Educational Psychology MS, with a Concentration of Adult Education
The master of science degree in educational leadership & policy studies with a concentration in Adult and Continuing Education is taught through the distance education program we call EdPsych Online. This degree is designed for professionals working in school settings, colleges/universities, business and government, as well as those preparing for work in these and related areas.
We offer two concentrations, Adult and Continuing Education and Applied Educational Psychology, and courses for this degree are offered online through distance education. Our faculty deliver the courses through synchronous methodology, which means you will need to be online with the instructor and other students at the designated evening and time which is currently Eastern Standard Time. The faculty members in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies are committed to the creation and study of environments that enhance learning potential and promote lifelong learning for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The degree requires 36 hours of non-thesis coursework and a comprehensive examination. Students take 24 hours of core courses and choose from two concentrations for 12 additional hours in either Adult and Continuing Education or Applied Educational Psychology. The EdPsych Online curriculum is specific in requirements and course offerings are planned to facilitate your graduation within six semesters. Therefore, we do not admit individuals who do not intend to stick to this plan. Finally, students of online degree programs may not register for any campus based courses regardless of where they live or work.
About EdPsych Online
Application Requirements
We conduct rolling admissions meaning we review completed applications as they become available and on their own merit. Nevertheless, we typically stop considering applications for the following semester by the dates listed below:
- Fall Semester – Mid July
- Spring Semester – Mid November
- Summer Semester – End of March
Program Brochure
Program Handbook
Program Faculty
Patricia Higgins, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor
phiggin5@vols.utk.edu
865-974-8642
Mitsunori Misawa
Associate Professor
mmisawa@utk.edu
865-974-5440
Qi Sun
Associate Professor
qsun8@utk.edu
865-974-5403
Financial Aid Information
Includes ELPS GA Application form, departmental fellowships/scholarships, and links to other funding sources around UT Knoxville.
Testimonials
“Discard all of your preconceived notions of online classes because these are designed to allow for the benefits of sitting in an actual classroom with your colleagues and professors while in any variety of settings.”
– Linda Gehron (alumna)
“I am honored to have been accepted by and graduated from a program as engaging and prestigious as the ELPS EdPsych Online Master’s program. It has graced me with lifelong connections and knowledge that I will forever cherish, both personally and professionally.” – Anthony L. Capers Jr. (alumnus)
“The challenge in producing and addressing the theoretical assignments in a scholarly way has made me a better writer and thinker. I look at the world differently now. It has opened up another world of information that is very exciting and applicable in many ways.” – Sue Culpepper (alumna)
“With a deeper understanding of the research in this field, I have also been able to better interpret new public notions and policies and feel confident in my ability judge their potential effectiveness. In a professional setting, I now feel regarded as informed and reliable when it comes to finding new strategies and improving current practices.” – Jessica Nelson (alumna)
Adult and Continuing Education Concentration
Description
Focuses on the advanced educational needs of professionals who work with adults in a host of settings. The concentration includes coursework in such areas as adult learning and development, program planning, reflective practice, professional issues in adult and continuing education, research, and teaching adults. Emphasis is on the development of reflective practitioners who actively participate in leadership and service to promote adult learning in a global community. This concentration may be used as a stepping stone for doctoral study in adult and continuing education, or related areas.
Applied Educational Psychology Concentration
Description
Focuses on concepts, principles, techniques, and models of educational leadership & policy studies as they are used to facilitate teaching and learning and the creation of effective classroom environments for learners of all ages. The concentration includes traditional themes in educational leadership & policy studies (e.g., human development, learning principles, assessment, and psychoeducational intervention). The concentration may be used as a stepping stone for entering a doctoral program in educational leadership & policy studies or as an additional preparation for functioning in an educational role in schools, mental health centers, and business programs devoted to personal and professional development.