Educational psychology

Students talking in lunch room.

The field of Educational Psychology applies psychological theory and research to learning and instruction. Students in our programs apply evidence-based practice to extend theory, research and practice in special education, instructional design, and support the needs of learners with exceptionalities, learning strategies, and learning contexts.

Programs

Master of Education in Educational Psychology: Special Education (Co-op optional)

About the Master of Education in Educational Psychology: Special Education

This is a project-based option. The Special Education focus area provides the opportunity for advanced study in research and practice to support the needs of students with exceptionalities such as students with learning disabilities, emotional and behaviour disorders, sensory impairments, communication disorders, intellectual and physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, or students who are gifted. Practices that promote inclusion, resilience, and the developmental health of exceptional populations across multiple contexts (e.g., school, home, community) are emphasized.

Program information

Level: Graduate Program Length: 2 years, 3 years with Co-op
 Co-op: Optional Includes summer term: Yes
Full-time or part-time: Full or part-time
Department: EPLS Location: UVic
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Master of Arts in Educational Psychology: Special Education (Co-op optional)

About the Master of Arts in Educational Psychology: Special Education

This is a thesis-based option. The Special Education focus area provides the opportunity for advanced study in research and practice to support the needs of students with exceptionalities such as students with learning disabilities, emotional and behaviour disorders, sensory impairments, communication disorders, intellectual and physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, or students who are gifted. Practices that promote inclusion, resilience, and the developmental health of exceptional populations across multiple contexts (e.g., school, home, community) are emphasized. Most courses are offered in the evening to accommodate professionals.

Program information

Level: Graduate Program Length: 3 years, 4 years with Co-op
 Co-op: Optional Includes summer term: Yes
Full-time or part-time: Full or part-time
Department: EPLS Location: UVic
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Master of Education in Educational Psychology: Learning, Development and Instructional Sciences (Co-op optional)

About the Master of Education in Educational Psychology: Learning, Development and Instructional Sciences

This is a project-based option. In this program you will:

  • Examine, critique, and apply contemporary research in human learning, self-regulation, motivation and development.
  • Apply psychological sciences to evidence-based practices across diverse instructional contexts.
  • Critically read, interpret, synthesize and evaluate research.
  • Communicate scholarly information in ways that are accessible to colleagues, clients and communities. 

Program information

Level: Graduate Program Length: 2 years, 3 years with Co-op
 Co-op: Optional Includes summer term: Yes
Full-time or part-time: Full-time
Department: EPLS Location: UVic
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Master of Arts in Educational Psychology: Learning, Development and Instructional Sciences (Co-op optional)

About the Master of Arts in Educational Psychology: Learning, Development and Instructional Sciences

This is a thesis-based option. In this program you will:

  • Examine, critique, and apply contemporary research in human learning, self-regulation, motivation and development.
  • Apply psychological sciences to evidence-based practices across diverse instructional contexts.
  • Critically read, interpret, synthesize and evaluate research.
  • Communicate scholarly information in ways that are accessible to colleagues, clients and communities. 

Program information

Level: Graduate Program Length: 3 years, 4 years with Co-op
 Co-op: Optional Includes summer term: Yes
Full-time or part-time: Full-time
Department: EPLS Location: UVic
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Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology

About the Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology

The doctoral program in Educational Psychology offers concentrations in Special Education or Learning, Development & Instructional Sciences.

Each student’s program of studies is individually planned. It is expected that there will be considerable variation among students as a result of differences in academic background and experience, research interests, and future professional goals.

Program information

Level: Graduate Program Length: 4 to 7 years
 Co-op: No Includes summer term: Yes
  Full-time or part-time: Full-time
Department: EPLS Location: UVic
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Professional Specialization Certificate in Special Education

About the Professional Specialization Certificate in Special Education

This 15 unit professional program is for educators who want to enhance their ability to accommodate learners with specialized learning needs within their classroom. The innovative curriculum has been developed in consultation with teachers and school district leaders to meet the needs of both general and special educators. You will work with multidisciplinary faculty with expertise in child development, assessment of learning needs, inclusive education, and instructional approaches such as Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction and learn how to complete special education assessments and evaluations that meet the competency requirements for Level B assessment outlined by the BC Ministry of Education.

Program information

Level: Undergraduate Program Length: 16 months
Co-op: No Includes summer term: Yes
Full-time or part-time: Part-time
Department: EPLS Location: UVic and online
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Diploma in Special Education

About the Diploma in Special Education

This 15 unit online program features coursework in advanced intervention with students who have developmental disabilities and behaviour challenges. The focus is also on Differentiated Instruction, assistive technologies, inclusive education, and effective communication skills. Students may only enter the Diploma following the completion of a Professional Specialization Certificate in Special Education.

Program information

Level: Undergraduate Program Length: 16 months
 Co-op: No Includes summer term: Yes
Full-time or part-time: Part-time
Department: EPLS Location: Online
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Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (LATHE)

About the Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (LATHE)

The LATHE Program combines knowledge about teaching and learning across the disciplines to create a future professoriate fluent in the foundation principles of post-secondary instruction. It will challenge participants to reflect on their practical teaching activities in a scholarly way within their disciplinary context. This program can only be taken concurrently with your UVic PhD.

Program information

Level: Graduate Program Length: 2 years
 Co-op: No Includes summer term: No
Full-time or part-time: Part-time
Department: EPLS Location: UVic
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Careers

Who benefits from a degree in educational psychology:

  • Teachers
  • Education administrators
  • Educational and instructional designers
  • Higher education professionals
  • Program developers
  • Healthcare professionals
  • Child and youth care professionals
  • Learning strategy instructors
  • Government employees
  • Educational policy administrators and planners