Department of Educational Psychology

The science of helping people

Educational psychology sits at the intersection of learning, development, and human well-being. In the field, care and science work hand in hand helping you understand how people think and overcome challenges. Through research, practice, and mentorship, you’ll gain knowledge through theory and application to support learners of all ages and become an advocate who makes a measurable difference in your community. Whether you envision yourself working in K-12 schools, higher education, nonprofit agencies, or health care settings, a degree in Educational Psychology will prepare you for a career anchored in compassion, evidence-based practice, and most importantly, meaningful impact.

Why study Educational Psychology at NAU

At NAU, you’ll explore the science of learning, behavior, and development through collaborative work that blends theory and real-world practice. With small class sizes and impactful resources, you’ll feel supported and included from day one. From counseling and assessment to research and intervention, you’ll gain the skills to support individuals, families, groups and organizations across Arizona and beyond.

If you’re coming from a community college, the Applied Human Behavior 90-30 program gives you a flexible, affordable pathway to finishing your bachelor’s degree and preparing for careers in behavioral or mental health support, or for graduate study. If you’re considering advanced training, you’ll find that Educational Psychology’s most popular programs are its graduate and doctoral degrees, which blend academic coursework with hands-on experience in schools, community health settings, and NAU counseling clinics across Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma. NAU’s APA-accredited Combined Counseling/School Psychology PhD program is most notably the only APA Combined program in Arizona and one of just three in the entire country.

Learning outcomes

As an Educational Psychology major at NAU, you will:

• learn and demonstrate evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and treatment skills.
• understand the varied methods of assessment and data collection methods for identifying strengths and needs, developing effective services and programs, and measuring progress and outcomes.
• apply consultation and collaboration skills in interdisciplinary settings, taking into account the unique needs of systems located in the rural Southwest.
• explore the biological, cultural, developmental, and social influences on behavior and mental health; behavioral and emotional impacts on learning and life skills; and evidence-based strategies to promote social-emotional functioning and mental health.
• analyze school and system structure, organization, and theory; general and special education; technology resources; and evidence-based school practices that promote academic outcomes, learning, social development, and mental health.

College of Education Research Center

The College of Education Research Center (COERC) supports research across the many disciplines that make up the college, including Educational Psychology, and is available to you as a resource at NAU. Founded on the belief that research is central to the mission of higher education, COERC fosters projects that advance knowledge, inform practice, and benefit communities.

Learning in action

You'll participate in an integrative training model that blends current theory with meaningful, real-world practice as a student in the Department of Educational Psychology. Through supervised practica, counseling clinics, internships, and faculty-guided research, you’ll gain not only the credentials but the clarity and expertise to launch a meaningful career.

Dedicated support

You’ll experience support that is personal and purposeful, and meant to evolve alongside your goals. From your first semester onward, you’ll be surrounded by mentors who understand your path and are invested in your success.

Intentional mentorship

With small class sizes and personalized advising, faculty create a learning environment that centers around curiosity, care, and professional growth. With a community committed to your development, you’ll find guidance and encouragement at every step.

Graduate assistantships

If you attend the Mountain Campus, a graduate assistantship is a great way to offset expenses associated with pursuing your advanced degree. If awarded, you’ll earn a stipend, 100% tuition waiver, and coverage of the student health insurance premium in exchange for around 20 hours of work each week. Full-time enrollment (at least nine credit hours per term) and other eligibility requirements apply. After you accept admission, your Program Coordinator will support you in exploring assistantship placements that align with your background and interests. Other NAU campuses may offer limited assistantship opportunities, with hourly rates available as an alternative.