5 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s in Educational Psychology

5 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s in Educational Psychology
By Chloe Dembski
Reviewed By Dr. James Barham
Published:

Key Takeaways

  • Accelerated online master’s programs in educational psychology can be completed in as little as three years.
  • Accelerated online master’s programs in educational psychology can be completed online, on-campus, or a hybrid of the two.
  • Students with full-time jobs or family commitments, often choose accelerated online master’s programs in educational psychology to complete their degrees faster.

Have you ever wondered how people adapt or learn new things? This is what educational psychology – a sub-discipline of mind sciences – focuses on. Due to the interesting and rewarding nature of educational psychology, many students and professionals aspire to take up a program to pursue it as a career.

However, the length of a master’s program in education psychology deters many aspirants – especially those who work full-time jobs or pursue dual degrees simultaneously. If you’re one of them, we’ve created this guide with the top five fastest accelerated online master’s in educational psychology to make things easier for you.

We’ve done the research for you so you can focus on more important things – like college applications.

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Featured Programs

Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s in Educational Psychology

Understanding the cognitive process can improve teaching and learning. For example, research published in the British Psychological Society claims that special individuals need more attention. This is where educational psychologists help with their expertise in understanding learning patterns and cognitive functions.

Here’s a list of the best online master’s in this field.

  1. #1

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    #12 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #24 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/28

    Career Outlook for Educational Psychology degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,553
    Expenses: $18,124
    Starting Salary: $49,065
    Salary after 4 years: $56,377
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Overview of Florida State University

    Key Features

    • Public university
    • Major-specific courses include theories of learning and cognition in instruction and educational research methods

    What do we love about Florida State University?

    Florida State University (FSU) offers an accessible and engaging online master’s program in educational psychology. It is a perfect program for students looking to balance their studies with a full-time job. With a $444 per credit tuition for in-state students, FSU makes advanced education affordable.

    About 45% of FSU’s graduate students are enrolled in distance education, benefiting from a supportive online community. Online students connect with peers and instructors through discussion forums, local study groups, and livestreams – fostering a collaborative learning environment.

    The program offers two tracks: a fully online, coursework-only option that can be completed in less than two years and a three-year, on-campus option with a thesis for those seeking a more research-oriented experience. Both tracks focus on learning and cognition, with 33 credits required for graduation.

    • Florida State University is great for students who: Want to study and work around their own schedules, while also not needing to be in physical attendance
    • Florida State University might not be the best fit for students who: Are not interested in a research-oriented approach to educational psychology.
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  2. #2

    University of Georgia

    Athens , GA
    #14 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for Educational Psychology degree at University of Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $10,268
    Expenses: $16,362
    Starting Salary: $53,798
    Salary after 4 years: $61,816
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Overview of University of Georgia

    Key Features:

    • 21% of graduate students are enrolled in distance education learning
    • Public school
    • Degree credit requirements range from 34 to 37 credits
    • No on-site attendance is required

    What do we love about University of Georgia?

    Our second option is University of Georgia (UGA). It was founded in 1785 and stands out as a historic and prestigious institution, particularly noted for its programs in psychology. As part of the Mary Frances Early College of Education, UGA’s Department of Educational Psychology is a hub for research in the field.

    It offers resources like the Graduate Researchers in Educational Psychology group. The blend of rich history and modern educational resources makes UGA a prime choice for students pursuing a master’s degree in educational psychology.

    UGA’s M.Ed. in educational psychology is ideal because of three specializations:

    • Quantitative Methodology
    • Gifted and Creative Education
    • Applied Cognition and Development

    This allows students to specialize in areas that align with their career aspirations. The program is cohort-based, with each track having its unique curriculum.

    • University of Georgia is great for students who: Have jobs and are looking for a lot of flexibility in their schedules and when they can complete the work.
    • University of Georgia might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer less emphasis on research, as UGA’s program includes a strong focus on research in educational psychology
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  3. #3

    Ball State University

    Muncie , IN
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    Career Outlook for Educational Psychology degree at Ball State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,642
    Expenses: $15,240
    Starting Salary: $40,599
    Salary after 4 years: $46,650
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Overview of Ball State University

    Key Features:

    • The courses use asynchronous technology for distance and flexible learning
    • Access to the same top-notch faculty that teaches on the Muncie campus
    • This program requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA from an accredited college or university

    What do we love about Ball State University?

    Ball State University offers a dynamic 30-credit master’s program. Located in Muncie, Indiana, this program offers a wide selection of specializations, such as Gifted & Talented, Human Development, Neuropsychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, and even a Customizable track for those with unique career aspirations.

    You’ll start with 18 credits of core courses, diving into subjects like Advanced Educational Psychology, Psychology of Human Development, and Statistical Methods in Educational and Psychological Research. Then, steer your education with 12 credits of electives that align with your chosen specialty.

    • Ball State University is great for students who: Seek an Accelerated Master’s Program in psychology that allows them to start graduate coursework while still an undergraduate.
    • Ball State University might not be the best fit for students who: Do not wish to commit to a structured, fast-paced graduate program, as the AMP is designed for completion within a specific time frame.
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    4. Four students posing together with their graduation robes and caps
  5. #4

    Pepperdine University

    Malibu , CA
    #2 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in California 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1382/30

    Career Outlook for Educational Psychology degree at Pepperdine University

    Cost of Degree: $39,720
    Expenses: $22,060
    Starting Salary: $56,952
    Salary after 4 years: $66,273
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Overview of Pepperdine University

    Key Features

    • This program can be completed in either 18 months (full-time) or 21 months (part-time), spread over five or seven 11-week sessions, respectively
    • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is required

    What do we love about Pepperdine University?

    The fourth option is Pepperdine University. Located in stunning Malibu, CA, it offers an exciting path for those looking to fast-track their educational psychology career with an online master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis.

    The Applied Behavior Analysis program – spanning 34 to 37 credits – goes beyond taking the BACB exam to become a certified behavior analyst. It takes a unique approach by blending clinical and organizational behavioral analysis, using both live and self-paced coursework.

    Students can access courses like Concepts and Principles of ABA, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Applications of ABA for Behavior Change. For graduation, a minimum of 20 hours of clinical training monthly is required, totaling 165 hours over three terms.

    • Pepperdine University is great for students who: Are looking for a program with a strong reputation, as Pepperdine’s online Master’s in Psychology program is highly ranked.
    • Pepperdine University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a more affordable tuition rate, as Pepperdine is known for its prestigious programs that come with a higher cost.
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  6. #5

    University of Southern Maine

    Portland , ME
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1109/22

    Career Outlook for Educational Psychology degree at University of Southern Maine

    Cost of Degree: $8,982
    Expenses: $14,784
    Starting Salary: $40,417
    Salary after 4 years: $46,441
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Overview of University of Southern Maine

    Key Features

    • Public school
    • There is no application fee
    • This program is available for both part-time and full-time students

    What do we love about University of Southern Maine?

    University of Southern Maine (USM) offers a comprehensive MS program with a concentration in applied behavior analysis. This online program is designed to fulfill the coursework requirements for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential.

    However, it’s important to note that graduates are responsible for completing their fieldwork requirements independently.

    USM also provides a hybrid or low-residency MS in educational psychology, focusing on school psychology. This 67-credit program is a blend of online and occasional in-person sessions.

    A significant advantage of USM’s programs is that all students benefit from in-state tuition rates regardless of their state residency status.

    • University of Southern Maine is great for students who: Appreciate a program that offers a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis, preparing them for certification as behavior analysts.
    • University of Southern Maine might not be the best fit for students who: Are looking for some in-person learning mixed in with online learning. There is no on-site attendance for the coursework, and fieldwork must be completed independently.
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Student Submitted Questions About the Fastest Online Master’s in Educational Psychology

Why should you choose educational psychology?

Educational psychology offers rewarding opportunities to help educational institutions foster an effective and engaging learning environment. Some career options include educational psychologist, school counselor, educational researcher, and educational policy maker.

How long is a typical master’s in educational psychology?

An online master’s degree in educational psychology typically spans two years, including a research project/final internship, and that’s not counting the time getting a PhD degree in educational psychology.

Can I do a psychology master’s without a psychology degree?

Yes, many universities offer a master’s program in psychology, including educational psychology, for students who have a major in some other discipline. These ‘bridge’ programs require students to take some foundational courses before applying for a master’s.  

Conclusion

These five universities offer some of the fastest accelerated online master’s in educational psychology. Each has its unique strengths and specializations. Whether you’re balancing work, seeking diverse concentrations, or aiming for specific credentials, these programs provide flexible, quality education to propel your career in educational psychology forward.

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