The mission of the doctoral program in Educational Psychology at Wayne State University is to prepare professionals to effectively work with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of clinical, educational, and research settings.  The Educational Psychology faculty is committed to preparing psychologists capable of facilitating growth and adjustment of individuals experiencing academic, emotional, and behavioral difficulties.  Graduates of the program teach at the college or university level, enter clinical practice, obtain positions in community mental health agencies and local hospitals, and work within various public and private school systems.

Emphasis on Theory, Research, and Evidence-Based Practices

The program subscribes to the scientist-practitioner model in the practice of psychology, which is reflected in the academic requirements.  The program includes the study of human development from diverse lenses such as biological, cognitive behavioral, socio-cultural, ecological, and educational perspectives.  Another emphasis of the program is in depth knowledge of scientific literature and its applications in the areas of psychology, especially different aspects of human development, motivation, learning processes, therapeutic approaches, and human diversity.  Students are also trained in the areas of research design, methodology, and analyses so that the process of scientific inquires are clearly understood.  With a strong foundation of theory, scientific literature, and research skills, the program strives to train students to draw on empirical literature and scholarly inquiries as a primary basis for professional practice. 

The Educational Psychology Ph.D. program has two tracks of study: Clinical Track and Educational Psychology Research Track (non-clinical).

1.Clinical Track: Students applying for the clinical track of the program must be eligible for the master’s level of licensure as psychologists in the State of Michigan and must meet the department’s educational requirements for admission to the program. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of and meet the requirements for licensure in the state where they expect to practice.

2.Educational Psychology Research Track (non-clinical): Students in the educational psychology research track select a program of study that reflects a non-clinical orientation. This track appeals to students seeking professional positions including academic and research that emphasize human development, learning processes, and evaluation of educational settings. Students completing the research track are not eligible for licensure as a psychologist in the state of Michigan.