Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology
The Master's program in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology (ADEP) at the Lynch School of Education and Human Development is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of children and youth, as well as the influence of families, schools, and communities on development. It is ideal for individuals who are interested in making meaningful differences in children's lives through education, advocacy, research, policy, or direct services.
Students work closely with faculty mentors to create an individualized program that addresses their specific areas of interest and career goals. Our program provides opportunities to complete internships, collaborate on research, and engage informally with faculty in ways that enable students to better integrate theory and practice. As part of their Master's studies, students also may elect to complete a certificate in one of our 5 areas of specialization: Positive Youth Development, Child and Family Mental Health, Human Rights and International Justice, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Early Childhood Leadership.
- Learn to critically analyze and evaluate research, programs and policies related to developmental and educational psychology
- Learn to communicate about research and current controversies in the field through collegial discussions in courses and close collaborations with faculty
- Learn how to apply disciplinary knowledge to real-world situations through field placements and internships
At a Glance
How many courses?
This program is an equal mix of core courses and electives which allow students to create individualized programs tailored to their interests and career goals.
The program consists of 10 courses and 30 credits.
How long will it take?
Full-time students complete the program in 1 to 2 years.
Part-time students complete their program in 2 or more years.
When can I start?
Students can begin the program in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
What will I study?
Curriculum
- Courses: 10
- Credits: 30
- Comprehensive Exam
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| APSY7418 | Applied Child Development This course will help teachers understand principles of learning and cognitive, linguistic, social, and affective development as they apply to classroom practices. Students will focus on the acquisition of strategies that enable them to assess and understand how they and the children they work with are constructors of meaning. This course is designed for individuals beginning their professional development in education who plan to work with children. |
3 |
| APSY7419 | Applied Adolescent Development This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the theoretical and empirical knowledge base concerning adolescent development. In particular, four broad areas will be considered: (1) psychological, biological, and cognitive transitions; (2) central developmental tasks of adolescence; (3) primary contextual influences; and (4) prevalent types of problematic functioning that emerge during adolescence. The overarching goals of the course are to provide a solid and broad understanding of how and why adolescents develop in the manner they do, and to extend this developmental understanding into research, application, and practice. |
3 |
| APSY7617 | Learning and Cognition Discusses theories of learning and cognitive development, explores roles of biology and environment, and examines different interpretations of environment. Discusses whether learning and cognitive development are similar or different processes. Also examines the nature of intelligence, role of instruction in learning, nature of instruction, and how transfer of learning to new contexts is achieved. Practical applications of theory and research are discussed. |
3 |
| APSY7470 | Advanced Practicum: Applied Psychology Students meet once a week to discuss their required field work (8-10 hours per week) and to relate their field work to psychological theories, research, and applications. Readings and discussion contribute to critical analyses of how social issues and social problems are situated differently due to gender, race, social class, and diversities of language, ability, sexuality, etc. Participants will explore strategies for translating this knowledge and experience into resources that enable them to identify future career options. |
3 |
Students will choose one of the following:
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| APSY7460 | Interpretation and Evaluation of Research This course will improve a students' understanding of the empirical research literature in education and psychology. It concentrates on developing the conceptual foundations of empirical research and the practical analytic skills needed by a competent reader and user of research articles. Topics address purpose statements, hypotheses, sampling techniques, sample sizes and power, instrument development, internal and external validity, and typical quantitative research designs. Exercises emphasize the critical evaluation of published research. |
3 |
| APSY7468 | Introductory Statistics An introduction to descriptive statistics. Topics include methods of data summarization and presentation; measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and linear regression; the normal distribution; probability; and an introduction to hypothesis testing. Provides computer instruction on PC and Mac platforms and in the SPSS statistical package. |
3 |
| APSY7469 | Intermediate Statistics Topics and computer exercises address tests of means, partial and part correlations, multiple regression, analysis of variance with planned and post hoc comparisons, analysis of covariance, repeated measures analysis, elements of experimental design, and power analysis. |
3 |
| APSY8851 | Design of Qualitative Research Introduces the foundations and techniques of carrying out qualitative research. Topics include philosophical underpinnings, planning for a qualitative research project, negotiating entry, ethics of conducting research, data collection and analysis, and writing/presenting qualitative research. Requires a research project involving participant observation and/or interviewing. |
3 |
Students will choose 5 electives (3 credits each) with the help of their advisor.
| Course | Course Title | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| APSY8100 | Master’s Comprehensive Exam In order to ensure that all students graduating from the master's program have a fundamental understanding of the field which they are about to enter, they are required to complete a comprehensive examination covering the broad areas of the core courses. |
0 |
Where do our graduates work?
Boston Children's Hospital
Research Assistant
Newton Public Schools
Elementary Teacher
Up Academy
Teacher
Education Development Center (EDC)
Researcher
Boston University
Research Technician
Choate Rosemary Hall
College Counselor
Career paths chosen by previous graduates of the ADEP MA Program.
Financial Assistance
Education should level the playing field. We feel the same way about financial aid.
The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $7.5 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable.
Application Information
PrintClick the boxes below for additional details on each item
Deadlines
- Fall
Regular Decision - 1/6
- Rolling Admission
- Until 6/1
- Intl. Applicants
- Until 6/1
- Spring
Regular Decision - 11/1
- Summer
Regular Decision - 4/1
Apply Now
To be eligible for the doctoral program, applicants must already hold a master's degree.
A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required; however, this fee is waived for select applicants.
Résumé
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.
Personal Statement
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
Letters of Recommendation
Identification of recommenders/instructions to recommenders are outlined in the online Application Form.
Three letters of recommendation are required with at least one required from an academic source. Applicants with significant relevant professional experience may submit additional recommendations from supervisors.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in lieu of official transcripts for the application review process. In the event that one is admitted into a program and enrolls, our office will need official transcripts prior to course registration. To expedite application processing times, our office encourages you to send unofficial transcripts electronically to our email address at GSOE@BC.EDU. Please note that unofficial transcripts must include all of the following items:
- Course titles and grades for each course
- Year and entry term for each of the courses listed
- Translated into English by certified translation agent (if not already in English)
- Original and translated transcripts must be provided
If you are able to secure official transcripts, please note the following:
- An official postsecondary transcript must be printed on official institutional paper and include at least one of the following: an institutional watermark, the registrar’s signature, or the registrar's seal.
- Copies and unofficial transcripts sent directly from applicants are not acceptable, the transcript must come directly from the institution.
- If you are a current student and have not completed your undergraduate and/or graduate degree, the most updated version of your transcript is acceptable.
Official electronic transcripts are accepted when sent directly to gsoe@bc.edu from the institution. When requesting electronic transcripts, you must manually type in gsoe@bc.edu to ensure it is received by our office.
Mailed transcript(s) should be sent to the following address:
Lynch Office of Graduate Admissions, Boston College
Campion Hall 135
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Standardized Tests
Submitting GRE test scores is optional and not required for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 applicants. If you wish to send GRE scores, the Lynch School GRE code is 3218.
Writing Sample
Not required.
International Students
International applicants are encouraged to apply to the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Learn about requirements for international students.
Academic Tools
Contact Us
gsoe@bc.edu
617-552-4214