This program is designed to prepare you for becoming scholars, practitioners, and educators in program evaluation, assessment, and research methods. Doctoral students integrate theory and analysis to develop the theoretical foundation and technical skills required for research and evaluation-oriented careers. Educational Psychologists apply psychological principles to formal and informal learning settings, with children through adults, to promote the success of students in learning environments.
Program Highlights
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Full time students are support by Graduate Assistantships
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Renowned faculty
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Mentorship intensive
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48 hour program plus dissertation work
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Training and Development Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.
Data Scientists
Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Plan, direct, or coordinate research, instructional, student administration and services, and other educational activities at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Requirements
There are two paths for admission into the EPPE Program: entrance with a Masters' degree and entrance with a Bachelor's degree. Prospective students seeking admission to the Ph.D. in Education with a Concentration in Educational Psychology and Program Evaluation should submit an application that meets the following guidelines:
- Submit transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended.
- Complete and submit an online application. There is a non-refundable application fee for applications to any ODU graduate program.
- Complete a Statement of Purpose essay that discusses evidence of your motivation, competence, and potential as a graduate student/scholar. Address why you fit the program, which faculty you would like to work with and why, as well as how the program will help in your career goals. You may also clarify aspects of your academic record, if needed, in the statement of purpose (e.g., a hardship you faced that led to poor performance in a semester).
- Submit three letters of recommendation from professional sources capable of commenting on your readiness for advanced graduate study. It is advisable to have at least one letter from a current or former professor you've taken a class with or worked with.
- Submit a scholarly writing sample that showcases your verbal and analytical skills/potential. The writing sample may also demonstrate your quantitative skills/potential. Examples include a course paper, technical report, conference paper, journal article, or thesis. If you do not have a scholarly paper to submit or think that you could submit a higher quality original writing sample, we can provide a prompt for you to respond to for the writing sample.
- We encourage applicants whose native language is not English to apply. Applicants whose native language is not English may need to submit a current score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). More information on the English Proficiency Requirement can be found here: http://bvo3.corporatefilmfest.com/admission/proficiency
- Selected applications will be asked to participate in a 30-minute phone interview with program faculty to discuss your goals, qualifications, and interest in the program.
- GRE scores are optional. We are interested in your verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills/potential. GRE scores may be one means of demonstrating aptitude and potential in these areas for some applicants. If you do not submit your GRE scores, we will look for evidence of your aptitudes and potential in your transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, writing samples, and in the interview.
- EPPE is committed to social justice and equity. We encourage submissions from diverse applicants. That is, we encourage diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, disability, and age, among others.
We have a priority deadline of February 1 for fall admission; however, applications are accepted year-round, and students may start the program year-round.
Featured Courses
The course consists of critical discussion and analysis of major learning theories that have influenced learning and instruction in today's schools. Applications of current research to instructional design will be emphasized.
The course consists of critical discussion and analysis of major theories of motivation and research supporting these theories. Applications to education and classroom instruction will be emphasized. Equity concerns related to how to motivate students placed at risk will also be examined. Prerequisites: FOUN 830 and FOUN 831.
Examines procedures and problems in the design and utilization of program evaluation in education. Identifies evaluation purposes and the methods of evaluation especially as affected by organizational behavior, ethical considerations, and political influences. Evaluation methodology includes, but is not limited to, design considerations, data utilization, and teacher evaluation. Both quantitative and qualitative strategies will be covered.
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
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