What does an educational psychologist do?

I'm curious about the field of educational psychology. What does an educational psychologist do on a day-to-day basis, and what kind of training is required to enter this profession?

Educational psychologists work in various settings to enhance the learning processes and educational experiences of both individuals and groups. Their work often centers around understanding how people learn and developing ways to improve learning outcomes.

Daily, an educational psychologist might:

- Conduct assessments or diagnostic tests on individuals to evaluate their mental cognitive, and behavioral well-being.

- Develop instructional methods and educational programs to enhance learning and improve educational systems.

- Research factors affecting learning and devise strategies to address these.

- Collaborate with educators, parents, and students to provide supportive learning environments.

- Advocate for educational policy changes based on their research.

In terms of training, individuals seeking to become educational psychologists typically need to start with a bachelor's degree, normally in psychology or a related field. Afterward, they commonly pursue a master's degree in psychology, educational psychology, or a similar field.

The specific coursework often includes studying the psychology of learning, child development, research methods, and statistical analysis. Gaining practical experience through internships or practicums is also highly valuable during this training.

Next up is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Psychology. The doctoral program often involves courses related to the psychological foundations of education, learning and cognition, human development, and educational policy. At the same time, doctoral students are expected to perform original doctoral research.

Upon earning their doctorate, individuals typically need to complete a post-doctoral training period and then become licensed to practice as an educational psychologist in their state, which often involves passing a state licensing exam.

Remember, it is an involved career choice that requires many years of study and a deep passion for learning and education, but if you feel that this path fits your interests, it can be an incredibly rewarding job.