Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q.What is Educational Psychology?
A.
- Educational Psychology is a branch of psychology that seeks to understand human growth, behavior, and learning from multiple perspectives.
- In working with people, it is important to understand differences in physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and cultural development.
- Educational psychological principles of motivation, learning, and behavior are integral skills for careers in which people teach, train, assess/evaluate, counsel, manage, consult, and collaborate with a variety of clients (children, adolescents, parents, teachers, employees) in multiple contexts (homes, schools, community agencies, hospitals, business).
Q.What are my career options with this degree?
A.
The career possibilities are endless!
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) (*during the program)
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) Certification (*upon graduation)
- School Interventionist/Behavior Specialist in the Schools
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist
- Child Life Advocate
- Caseworker
- Academic Advisor
- Admissions Evaluator
- College Recruiter
- Wilderness Therapy Guide
- College/Employment Counselor
- Employee Relations Specialist
- Personnel Recruiter
- Community Program Manager
- Activities Director
- (General/Special Education) Paraprofessionals
- Student Support Assistant
- Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Management Analyst
- Psychiatric Aide/Technician
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Victim’s Advocate
The University of Utah also offers guidance and support for students' entering the job market: https://careers.utah.edu/
Q.Will I get professional certifications?
A.
RBT: While in the program, students have an opportunity to be credentialed as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). The RBT is a paraprofessional certification in *behavior analysis.
BCaBA: Upon graduation, students have an opportunity to be credentialed as a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). The BCaBA is an undergraduate-level certification in behavior analysis.
BCBA: Through additional coursework in a graduate program, students have an opportunity to be credentialed as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BCBA is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis.
*Behavior Analysis is concerned with describing, understanding, predicting, and changing behaviors. It’s been used to help people in areas of diet, exercise, drug addiction, juvenile delinquency, classroom learning, social skills, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, and organizational change.
Average Annual Income
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT): $35,000 - $45,000
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA): $45,000 - $55,000
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): $60,000+
Q.What are my graduate school options after I graduate?
A.The B.A. or B.S. in Educational Psychology can prepare you for master’s and doctoral programs in:
- School Psychology (EdS/Ph.D.)
- School Counseling (M.Ed)
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed)
- Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.)
- BCBA Certification
- Health Education & Wellness Coaching (M.S.)
- Parks, Recreation, & Tourism (M.S.)
- Social Work (M.S.W.)
- Human Development & Social Policy (M.S./Ph.D.)
- Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.)
- Education, Culture, & Society (M.A./M.Ed./M.S./Ph.D)
- Education, Leadership, & Policy (Ed.D./M.Ed./Ph.D.)
Q.What's the difference between the BA and the BS degree?
A.
- A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree demonstrates proficiency in math. The B.S. degree requires two Quantitative Intensive (QI) courses.
- A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree demonstrates proficiency in a second language. The B.A. degree requires fourth semester proficiency in a second language. You can take a language proficiency test to prove language proficiency or be placed in the appropriate level class: https://languages.utah.edu/language-requirements/language-placement-testing.php
Q.How do I apply?
A.Click HERE for our application form!