Educational psychology is the study of how people learn in the context of different educational settings. Earning a master’s in educational psychology online is an excellent choice for students and professionals interested in studying the cognitive, emotional, and social dynamics of a variety of people. An affordable online master’s in educational psychology can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a variety of settings, including education, social service, and government.

1. Texas A&M University-Central Texas – Killeen, Texas
Master of Science in Educational Psychology with emphasis on Experimental Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $5,515/year in-state and $12,877/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 10
Our top choice for an affordable online educational psychology master’s degree is offered by Texas A&M University-Central Texas. This 36-credit-hour program includes an emphasis on experimental psychology and is a great choice for students planning to work in research-based fields or continue doctoral study. Courses include:
- Social Psychological Processes
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Theories of Learning
Students complete quantitative thesis research projects supported by a faculty mentor. New students are admitted for fall, spring, and summer semesters.
2. the University of Southern Maine – Portland, Maine
Master of Science in Educational Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis concentration
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,776/year in-state and $21,348/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 10
The University of Southern Maine offers a low-cost online educational psychology master’s degree that’s flexible and emphasizes personal contact. Students attend class online during the late afternoon and evening hours and engage with professors and peers. The 12-course curriculum includes a concentration in applied behavior analysis.
The applied behavior analysis course sequence is approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International and meets the coursework requirements needed by students who plan to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst examination. Courses are taught by experienced faculty to offer guidance and mentorship to their students. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and new students are admitted in the fall, spring, and summer.
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3. University of Memphis – Memphis, Tennessee
Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology
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Average Graduate Tuition: $9,216/year in-state and $12,672/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 10
The University of Memphis created a cost-effective online master’s in educational psychology that meets the needs of busy professionals. The flexible online curriculum allows students to complete their degrees around their busy schedules. Students come from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds, adding diversity to the classroom and sharing unique perspectives. Course offerings include:
- Culturally Diverse Students
- Psychology of Aging
- Life-Span Human Development
Students complete a research project in their professional field as their culminating experience. Applicants are admitted for the fall and spring semesters.
4. Ball State University – Muncie, Indiana
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,328/year in-state and $25,542/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 10
The 18-month inexpensive online master’s in educational psychology from Ball State University is aimed at professionals working in the field of learning and human development. The program is customizable to help students meet their career goals. Students can choose to create their specialization from elective course offerings or select a pre-approved specialization like:
- Gifted and Talented
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Institutional Research
Asynchronous courses are taught by the same nationally recognized faculty who teach the traditional on-campus program. Since there are no set meeting times, students can complete courses whenever and wherever it is most convenient. Graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths in:
- education
- research
- training.
5. University at Buffalo – Buffalo, New York
Educational Psychology and Quantitative Methods, MA
Average Graduate Tuition: $11,310/year in-state and $23,100/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 9
The high-quality master’s in educational psychology online offered through the Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology at the University at Buffalo prepares students to address problems in different educational settings. Students benefit from rigorous preparation in quantitative research methods including statistics and measurement. Required courses include:
- Psychology of Learning and Instruction
- Psychometric Theory in Education
- Human Growth and Development
The 34-credit-hour program can be completed in just three to four semesters. Students can choose to complete a thesis or project as their capstone experience.
6. Miami University – Oxford, Ohio
Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology
Average Graduate Tuition: $12,554/year in-state and $30,646/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Points: 9
The low-cost online master’s in instructional design and technology from the College of Education, Health and Society at Miami University is for students working in areas like:
- business
- higher education
- government
Core courses include:
- Diversity, Learning, and Technology
- Trends in Learning Design and Analytics
- Blended and Online Learning Design
Courses allow students to gain experience working with state-of-the-art tools and educational media. Students complete a capstone experiential learning project. New students are admitted for the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
7. Eastern Michigan University – Ypsilanti, Michigan
Master of Arts in Educational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $14,868/year in-state and $26,442/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 9
The cost-effective online master’s in educational psychology from Eastern Michigan University gives students the tools they need to be more effective educators. Students gain a deeper understanding of human development and learning through courses like:
- Motivation to Learn
- Students’ Emotional Wellness in Educational Environments
- Basic Concepts of Educational Psychology
The culminating experience is an intensive research project in educational psychology or a thesis. There are multiple start dates throughout the year, so students can choose a date that best fits their schedule.
8. University of Nevada – Las Vegas, Nevada
Online M.S. in Educational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $5,675/year in-state and $21,328/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Points: 8
The top educational psychology online master’s degree at the University of Nevada Las Vegas is a flexible program that meets the needs of students in a variety of educational and business settings. Students can choose to complete a thesis or non-thesis program track. Course offerings include:
- Psychometrics
- Human Growth and Development
- Foundations of Learning and Cognition
Students who select the non-thesis program plan must pass a comprehensive exam. Graduates are prepared for a variety of exciting career possibilities including program evaluators and research analysts.
9. The University of Georgia – Athens, Georgia
MEd in Educational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $8,878/year in-state and $25,186/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 8
The low-cost online master’s in educational psychology from the University of Georgia is a specialized program focused on applied cognition and development. Students move through the program in a cohort of 10 students. The two-year program includes courses like:
- Foundations of Human Development for Education
- Nurturing Independent Learners
- Action Research
Focus areas are available in:
- Learning with Technology
- Learning Across the Lifespan
- Qualitative Approaches to Education
- Development of High Intellectual Capability
Graduates have been successful in non-clinical educational, training, or research support settings in a variety of different areas.
10. University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri
Online Master of Education in Educational Psychology
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,478/year in-state and $25,946/year out-of-state
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Points: 8
The College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri features an innovative educational psychology MEd online through their Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology. This program track is offered 100% online and emphasizes student learning and well-being in the context of educational psychology. The 33-credit hour curriculum includes courses in:
- Advanced Human Learning
- Cognition and Emotion
- Motivation
Students must complete a four-hour comprehensive exam at the end of the program to complete their degree. New cohorts are admitted for the fall semester.