Educational Psychology: Professional Educators
Master of Science in Educational Psychology
Take the next step in your career by earning your Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology designed for educators.
Is this program right for you?
Structured to be convenient and responsive to your needs and interests as an educator, the Master of Science for Professional Educators (MSPE) program at UW–Madison builds your teaching and leadership skills.
The program is designed for practicing educators who need to study at a distance. Your courses are 100% online, so you can conveniently earn your degree from anywhere in the world. Plus, at UW–Madison, you do not have to sacrifice quality for convenience. The same professors that teach our face-to-face programs teach your online courses, and occasional video conferencing keeps you and your instructor connected and engaged in the discussion of coursework and current educational issues. Our curriculum builds depth and breadth in your knowledge and skills, and includes a series of courses which will earn you an instructional coaching certificate in addition to your master’s.
The Master of Science for Professional Educators (MSPE) curriculum is aligned with state and national teaching standards, and your assignments will be tailored to take into account the topic areas you want to strengthen within your teaching practice.
Is this program right for you?
Structured to be convenient and responsive to your needs and interests as an educator, the Master of Science for Professional Educators (MSPE) program at UW–Madison builds your teaching and leadership skills.
The program is designed for practicing educators who need to study at a distance. Your courses are 100% online, so you can conveniently earn your degree from anywhere in the world. Plus, at UW–Madison, you do not have to sacrifice quality for convenience. The same professors that teach our face-to-face programs teach your online courses, and occasional video conferencing keeps you and your instructor connected and engaged in the discussion of coursework and current educational issues. Our curriculum builds depth and breadth in your knowledge and skills, and includes a series of courses which will earn you an instructional coaching certificate in addition to your master’s.
The Master of Science for Professional Educators (MSPE) curriculum is aligned with state and national teaching standards, and your assignments will be tailored to take into account the topic areas you want to strengthen within your teaching practice.
Admissions requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
- Minimum one year of teaching experience.
- Teach during the two years of the program; this can be part-time or full-time in a public or private school, or within a community program or setting wherein you have access to students.
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.
Application materials required:
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
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 for contact information for state licensing boards.
Program highlights
- The Master of Science for Professional Educators (MSPE) curriculum is aligned with state and national teaching standards, and your assignments will be tailored to take into account the topic areas you want to strengthen within your teaching practice.
- MSPE enhances career opportunities. Our students report being better teachers, having more career opportunities, and developing confidence to take on new challenges.
- The same professors that teach our face-to-face programs teach the online courses, and opportunities for video conferencing help keep students and their instructors both connected and engaged throughout the learning process.
- Program curriculum includes a built in Instructional Coaching Certificate
- The UW–Madison Department of Educational Psychology is ranked #1 among departments of educational psychology according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Graduate School rankings.
The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked 5th in the nation in 2022 — marking the ninth straight year it has been rated among the top five by U.S. News and World Report.
How you'll learn
- Fully online curriculum; you choose when you do most of your work each week.
- Complete online projects and classwork as part of a team and individually.
- Learn with assignments tailored to your goals as a teacher.
Sample curriculum
Year 1
- Collaborative Teamwork for Inclusive School Reform
- Support Students Social/Emotional Well-Being
- Engaging with Education Research
- Thinking & Learning
- Current Issues in Education
- Foundations of Instructional Coaching
Year 2
- Organizational Change and Instructional Coaching
- Understanding Legal Rights and Responsibilities
- Current Issues in Education
- Assessment Analysis and Instructional Decision-Making
- Master of Science for Professional Educators Capstone
- Practicum for Instructional Coaching
- Designing and Managing the Learning Environment
Want to sample an online course?
Test drive Canvas, our online learning platform, with modules from an actual UW–Madison master’s program.
Job outlook
- Educators
- Instructional Coaches
- Instructional Specialists
- Curriculum Specialists
- Career/Student Advisors
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ready to learn more about Educational Psychology: Professional Educators?
View the UW-Madison Guide
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Connect with our enrollment coaches
Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:
- Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
- Get help with your application
- Determine if financial aid is available
Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.
I would highly recommend my fellow educators enroll in the MSPE program. Being in the program means you will work with world-class professors from various fields of education and highly motivated classmates who are also in the teaching field. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your growth and become an expert in your areas of interest.
Zhuxin Fang Karoliussen | MS'19, math teacher, Leonardo da Vinci School for Gifted Learners, Green Bay, WI
