Human Development, Culture and Learning Sciences

Department of Educational Psychology

Human Development, Culture & Learning Sciences (HDCLS), as a core academic area of specialization, represents the scientific and theoretical bases for research and practice within the field of Educational Psychology. You may either choose to earn a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.), or a Master’s of Arts (M.A.).

In order to prepare graduate students for careers in teaching and research, we train students in theories of human cognition, culture, development, language, learning, motivation, social psychology and personality psychology.

HDCLS works primarily in the form of a learning community model. Even though each student accepted into the HDCLS Area is assigned a core member of the faculty as an adviser based on student and faculty interests, students are encouraged to pursue additional opportunities to work with other faculty in the area and the department (or sometimes even in other departments). Opportunities for research are available through facilities on campus, as well as in connection with the research activities of individual faculty members. Course work, practicums, and other experiences are planned to meet individual student needs as dictated by interests and career plans. However, built into area activities will be several opportunities for building a network of peers and faculty who support one another as a learning community.

Coursework

Please note required coursework may vary from year to year. Current students should always defer to their Program of Work for course requirements and consult with their faculty advisor / Graduate Advisor for any needed clarifications.

Student coursework may vary depending on prior graduate coursework and waivers. All required courses must be completed with a grade of at least B-.

I. Program Foundation Courses

A. EDP Foundation Courses (9 credit hours)

EDP 380C.2 Fundamental Statistics.
EDP 382F.3 Life Span Development
EDP 382C.2 Social Psychology

B. Diversity and Culture Course (3 credit hours)

Choose 1 (choice must be approved by the area chair):

EDP 382F.6 Culture, Child Development, and Education
EDP 382G.10 Disability, Culture, and Education
EDP 382C Social Psychology of Siblings
EDP 384C.18 Multicultural Counseling
Or alternative Diversity/Culture course approved by HDCLS Area Chair

C. Learning Science Course (3 credit hours)

Choose 1 (choice must be approved by the area chair):

EDP 382D.4 Psychology of Learning
EDP 382D.6 Motivation and Emotion

II. HDCLS Electives (6 credit hours)

Note: must be taken in the HDCLS program area. Unused Program Foundation Courses above may also be taken as electives.

Choose 2:

EDP 382C.6 Psychology of Race/Prejudice/Stereotype
EDP 382C Psychologically Wise Interventions
EDP 382D.2 History & Systems of Psychology
EDP 382D.16 Research on Discourse Practices
EDP 382D.20 Current Issues in Motivation
EDP 382D Metacognition & Self-Regulated Learning
EDP 382E.2 Biological Basis of Behavior
EDP 382F.10 Mindfulness/Compassion/Self
EDP 382G.4 Psychology of Women & Gender
EDP 398T College Teaching Methodology
Or alternative HDCLS elective course approved by Area Chair

III. Supporting Coursework (6 credit hours)

Students may either choose to earn a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.), or a Master’s of Arts (M.A.). Students must complete the following additional coursework outside of their program area. These courses are an opportunity to enhance interests and form relationships with out-of-area and/or out-of-department faculty; course choices must be approved by the HDCLS Area Chair.

M.Ed. Option Students
- 1^st Supporting Course (Out-of-Department)
- 2^nd Supporting Course (Out-of-Area or Out-of-Department)
M.A. Option Students
- 1^st supporting Course: EDP 381C.2 Research Design & Methods for Psychology & Education OR EDP 381C.8 Qualitative Research Methods
- 2^nd supporting course (Out-of-Department)

IV. Additional Coursework for M.A. (3-4 credit hours)

The M.A. degree requires students to take one of the following additional courses:

EDP 480C.6 Statistical Analysis for Experimental Data
EDP 380D.4 Psychometric Theory & Methods

V. Master’s Portfolio, Report, or Thesis Coursework (3-6 credit hours)

Students in both the M.Ed. and M.A. options must choose either a Portfolio, Report, or Thesis to complete their Master’s degree. An advisor will help students choose the best option for their program.
Note: Thesis is only available to students choosing to graduate with an M.A.

Master’s Portfolio Option (M.Ed. or M.A.; 3 credit hours)

Both the M.Ed. and M.A. degrees may be earned with a portfolio. Students will register for EDP 394R individual supervision and produce a portfolio under faculty supervision, and graduate with no report/thesis.

Master’s Report Option (M.Ed. or M.A.; 3 credit hours)

Both the M.Ed. and M.A. degrees may be earned with a report, which requires registration in EDP 398R Master’s Report and the completion of a study that involves empirical data.

Thesis Option (M.A. only; 6 credit hours)

The M.A. degree may be earned with a thesis, which involves collecting and analyzing data, and registration in two semesters of EDP 698A and 698B Master’s Thesis (these courses count as 3 credit hours each).

Faculty