Developmental & Learning Sciences Specialization
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Psychology
Master of Arts (M.A.)
The master's degree program is designed to provide students with the foundational background and research skills necessary to advance their career goals and/or (with a thesis) enter into a Ph.D. program. Students completing our master's program have worked as teachers, as educational/training personnel in schools and the private sector, in psychology and/or educational research support positions, and in other public and private sector positions that require masters-level skills and training. The DLS program has two potential tracks for incoming master's degree students:
1.) The applied track is designed for students seeking a terminal master's degree in Educational Psychology and/or for those who wish to complete a thesis and perhaps apply to a Ph.D. program at a later date. Students can elect whether to complete a research thesis or to concentrate on coursework. Thesis work typically extends the amount of time required to complete the degree relative to the non-thesis option.
2.) The Ph.D. track is designed for students with a strong background in psychology and substantial research experience. Students admitted to the Ph.D. track are simultaneously admitted to the master's program and (contingently) to the Ph.D. program with the expectation that they will continue directly into the Ph.D. program upon successful completion of the degree requirements and the master's thesis. Most thesis work typically extends the amount of time required to complete the master's degree.
Program Director
Dr. Mary Zeleny
220 TEAC
mgzeleny@unl.edu
The Roger and Mary Bruning Scholarship
New DLS graduate students are eligible for the Roger and Mary Bruning Scholarship each year. Recipients receive a $5,000 award applied towards tuition and fees. All new applicants are automatically considered for the Bruning Scholarship.
Roger Bruning was a long-time DLS faculty member who recently retired and he and his wife Mary have given generously to our program in order to provide this award.
Application to this program
Admission to the master's program requires a bachelor's degree and evidence of ability to complete the master's degree. There are no specific GPA or other score requirements, but factors considered include: coursework in psychology and/or education, previous grades, letters of recommendation, relevant experience, match of goals to program, and availability of a suitable advisor.
All DLS master's students must meet DLS, Educational Psychology, and the Office of Graduate Studies' degree requirements.
Application Guidance: Include your CV/resume, all relevant previous transcripts, three (3) strong letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an optional writing sample (e.g., undergraduate honors thesis). Candidates who do not include all required documents may not be considered. Indicate in your personal statement your preference for the applied track (MA) or Ph.D. track. Your personal statement should concentrate on your relevant experiences and your future academic and professional goals. Tell us why you want this degree from this program, and why you are a good fit for the program. If there is a professor within our program with whom you would like to work with as an advisor, please indicate that in your letter. Choose reference letter writers that are familiar with your academic success and potential.