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ED PSY Minor

View the Educational Psychology Minor brochure here

The Educational Psychology Minor should be planned with an advisor and consists of 28-29 hours, of which at least 15 hours must be upper division. All students complete a required core, and then choose from elective options. Electives must include at least 6 hours of ED or SPED courses.

For a full description of each of the courses listed here, visit the course descriptions in the WOU Academic Course Catalog

What is Educational Psychology?

Educational Psychology is a branch of psychology that investigates the social, emotional and cognitive processes involved in learning. Educational Psychologists apply their findings to improve the learning process. Some specialize in the development of a specific group of people such as children, adolescents or adults, while others focus on specific  challenges such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or dyslexia (APA, 2016)

 

Educational Psychology Minor Mission

Provide students with an interdisciplinary foundation of knowledge and skills drawn from the fields of psychology and education. Students will develop critical thinking skills and apply research to improve learning, behavior, and mental health.

 

Employment Opportunities

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (2016) employment opportunities for individuals with knowledge and skills in Educational Psychology can include

  • Educational Specialist
  • Educational/Vocational Counselor
  • Educational Software Consulting
  • Teaching
  • Special Education
  • Instructional Specialist
  • Early Intervention Specialist
  • Academic Advisor
  • Career Center Director
  • Research assistants
  • Social service case workers
  • Treatment providers

 

Individuals with a minor in Educational Psychology could go on to pursue graduate training in the following areas (APA, 2016)

  • Clinical or counseling psychology
  • Social work or therapy
  • Educational Psychology
  • Instructional Psychology
  • School Psychology
  • School Counseling
  • Speech and Language Therapist

 

References

American Psychological Association (APA) (2016). Understanding educational psychology. Retrieved from  http://www.apa.org/action/science/teaching-learning/index.aspx

 

Occupational Outlook Handbook (2016) Bureau of Labor Statistics. U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Psychologists, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm

 

Becoming a Minor

The Educational Psychology Minor should be planned with an advisor.

For more information, contact the Behavioral Sciences Division Office at 503-838-8344 or kunzel@wou.edu.

 

The Educational Psychology Minor consists of 28-29 credit hours of which at least 15 hours must be upper division.  All students complete a required core, and then choose from elective options listed below. Electives must include at least 6 hours of ED or SPED courses.

ED PSY Minor Core Classes

Course
Title
Term offered
PSY 201 or
PSY 218		 General Psychology(4)
or
Psy Foundations of Ed(3)		 ALL

F, S
PSY 360
or
PSY 390		 Cognitive Psychology(4)
or
Theories of Learning(4)		 ALL

S
ED 200
or
ED 220
or
SPED 200		 Foundations of Ed(3)
or
Intro to Early Child Ed(3)
or
Careers in Human Services		 F, W, S

F, W, S

S
ED 373 Introduction to Curriculum and
Assessment		 F, W, S

 

Students with a major in psychology should meet with an advisor to determine if replacement courses are necessary based on major and minor coursework overlap.

 

FAQ’s

  1. How would a minor in Educational Psychology help me?

The Educational Psychology minor provide students the ability to develop skills that are in demand across a range of settings working with diverse learners (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016).  A list of employment opportunities related to Educational Psychology appears to the left.

 

  1. My major is psychology. Can I minor in educational psychology?

Yes, any major can be combined with a minor in the educational psychology program.  However, if a class is used for the minor (e.g., PSY 201) it can’t also be used for the major.  In other words, students cannot “double-dip” or use the same course for your major and minor. Course substitutions are required for such classes. See your advisor for more information.

 

  1. Do any of these classes have prerequisites?

 Yes, a few courses do have prerequisites.  There are prerequisites for all of the psychology courses which can be satisfied by (1) taking PSY 201 and PSY 202, one of which can count for the “additional social science course” needed for Liberal Arts Core Curriculum (LACC). Some Psy classes also require other prerequisites. See your advisor for more information. None of the Education or Special Education courses have prerequisites.

 

  1. Is a practicum or internship required for this minor?

No, a practicum is not required but it is encouraged as a great way to get real-world job experience and make connections in the field. See your advisor for more information.