needs. They may provide counseling services, assess students for learning and behavioral disorders, and collaborate with teachers and parents to develop interventions and strategies that promote student success. School psychologists also play a crucial role in promoting positive school climates and addressing issues related to bullying and other forms of student aggression.

While there is some overlap between these roles, educational psychologists typically take a broader approach to the field of education. In contrast, school psychologists focus more on supporting students’ needs within the school environment.

References:

Salary.com. Educational psychologist salary in the United States.