Educational Psychology (Ph.D.)

Educational Psychology (Ph.D.) | Graduate

For nearly a century and a half, Howard has been actualizing its mission to improve and expand educational opportunity and access for underrepresented minority students and other underserved communities. We prepare educational leaders with a strong foundation in educational psychology, learning theory, educational assessment, and behavioral intervention.

The Ph.D. program in Educational Psychology at Howard prepares graduates for rewarding careers as psychologists, program evaluators, educational consultants, test developers, statisticians, academicians, and researchers with a strong theoretical and practical foundation in educational psychology, education measurement, psychometric methods, and evaluation research design and methodology. You'll apply scientific knowledge to better understand issues related to learning and motivation, cognition, and human development as these processes apply to educational processes, educational assessment, and behavioral intervention. Our program emphasizes theoretical foundations in school psychology, learning and development theory, and the biological, social, and cognitive-affective bases of development. Our doctoral program also has a strong interdisciplinary focus. As a student in the program, you are expected to complete nine subspecialty credit hours outside of the School of Education in areas of study ranging from policy, educational/instructional technology, measurement and assessment, program evaluation, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, neuroscience, personality psychology, social psychology, political science, sociology, family studies, and statistics. You'll benefit from the close mentorship of faculty with wide-ranging research interests including cross-cultural approaches to cognitive assessment in children, clinical evaluations addressing childhood psychopathology, and the influence of community and classroom contexts on social-emotional learning.

Program Snapshot

      ❱  91 credit hours 
      ❱  Full-time
      ❱  On-campus format
      ❱  Degree: Ph.D.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025 entry: 
      ❱  No spring entry 

Fall 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Nov. 1, 2024 (early deadline)
      ❱  Feb. 1, 2025 (priority deadline)
      ❱  Mar. 1, 2025 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

*Applicants may be asked to participate in an interview

Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by program director)

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Ph.D.

Application for Admission 

• Online PSYCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to PSYCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)
• Interview (Select qualified applicants)

GRE Required?

• No

GRE Preferred Minimums

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: N/A
• Undergrad GPA minimum: N/A

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Clergy
• Friend
• Family Member
• Coworker
• Other

Personal Statement Guidance

Statement of purpose/statement of academic interest should highlight why you wish to pursue a degree in educational psychology and address the following:

• Describe your academic and research interests, identifying specific faculty member(s) with whom you want to work.
• Describe your personal, professional, and educational goals related to the Ph.D. in Educational Psychology.
• How will obtaining your Ph.D. in Educational Psychology enhance you in your current position and/or future career?

Letter of Recommendation Guidance

Provide three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your ability and/or potential for rigorous graduate study, clinical work, and/or research. Whenever possible, Howard University recommends seeking recommendations from faculty members in psychology or practicing professionals in psychology or other mental health disciplines. Letters of recommendation should be submitted through the PSYCAS system. Strong letters of recommendation include the following:

• Discussion of prospective applicants past academic accomplishments with a specific focus on research and scientific endeavors (publications, peer reviewed presentations, supervised research experiences)
• Discussion of prospective applicants' personal strengths that speak to graduate study
• Discussion of professional accolades 
• Prospective applicants' alignment (fit) with prospective program- can include desire to work with a specific faculty member, similar professional focus, etc. 
• Remember that specific examples are also helpful