What to Expect

Educational psychology is not a program you should rush in to. Keep in mind that school counselors need a wide range of experiences.

Educational psychology students learn to help people learn. They teach students to resolve crises and deal with developmental issues. They work to create the best environments for education.

Matt Rohrkemper is taking a master of arts in school psychology and an education specialist degree at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana.

He enjoys the program's focus on diversity. He also enjoys learning about how different cultural backgrounds can influence different situations.

He balances a full-time job at a school with his full-time studies. "It is hard to fit all of the work that is required of me into the time that I have," he says. He has developed a time management system to make the most of his time.

Rohrkemper plans to become a school psychologist at the school where he currently works. He has been enjoying his program's small class size. It allows him to get to know his classmates. Plus, he receives more personal attention from professors.

"These relationships are important because, as we enter the field, these people will be valuable resources that I can count on for collaboration and professional opinions.

"Separate from the program, the field of school psychology is dominated by women, making it easier for men to find jobs upon the completion of their training," he says.

Gabrielle Young agrees that small class sizes are more common in graduate and post-graduate studies. She studies philosophy in education, with a focus on educational psychology and special education. She had 15 classmates in her master's program. In her current PhD program, she has 10 classmates.

"Having a smaller cohort of students enables lively class discussions. It is a very enriching experience, and is very different from the lecture-style instruction most undergraduate students experience," she says.

Young warns that graduate students may feel alienated during the research component of the degree. That's because you do a lot of independent research. She suggests students seek out on-campus workshops or graduate student support groups. There, you will meet students in the same boat.

Getting your PhD is not an easy ride. Expect long reading lists and lots of research. Graduate students may also participate in committees and other extracurricular activities at the school, adding to a busy schedule.

Doctoral students are often required to work as research assistants or teaching assistants, and are paid for their work.

"If you approach the doctoral program as you would any career, and work 9 to 5, it is manageable," says Young.

Rohrkemper spends two to four hours daily on school-related activities. "These numbers fluctuate a great deal -- especially during mid-term and finals time," he says.

Graduate students with high grades might be able to get funding for their studies. This might include paid tuition or paid work.

Expenses for attending professional conferences or other travel costs are rarely covered. And there are textbooks to purchase. "I have spent anywhere from $250 to $350 per semester (three or four classes) on textbooks," says Rohrkemper. He tries to find cheaper books by shopping online.

How to Prepare

If your high school offers psychology, sociology or anthropology courses, Rohrkemper recommends you sign up. You can also take these courses during your undergraduate degree.

Although courses will get you on the right track, they don't compare to experience. Rohrkemper has worked for five years as a special education teacher's assistant at the junior high and high school levels.

"Employment in this capacity has given me a rich understanding of the way the special education system works (and doesn't), as well as hands-on experience with students with a variety of disabilities," says Rohrkemper.

Young agrees that interested candidates should have some experience working in an educational setting.