Educational Psychologists study the variables that influence what and how people learn. The field of educational psychology is very broad and inclusive; for example, educational psychologists investigate strategies to improve teaching, effective methods to present ideas, factors that impact motivation, ways to accurately measure learning and achievement, and practices to create effective learning environments. In this broad discipline, we employ many investigative strategies including both quantitative and qualitative procedures. Educational psychologists generally focus on increasing learning achievement by investigating the relationships between learners, teachers, and content in applied settings such as classrooms. However, most educational psychologists also contribute to establishing sound theories that guide improvements in teaching and learning practices. The guiding commitment of educational psychology is to use sound scientific methods to ensure valid findings that contribute to increased understanding of human learning.
Educational Psychology at Virginia Tech
The Educational Psychology program in Virginia Tech’s School of Education offers graduate programs to prepare educational psychologists for careers as professional educators in roles such as professors and researchers. We emphasize understanding theory and research on learning and applying empirically based principles to issues and problems that affect the design, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs in a variety of settings. Our research and scholarship tends to be oriented to addressing applied problems such as high stakes testing, effective uses of multimedia technologies, assessing learning, and classroom learning skills.
Funding Opportunities
Most students in the Doctor of Philosophy program receive financial support including a stipend and tuition. Assignments may be for full or half-time and be with the Program or with other programs in the School or University. The faculty of the Educational Psychology program will advise prospective students about funding opportunities.
Career Possibilities
Most graduates of the Educational Psychology program enter the professorate teaching educational psychology in large and small colleges and universities and continuing their research programs. In addition, graduates serve as senior administrators in school systems, executives in higher education, and developers of educational materials. Individualized programs of study are developed for each student to ensure that their studies prepare them well for the career paths they choose.
Contact Information
For further information or to discuss how you could begin studies in educational psychology please call, email, or make an appointment to visit:
Thomas M. Sherman, Professor
School of Education
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0313
tsherman@vt.edu
540-231-8342