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Educational Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Advance your professional expertise and expand your knowledge of teaching and learning. The online PhD in Psychology, Educational Psychology from Capella University is designed for those who want to conduct research, contribute ideas to the field, or teach at the college level.
Coursework is focused on learning, cognition, instruction, and development. This program can prepare you to pursue opportunities in fields such as higher education, corporate training, and instructional technology.
Classes start January 8
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 7 Core courses
- 9 Specialized courses
- 25 max transfer credits
- 3 Doctoral Project Development Seminars
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
Reduce your tuition by $20,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
Explore educational psychology courses
- This degree requires a total of 87 coursework credits
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, nine specialization courses, three doctoral project development seminars, one comprehensive exam and one dissertation
| Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY6110 Learning Theories in Psychology | Learners investigate the concepts and principles of learning theory and its sub-processes, especially those associated with cognition. Learners evaluate and articulate major learning theories, practice applying these learning theories and their associated processes to teaching and analyze the effects of various behavioral and cognitive sub-processes on learning. | 5 quarter credits |
| PSY8100* Principles of Educational Psychology | 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. *Prerequisite PSY5002 or PSY8002 | 5 quarter credits |
| PSY8110 The Psychology of Teaching | 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 |
| PSY8170 Principles of Instructional Design | Learners in this course gain an understanding of core instructional design concepts by applying research-based learning science to effective instructional design in multiple learning contexts. Learners explore the intersection of instructional design and learning theory and assess the effectiveness of the instructional design process to achieve learning outcomes. Learners also make curriculum decisions that incorporate fundamental elements of instructional design across a spectrum of educational environments. | 5 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
This degree program will provide a broad base of knowledge associated with learning, cognition, instruction, development, and research. It’s aligned with external professional standards to help you obtain the relevant expertise to advance your career.
On the successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- 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 cognition and motivation to the practice of educational psychology
- Communicate professionally in the field of psychology
- Discern how humans learn, process, and communicate information to create knowledge
- Perform ethically in personal and professional interactions
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. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
GuidedPath, our original online learning format, offers 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, 87 coursework credits, 25 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Comprehensive exam
$2,780 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,780
Per quarter
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
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- Academic performance
- Complexity of your dissertation
- 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 2023–24 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2023. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price.
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 14 quarters |
$45,744.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 5 quarters |
$13,900.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$62,424.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$42,424.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total 20 quarters |
$44,924.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 14 quarters |
$45,744.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$65,204.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$45,204.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total 21 quarters |
$47,704.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students. |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $555/credit 14 quarters |
$45,744.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780 per quarter 9 quarters |
$25,020.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$73,544.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$53,544.00 |
| Resource Kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total 24 quarters |
$56,044.00 |
*Eligibility rules 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 that’s within your reach. 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:
- 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.
Support to reach the finish line
We’ve structured the experience in manageable, stackable pieces – with support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way. All designed to help you get your doctorate.
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 that build on one another 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.
What can you do with an PhD in Educational Psychology degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are just some of the career options you could explore with your online educational psychology doctoral degree.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct or part-time psychology faculty
- Psychometrician
- Test administrator
- Training and development director
- Test and measurement specialist
- Instructor of educational psychology
- Researcher
- Full-time psychology faculty
- Test developer
- Instructional designer
- Learning specialist
- Curriculum manager
Employment settings to explore
- Social service agency
- Government—local, state, federal
- Hospital
- Nonprofit organization
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community college
- Educational services
*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.