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Educational Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Be a force for positive change in education and professional learning environments. The online PhD in Psychology, Educational Psychology program from Capella University is designed for those who want to solve real-world challenges in education and learning design, develop innovative strategies to enhance learning and shape policy and practice to make a lasting impact.
Coursework is focusing on cognition, motivation, learning science and the psychology of teaching.
Classes start December 2
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- GuidedPath
- 7 Core courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- 3 Virtual residencies
- 4 Dissertation courses
- 84 Total quarter credits (24 Max transfer)
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore educational psychology courses
- This program requires a total of 84 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, seven specialization courses, three virtual residency courses and four dissertation courses
Show all descriptions
RSCH7020
Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Research in a Diverse World
4 quarter credits
Learners evaluate their own biases with an emphasis on self-awareness and reflection on cultural identity and ethics in research. Learners will develop strategies to apply and incorporate ethical and multicultural principles and influences in research and publications.
4 quarter credits
PSY8100
Principles of Educational Psychology
5 quarter credits
This course is an examination of current issues, theories, models, and research design methods in the educational psychology field. Throughout the course, learners evaluate principles of learning, motivation, and assessment design strategies used to create curriculum that is designed to enhance pedagogy, adaptation, and learner performance.
5 quarter credits
PSY8770
Psychology of Motivation and Performance
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners explore various psychological theories, concepts, and principles of motivation. Learners evaluate the factors of motivation that influence personal and professional performance, success, and satisfaction. Learners also synthesize research in order to identify, assess, and integrate motivational strategies and apply models of performance enhancement.
5 quarter credits
PSY8110
The Psychology of Teaching
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine the psychological basis of post-secondary instruction in psychology and other social sciences. Learners study both face-to-face and online higher education learning environments for students 18 years and older. Topics include evaluation of effective teaching and assessment strategies, and consideration of classroom management practices. Learners analyze how culturally competent teaching practices and instructional decision-making impact student learning. Additionally, learners examine special student populations including adult learners. Learners also assess their own professional skills and self-efficacy.
5 quarter credits
PSY5140
Program Evaluation
5 quarter credits
This course provides an examination of the theories, techniques, methods, and processes of program evaluation. Learners synthesize knowledge and skills gained from prior coursework to design a program evaluation, plan its implementation, and communicate the results in appropriate and effective formats. Prerequisite(s): PSY7864 or RSCH7864.
5 quarter credits
What you'll learn
Students in the PhD in Psychology, Educational Psychology specialization acquire a broad base of knowledge associated with learning, cognition, instruction, development and research. Core coursework provides a foundation of the science of psychology, and specialization coursework provides depth within the discipline of educational psychology. The curriculum provides students the opportunity to pursue a specific concentration within the program. This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.
This specialization is designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:
- Design, plan and conduct research and evaluation to advance knowledge and practice in educational psychology and related disciplines
- Apply scientifically established principles and knowledge from the study of human development and motivation to the practice of educational psychology
- Discern how humans learn, process and communicate information to create knowledge
- Respect individuality and embrace diversity
- Perform ethically in personal and professional interactions
- Communicate professionally in the field of psychology
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
How much does the PhD in Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors, including: See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$555 per credit, 72 coursework credits, 24 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Dissertation
$2,780 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,780
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$0 no application fee
Application fee
$0
no application fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors, including:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Number of quarters spent working on practicum
- Prior coursework
- Scholarships and finances
- Unexpected life events
- Employer and/or military benefits
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost Scenarios
Complete dissertation in 5 quartersComplete each dissertation milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 12 quarters |
$37,609.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$51,509.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$46,509.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total 17 quarters |
$48,609.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 12 quarters |
$37,609.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$54,289.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$49,289.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total 18 quarters |
$51,389.00 |
Completes dissertation in 8 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 12 quarters |
$37,609.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 8 quarters |
$22,240.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$59,849.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$54,849.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee:
|
$0 |
|
Est. Total 20 quarters |
$56,949.00 |
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the PhD in Psychology admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff and online resources along the way.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
What’s it like to be a doctoral student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.
Helping Professions Program Guide
Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.
What can you do with an PhD in Psychology, Educational Psychology?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a doctoral degree in educational psychology.
Related job titles to explore*
- Curriculum designer
- Curriculum specialist
- Digital learning specialist
- Instructional design manager
- Instructional systems designer
- Learning design manager
- Learning strategist
- Program director
- Training program manager
Employment settings to explore*
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Educational support services
- Elementary and secondary schools
- Research and development in the social sciences and humanities
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.