Best Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology

Whether you want to work with young people or adults, a Ph.D. in educational psychology gives you the practical and research skills to help you succeed.

Doctoral students study theories of learning, lifespan development, and psychology research methods. Online doctorates in educational psychology help build strong analysis and applied research skills.

We listed the top online doctoral programs in educational psychology on this page in alphabetical order. Learn how to find the right program, common coursework and graduation requirements, and educational psychology career paths.

A doctoral program in educational psychology provides advanced training in psychological methods, research, and practice. Graduate students study the process of human learning, including how we understand things, communicate new information to others, and create new knowledge. They conduct original research, write a dissertation, and complete an internship or practicum to prepare for roles in psychology practice.

During a doctoral program, educational psychology students strengthen their research and analytical skills. By blending the fields of psychology and education, graduate students build the skills required for career paths in psychology, research, and education. For example, a doctorate meets the requirements for academic roles, such as psychology professor. Graduates can also work in research, training and development, school psychology, and instructional development.

Earning a doctorate requires a significant investment of both time and money. Before considering a doctorate in educational psychology, prospective students should make sure they meet admission requirements.

Some Ph.D. in educational psychology programs require a master’s degree for admission, while others admit applicants with a bachelor’s degree. Programs may expect candidates to have a psychology degree or meet course prerequisite requirements to enter the program. Applicants with a master’s degree may qualify for a fast track within their doctoral program. Admission requirements often include a minimum GPA and standardized test scores.

Finding the right educational psychology doctoral program can positively impact your education and career opportunities. Carefully research schools to ensure you make the right choice. Factors such as cost, program length, and delivery format can help you narrow your options and find a good fit for your schedule and academic needs.

Consider whether the program offers specializations in your area of interest? Does the program emphasize practice, research, or both? What options do doctoral students have for faculty advisors? Answering these questions can help you find the program that best meets your needs.

Prospective applicants should always choose an accredited educational psychology program. Regionally accredited schools and programs meet the highest standards for educating students in psychology. Accredited universities can also distribute federal financial aid to students, and they are more likely to transfer credits from other accredited institutions.

Many psychology careers require an accredited degree. For example, licensed psychologists must attend a psychology doctoral program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) to apply for a license. The APA does not currently accredit any fully online doctoral psychology programs, though several accredited programs offer coursework partially online. Learn more about why accreditation matters in our accreditation guide.

Earning a Ph.D. in educational psychology online usually takes 3-7 years, but this can vary depending on a few factors.

The first stage in earning your doctoral degree is completing required coursework. Students often take these classes as part of a cohort, meaning they learn alongside their peers as they progress through the program together. However, some programs may be self-paced, allowing students to proceed at their own speed. Most full-time students finish their coursework in 2-3 years.

The second stage of earning a psychology doctoral degree is completing a dissertation. Generally speaking, students work with a faculty advisor on their dissertations, but they do the majority of their research and writing independently and at their own pace. When finished, students defend their dissertation in front of a faculty committee. Most full-time students complete the dissertation process in 1-4 years.

The first step toward earning an educational psychology Ph.D. online is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA connects eligible students with various kinds of financial support, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

Students do not need to pay back federal grants or work-study wages, but they do need to repay loans. However, federal loans have relatively low interest rates, and the federal government may also forgive all or a portion of a loan if a student works in public service for a set period of time.

Many states and private organizations offer scholarships to students based on academic achievement, community service, or financial need. Teachers looking to transition to a career as an educational psychologist may also qualify for discounted tuition or tuition reimbursement, depending on the program and their employer.

Finally, students can apply for private student loans. While these loans can be helpful in financing a part of the total cost of education, students should avoid taking out private loans to cover the majority of their tuition and other expenses. Private loans typically have higher interest rates than federal loans, and private loan organizations usually do not forgive loans for public service.

A Ph.D. in educational psychology helps prepare graduates for a variety of careers. While many work directly as researchers or academics, a doctorate can also lead to opportunities as training and development managers, school psychologists, or student development directors.

Educational psychologists can also work in private practice or pursue roles in instructional design, educational coordination, or counseling. Learn more about the typical salaries and job outlooks for common educational psychology careers.

Training and development managers oversee an organization’s human resources. They conduct assessments to determine training needs, design programs, and manage training and development specialists. They also evaluate programs and instructors, manage training budgets, and update current training programs. A background in educational psychology helps training and development managers create programs and instructional methods.

School psychologists use their understanding of human behavior to support student learning. They may help students address emotional problems, design and implement plans to boost academic performance, or collaborate with teachers and administrators to develop broader teaching and learning strategies. Many school psychologists hold a doctoral degree like an online educational psychology Ph.D.

Postsecondary teachers instruct and advise students at colleges and universities. They also conduct psychological research or publish articles in educational psychology. While a master’s degree may be sufficient for jobs at community colleges, most 4-year schools require a doctoral degree.

Rather than working with individual students, instructional coordinators design, implement, and assess school curricula and teaching standards. Instructional coordinators often need an advanced degree, and online educational psychology Ph.D. programs can help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to create strong learning experiences for students.

School counselors support the academic and social-emotional development of students. They evaluate a student’s abilities or aptitude through various assessments; work to address issues that affect school performance; and help administrators create programs and policies meant to curb bullying, drug use, or other problems. School counselors usually hold an advanced degree.

After earning an educational psychology Ph.D. online, some graduates may work exclusively with students with behavioral or mental health conditions. These professionals often collaborate with schools and educational organizations, but they may also work at treatment centers or in private practice. These positions typically require an advanced degree.