Our doctoral program in Educational Psychology reflects a collaborative apprenticeship model that encourages students to go beyond the accumulation of course credits. Our aim is to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to be effective creators of educational research and to raise thoughtful questions that guide their inquiry. We believe that students learn best how to do research, analyze data, communicate results, and teach others through direct involvement with faculty mentors and advanced students early in the doctoral program.To accomplish this goal, students work closely with faculty members by joining at least one research team or lab within the program.

Doctoral students entering the program will select a program of study focusing on one of four areas of specialization: multicultural education, quantitative methods, motivation, and development. The doctoral program of study includes coursework, a research portfolio, an internship to develop practical experience in educational psychology, a qualifying examination, and the dissertation. Prior to completing the qualifying examination, most doctoral students are required to take approximately 60 credit hours of coursework beyond the Master?s degree.