Department of Educational Psychology

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Educational Psychology is to promote the development and application of scientific knowledge across contexts. To do so, our faculty members are committed to:

  • Producing high-quality, innovative research and scholarship;
  • Providing effective and culturally inclusive instructional technologies to prepare practitioners and researchers to use the tools, resources, and strategies necessary to improve the educational experience of all learners;
  • Preparing culturally competent scientist-practitioners and researchers to effectively contribute to the applied psychological development and well-being of children and adolescents;
  • Providing responsive educational and psychological services to the local community, schools, and beyond; and
  • Engaging in participatory and leadership roles in local, national, and international institutions and organizations.

The Department of Educational Psychology faculty provide valuable support to other departments and program areas within the College of Education and Human Development and throughout the University by teaching courses based on foundational educational psychology concepts in areas such as learning, motivation, development, assessment, and research methods. At this time, the Department of Educational Psychology offers four graduate degrees: the Master of Arts in Applied Educational Psychology (with concentrations in Learning, Motivation, and Development or Program Evaluation and Applied Research), the Master of Arts in School Psychology, the Master of Science in Behavior Analysis, and the Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology. The Department also offers three graduate certificates: Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, Certificate in Language Acquisition and Bilingual Psychoeducational Assessment, and Certificate in Program Evaluation and Applied Research. (See the UTSA Graduate Catalog for further information.)

Criminal History Policy and Acknowledgement

The College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) prepares educators and professionals for fields which require fieldwork, internship, practicum, service-learning, and/or clinical teaching. Placements occur in educational, clinical, and health care facilities; hospitals; and/or medical settings which require a criminal background check. The University of Texas at San Antonio is required to inform students of the requirements set forth by the Texas Occupation Code, Chapter 53, Sections 53.001 through 53.105.

All COEHD prospective students in a licensure or certification program are required to acknowledge that they have been made aware of these requirements and that they have read the COEHD Criminal History Policy. For more information and for completing the acknowledgement form, please visit the Office of Professional Preparation and Partnerships in the College of Education and Human Development.

Educational Psychology (EDP) Courses

EDP 1333. Introduction to Behavior Technician. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides students with the opportunity to explore how human behavior works and to learn techniques to manage and understand it better. From the basics to more advanced methods, the course covers many topics in the field of behavior analysis. This course is for students who are curious about why people do what they do. The class can also satisfy the coursework requirements for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certificate. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

EDP 2003. Introduction to Behavior Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This class focuses on the foundational principles and procedures of behavior analysis and behavior management. Students will learn assessment and intervention skills that can be applied as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT). Coursework emphasizes theories and techniques of behavioral intervention for children, teenagers, and adults with behavior challenges. By completing this course, students will fulfill the coursework requirement for the RBT certification, opening doors to job opportunities in the field of behavior analysis. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

EDP 2113. Learning How to Learn: Strategies for College and Career Success. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course will provide students with the opportunity to be immersed in the theoretical and empirical study of learning by engaging in experiences and activities drawn directly from the disciplinary research of the field of educational psychology. Students will learn about their own learning through opportunities and activities designed to help them nurture their personal academic and career goals. Topics will include an emphasis on the major theories of learning and motivation as explored through the lens of the college-going experience (including exploring career aptitudes and interests, how to apply for and navigate the college experience). Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

EDP 3203. Learning and Development in the Secondary School Adolescent. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and satisfaction of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirement. An introduction to major theories of learning and development, with an emphasis on applications for planning, instruction, classroom management, and design of learning environments at the secondary level. Topics include individual and group differences, motivation, and secondary-level classroom management. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

EDP 3303. Learning and Development in the Middle School Context (Grades 4–8). (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and satisfaction of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirement. An introduction to the major theories of learning and development, with an emphasis on applications for planning, instruction, classroom management, and design of learning environments at the middle school level (grades 4–8). Topics include child and adolescent development, individual and group-level differences, student motivation, and classroom management. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

EDP 3503. Motivation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

In this class, you will apply the principles of behavior analysis to yourself. Why do you do the things you do? Why are some activities more effective than others in trying to achieve goals? How can you reach your goals? This course will address all of these questions and will help students understand environmental effects on people's motivation and how to arrange your life for success. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 75.00.

EDP 3513. Autism. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: EDP 3673. In this class, you will learn about autism, the unique needs of individuals diagnosed with autism, how individuals are diagnosed, and how to tailor treatment programs to address their strengths and needs. You will also learn about the roles of interdisciplinary teams and how team members can effectively collaborate to provide a successful wrap-around service model. This course fulfills competency requirement for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification. It includes an experiential learning opportunity. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 75.00.

EDP 3673. Introduction to Behavior Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Why do humans, animals, and other organisms behave the way they do? Is behavior predictable? Can you change behavior? In this class, you will learn about the principles of behavior analysis and behavior change. As an introductory course to behavior analysis, special attention will be paid to philosophy, terminology, and methods. This class fulfills coursework requirement for Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) certification. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 $75.

EDP 3693. Behavior Analytic Intervention and Treatment. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: EDP 3673. This course will provide students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge about evidenced-based instructional practices based on the science of behavior analysis. Students will have the opportunity to learn to design appropriate function-based interventions, learn how to apply those interventions, and make decisions based on patient data to inform future interventions. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

EDP 4103. Introduction to School Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This seminar course examines the profession of school psychology, including: historical foundations of the school psychology profession, roles and functions of school psychologists, relationship to other specialties in psychology and education, graduate training and models of professional preparation, licensure, certification, career paths, diversity of practice settings, diversity of client populations served, current topics in research, educational settings, professional practice, and legal and ethical dilemmas facing school psychologists. Course fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

EDP 4203. Assessment and Evaluation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Completion of all requirements for admission to the Teacher Certification Program, including, but not limited to, satisfaction of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirement, and completion of EDU 2103, and EDP 3203 or EDP 3303. This course will discuss the principles and techniques necessary to develop sound assessment strategies for data-driven decision-making in classrooms. This course will focus on the role of summative and formative assessment in planning and classroom instruction, the creation of test items, administration of classroom evaluation procedures, and the roles of testing, measurement, and evaluation in daily classroom practice. The use and interpretation of standardized tests, alternative assessments, and norm- and criterion-referenced assessments will also be discussed, as well as theoretical and ethical issues related to testing and evaluation. This course must be completed with a grade of "B-" or better for it to serve as a prerequisite for Clinical Teaching: Grades 7-12 or Clinical Teaching: Grades EC-12. Restricted course, advisor code required for registration. Generally offered: Fall and Spring. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

EDP 4683. Advanced Behavior Analysis. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: EDP 3673 and EDP 3693. Advanced applications of the theory, principles, processes, concepts, and terminology of behavior analysis, and the learning principles on which behavior analysis is based within applied medical and clinical settings. In this course, students learn how to design and evaluate experimental interventions. Selection of intervention outcomes based on functional behavioral assessments are emphasized. Students learn to make recommendations to clients detailing all contingencies of targeted behavior change. Ethical considerations in the use of behavioral interventions will also be discussed. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.

EDP 4693. Sharknado: What a popular movie and natural disaster can teach us about human behavior. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

In this class, you will learn about human behavior before, during, and after a catastrophic event. We will use historical events to uncover patterns of human behavior that help us understand and predict human behavior during a catastrophic event. We will also study group behaviors in virtual environments. Students will then apply their knowledge to survive a simulated catastrophe. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 75.00.

EDP 4713. Memory. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: EDP 3673. In this class, you will learn about brain disorders (e.g., traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, and dementia), how individuals are diagnosed, and some treatment options considering documented impairments in cognitive, social, planning/organization, language, and independent living skills. We will discuss how basic principles of behavior analysis can be used within a multidisciplinary team to provide rehabilitative services to improve those affected by brain disorders, reteaching appropriate skills to improve social problems, and serious behavior disorders. It includes an experiential learning opportunity. Course Fee: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81; DL01 75.00.

EDP 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the College in which the course is offered. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fee: STSH $30.81.

EDP 4953. Special Studies in Educational Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRH1 $20.54; STSH $30.81.