Educators pursuing careers as professors, researchers, specialists, administrators, or other types of leadership positions may want to consider a masters degree or PhD in the field of Educational Psychology. The Department of Educational Psychology (EDEP) promotes inquiry in human learning and development within the context of a diverse society.

The primary employers are educational institutions, both public and private, at all levels: K through 12, postsecondary (community colleges and universities). Also, government and private agencies like testing companies, non-profit agencies, research institutes, and private or public educational organizations.

There is no single job title for educational psychologists in organizations, but some examples include program evaluator, educational consultant, test developer, statistician, psychometrician, and educational specialist.

Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree: It is strongly recommended that applicants have graduated, or will graduate, from a UHM recognized, accredited, bachelor’s degree program prior to beginning the MEd, Educational Psychology program
• GPA: 3.0 or above

How to Apply Instructions

Submit Graduate Division Application

• Submit UHM Graduate Application – click on “Apply Here”
  • Select “Educational Psychology – MEd (selected semester)”
  • Complete all four sections
    • Personal Information
    • Academic History
    • Supporting Information
      • ‘Documents’ section: If you have a copy of your unofficial transcripts you would like to include, you can upload it here, otherwise select “I Am Not Adding Any Documents”
      • Note: International students may need to submit English proficiency test scores. Refer to the Graduate Division website for more information.
    • Program Materials
      • Statement of Objectives (Purpose and Research Experience). Provide a 2-4 page statement of purpose in which you describe why you are interested in the MEd in Educational Psychology, what you hope to learn in the program and would like to accomplish after graduation. In addition to your overall statement of purpose, please address the following:
        1. Research Skills and Experience. Briefly describe your research skills and experiences, including any coursework or other preparation in research methods and statistics you have completed.
        2. Other Relevant Experiences. Briefly describe any other relevant experiences you have had that prepared you for this program.
      • Curriculum Vitae or Resumé. Either attach a vitae or briefly summarize your academic and career development to date.
      • Supplement Materials: If you already have a copy of your recommendation forms, you may attach them here. Otherwise, email your recommendation forms directly to edpsych@hawaii.edu
    • Recommendations
      • This tab is not required, as the program prefers that you use and submit the Three (3) recommendation forms directly to the department: edpsych@hawaii.edu (letters are optional; academic recommendations preferred, such as former or current professors). Therefore, for the application, you can select “I Am Not Adding Any Recommendations” 
  • Pay $100 Application fee
  • Send Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended (except for UH system transcripts)
    • Send Electronically: gradss@hawaii.edu
    • Mailing Address:
      • Graduate Division, Student Services
        2540 Maile Way
        Spalding Hall 354
        Honolulu, HI 96822

• International Students may need to submit additional requirements, such as:
  • Applicants who are not native English speakers may need to take the TOEFL or IELTS (Academic) tests. For more information, view the Graduate Division Standardized Exam website.
  • Admitted international students are required to complete a Confidential Financial Statement, which includes identification documents and show proof of sufficient funding. More information can be found at: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/forms/

Visit the UHM Graduate Application Help Center for assistance with the application process.

Campus-Based Program (Evening, hybrid, and online courses at UH Mānoa)

EDEP MEd students are admitted in the fall and spring term each year. EDEP courses are generally offered face to face with one to two classes offered online or using a hybrid model each semester. Classes are usually offered in the late afternoon to accommodate students’ work schedules.

The M.Ed. in Educational Psychology is a 30-credit graduate program of six required core courses and a minimum of twelve elective credits.

Students will choose elective courses differently depending on whether they do a Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis).

Note: full list of courses are in the handbook