Educational Psychology & Research Curriculum & Admission Requirements
program structure
Coursework
Supervised College Teaching Experience
Residency requirement
program structure
Comprehensive examination
Dissertation
Graduate Admission
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology & research or a closely related field with at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines, in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants are strongly advised to contact one (or more) of the faculty members in the department prior to applying for the doctoral program.
Application Deadlines
Program Curriculum
Graduate students pursuing the Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Research at KU will need to select a program area of emphasis in Development & Learning (D&L) or Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics (REMS). The student will work closely with an advisor to determine a plan of study. The curriculum requirements outlined below are the minimum required for the degree. To be adequately prepared for an intended career, the student’s advisor may encourage additional coursework or opportunities which may include presenting and/or publishing scholarly papers.
Course requirements
Development & Learning (D&L) Area of Emphasis
- EDUC 800—Education as a Field of Study (3 CR)
- EPSY 800—Development During Youth and Adulthood (3 CR)
- EPSY 802—Child Development (3 CR)
- EPSY 807—Theories and Research in Human Learning (3 CR)
- EPSY 818—Social Development (3 CR) [can sub PSYC 825]
- EPSY 836—Behavior & Systems Neuroscience (3 CR)
- EPSY 837—Neuroscience of Achievement Motivation (3 CR)
- At least 1 course in professional development (e.g., college teaching, grant writing)
- EPSY 810—General Linear Models (3 CR)
- EPSY 822—Educational Scales, Questionnaires, & Sampling (3 CR)
- A course in qualitative methods (e.g., ELPS 871, C&T 808)
- One additional quantitative research course (e.g., EPSY 803, EPSY 812)
- [Note: Up to two relevant courses (6 CR) from the master’s degree can be used to satisfy research skills requirements]
- Students may use their specialization courses / electives to pursue topics of interest related to their study of human development and learning.
- Possible specialization courses include:
Please note, this is a potential plan of study. Please consult with your faculty advisor before enrolling.
Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics (REMS) Area of Emphasis
- EPSY 800 Development during Youth and Adulthood
- EPSY 806 Issues in Human Growth and Development
- EPSY 807 Theories and Research in Human Learning
- EPSY 810 Regression and ANOVA: General Linear Models
- EPSY 811 Analysis of Variance
- EPSY 812 Meta-Analysis
- EPSY 816 Evaluating School Programs
- EPSY 902 Research Methodology in Education
- EPSY 822 Educational Scales, Questionnaires, and Sampling
- EPSY 921 Measurement Theory and Practice I
- EPSY 922 Measurement Theory and Practice II
- EPSY 926 Hierarchical Linear Modeling
- EPSY 999 Doctoral Dissertation
Please note, this is a potential plan of study. Please consult with your faculty advisor before enrolling.
Admission & Curriculum Resources
The online application is designed to give you the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.
Application Checklist
Ph.D. in Educational Psychology & Research
Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:
List
Online application
Complete through the KU Office of Graduate Admissions
Transcripts
One official copy of academic transcripts from each college or university attended
English translation of transcripts
Official transcripts from an international university must include an English translation
Resume or CV
Statement of intent
Please describe: 1) Why you are interested in this degree program, including what skills, competencies, and experiences you hope to gain in the program, 2) Your career goals and how this degree program relates to your career goals (that is, how you see this program preparing you to meet your career objectives), 3) Prior relevant educational, work, and research experiences, 4) One research topic or issue that you would like to pursue in this program, including the faculty member with whom you would like to work, if known.
Online letters of recommendation
Names and email addresses of persons to be asked to complete letters of recommendation who can provide a thorough evaluation of one’s abilities at the graduate level
Proof of English proficiency
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency
Financial document (international students only)
Required by U.S. government in order to issue the I-20 or DS-2019
Application fee
$65 for U.S. residents; $85 for international applicants.
Writing sample
A writing sample of your best academic work.
Program Faculty

Bruce B. Frey

Mary D Fry

David M Hansen

Sean Joo

Neal Martin Kingston

Michael J. Orosco

Meagan M. Patterson

Vicki Peyton

Rafael Quintana