This is a named option in the Educational Psychology M.S.
The Master of Science in Educational Psychology named option Professional Educator (MSPE) is a convenient, fully online education program offered through the Department of Educational Psychology in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
MSPE integrates courses from three School of Education departments—Educational Psychology, Curriculum and Instruction, and Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis—leading to a Master of Science in Educational Psychology degree. In just two years, teaching professionals can complete this degree in one of the leading educational psychology departments (as listed in the rankings of the U.S. News & World Report’s edition of best graduate schools).
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website. Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online. |
| Fall Deadline | This program does not admit in the fall. |
| Spring Deadline | The program does not admit in the spring. |
| Summer Deadline | May 1 |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Not required. |
| English Proficiency Test | Every applicant whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must provide an English proficiency test score and meet the Graduate School minimum requirements (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/#english-proficiency). |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 2 |
GENERAL INFORMATION
- The admissions deadline is April 1; however, the application period is closed when enrollment capacity is reached. Applying early is important.
- We use a “rolling admissions” process in which applications are reviewed as they are received.
- Applicants are informed of their enrollment status within a few weeks of their applications.
- Please note that GRE scores are not required.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher based on the last 60 credits earned from the degree granting institution.
- Two years or more of PK–12 teaching experience.
- Basic computer skills and equipment.
- Teaching PK–12 during the two years enrolled in the program is required. This can be part-time or full-time in a public or private school.
There are circumstances in which exceptions can be made regarding admissions requirements. Please contact us with questions.
All applicants are advised to determine whether this program meets requirements for licensure in the state where they live. See the U.S. Department of Education website for contact information for state licensing boards.
Graduate School Resources
Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.
Program Resources
Information on financial aid is available through the UW–Madison Office of Student Financial Aid.
Students enrolled in the MSPE program are not permitted to accept teaching assistantships, project assistantships, research assistantships, and/or other appointments that would result in a tuition waiver.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Named Option Requirements
MODE OF INSTRUCTION
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | Yes | No | No |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students are able to complete a program with minimal disruptions to careers and other commitments. Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments. Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus. Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information. Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format. |
CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 30 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 30 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | Half of degree coursework (15 credits out of 30 total credits) must be completed graduate-level coursework; courses with the Graduate Level Coursework attribute are identified and searchable in the university's Course Guide (https://registrar.wisc.edu/course-guide/). |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. |
| Other Grade Requirements | The Graduate School requires an average grade of B or better in all coursework (300 or above, not including research credits) taken as a graduate student unless conditions for probationary status require higher grades. Grades of Incomplete are considered to be unsatisfactory if they are not removed during the next enrolled semester. |
| Assessments and Examinations | Contact the program for information on required assessments and examinations. |
| Language Requirements | Contact the program for information on any language requirements. |
Required COURSES
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Summer Term | ||
| CURRIC 731 | Collaborative Teamwork for Inclusive School Reform | 3 |
| CURRIC 713 | Technology Integration for Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| ED PSYCH 752 | Engaging with Education Research | 1 |
| Year 1, Fall Term | ||
| ELPA/ED PSYCH 780 | Teacher Leadership and Learning Communities | 4 |
| Year 1, Spring Term | ||
| ELPA 640 | Legal Rights and Responsibilities for Teachers | 3 |
| ED PSYCH 711 | Current Topics in Educational Psychology | 1 |
| Year 2, Summer Term | ||
| CURRIC 537 | Teaching Diverse Learners | 3 |
| ED PSYCH 745 | Designing and Managing the Learning Environment | 2 |
| ED PSYCH 711 | Current Topics in Educational Psychology | 1 |
| Year 2, Fall Term | ||
| ED PSYCH 791 | Master of Science for Professional Educators Capstone | 1 |
| ED PSYCH 570 | Foundations of Educational Measurement | 3 |
| Year 2, Spring Term | ||
| ED PSYCH 711 | Current Topics in Educational Psychology | 4 |
| Total Credits | 29 | |
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Major-Specific Policies
Graduate Program Handbook
A Graduate Program Handbook containing all of the program's policies and requirements is forthcoming from the program.
Prior Coursework
Graduate Work from Other Institutions
No credits from other institutions are allowed to count toward the degree.
UW–Madison Undergraduate
No credits from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to count toward the degree.
UW–Madison University Special
No credits taken as a UW–Madison University Special student are allowed to count toward the degree.
Probation
The Graduate School regularly reviews the record of any student who earned grades of BC, C, D, F, or Incomplete in a graduate course (300 or above), or grade of U in research credits. This review could result in academic probation with a hold on future enrollment or in being suspended from the Graduate School.
ADVISOR / COMMITTEE
Every graduate student is required to have an advisor. To ensure that students are making satisfactory progress toward a degree, the Graduate School expects them to meet with their advisor on a regular basis.
An advisor generally serves as the thesis advisor. In many cases, an advisor is assigned to incoming students. Students can be suspended from the Graduate School if they do not have an advisor. An advisor is a faculty member, or sometimes a committee, from the major department responsible for providing advice regarding graduate studies.
A committee often accomplishes advising for the students in the early stages of their studies.
CREDITS PER TERM ALLOWED
15 credits
Time Constraints
Master’s degree students who have been absent for five or more consecutive years lose all credits that they have earned before their absence. Individual programs may count the coursework students completed prior to their absence for meeting program requirements; that coursework may not count toward Graduate School credit requirements.
Other
Students in the MSPE program are not permitted to hold assistantships with tuition remission.
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.