Department of Educational Psychology
Our Areas of Focus
We deliver top-notch research and hands-on learning in four key areas. We're committed to collaboration, inclusivity, and providing equal opportunities for all while supporting our students, the university, and the community.
Counseling Psychology
The Counseling and Counseling area offers flexible, accredited degree options designed to help you make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you're looking to become a licensed psychologist, professional counselor, or school counselor, we’ll help you get there.
Program options are Counseling Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling.
Our expert faculty bring deep knowledge and real-world experience in areas like multicultural counseling, trauma recovery, LGBTQ+ support, career development, and mental health across the lifespan.
Through strong community partnerships, you'll gain hands-on experience in schools, clinics, and agencies—building the skills and confidence to thrive in your career.
Learning Sciences
The Learning Sciences area offers a range of graduate degrees:
Students in the Learning Sciences track study how people learn by exploring cognitive processes, emotion regulation, and research methods. The program focuses on applying learning theory to the design of effective educational tools and environments.
The IDET degree prepares students to design, implement, and evaluate instructional technologies, blending theory with hands-on experience in tech-based learning environments.
The Statistical and Research Methods degree trains students in the research and statistical techniques used to study learning and educational psychology. Faculty also support graduate research across the university as statistical advisors.
Reading & Literacy
The Reading and Literacy area offers both master’s and doctoral degrees focused on improving literacy education in pre K–12 settings.
The Master of Education in Reading & Literacy prepares current educators to become leaders in literacy instruction. It combines research-based theory with practical classroom application and is ideal for teachers, reading specialists, instructional coaches, school media specialists, and administrators.
The Ph.D. in Reading & Literacy is designed for those with a master’s degree who want to conduct advanced research
in reading, writing, and language. The program emphasizes both theoretical and applied
research, fieldwork, and interdisciplinary study aimed at solving real-world literacy
challenges.
Graduates are equipped to lead and innovate in literacy education across a variety
of educational contexts.
School Psychology
The School Psychology area offers both specialist/master’s and doctoral degrees. It is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Faculty bring expertise in areas such as behavioral interventions, autism, brain injuries, early childhood support, neuropsychological assessment, school-wide behavior strategies, and diversity. Students can also receive focused training in High-Incidence Disabilities and Leadership in Severe Disabilities.
Students gain valuable hands-on experience through strong partnerships with local schools, clinics, hospitals, agencies, and state organizations. Faculty and students are actively involved in real-world clinical and research projects.
Educational Psychology Highlights
Building a Community of Scholars and Leaders
260+
Students currently enrolled in our programs
91
Degrees awarded in the 2024 fiscal year
3.9
Average GPA of recent graduates in the 2024 fiscal yearUndergraduate & Certificate
Master's Degrees
Doctoral Degrees
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Labs, Centers & Clinics
Our department is home to a variety of labs, centers, and clinics dedicated to advancing mental health, educational assessment, and learning technologies. These facilities provide essential services and conduct cutting-edge research to support individuals across the lifespan, from children to adults.
Department News
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Utah youth mental health advocacy event builds momentum for change
On May 6, 2025, the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative (USMHC) and Mending Minds Village hosted the Youth Mental Health Advocacy Event at the Utah State Capitol, honoring National Children's Mental Health Awareness Month. With support from Voices for Utah Children, Live Like Sam, and WeBeWell, the event welcomed about 80 attendees, including parents, community members, and policymakers, to raise awareness and foster advocacy for youth mental health.
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Assistant Professor Lynne Zummo receives Faculty Small Grant Program award to transform museum learning at NHMU
Lynne Zummo, Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology and Curator of Learning Sciences at the Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU), has been awarded a Faculty Small Grant Program (FSGP) award from the VPR Office for her project, “Scaffolding Data Practices for Museum Learning: Deepening Experiences with Data, Evidence, and the Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry.”
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Assistant Professor Chenglu Li's AI-based ALTER-Math project paves the way for kids to learn math by teaching it
Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology and One-U Responsible AI Initiative fellow Chenglu Li discusses advances in his AI-augmented Learning by Teaching to Enhance and Renovate Math Learning (ALTER-Math) project.
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Professors Keith Radley & Aaron Fischer Rank in National School Psychology Activity
The College of Education is proud to share that Professor Keith Radley and Professor Aaron Fischer have been recognized on the list of “Top 50 School Faculty Scholars” through their contributions and representation to the field of school psychology.