Ph.D. in Erziehung, Schwerpunkt Pädagogische Psychologie

Designed for research-oriented doctoral students who want to promote the success of students in educational environments, the Ph.D. in Education, Concentration in Educational Psychology degree is ideal for students who want to specialize in achievement motivation and other related social processes.

Students in the program integrate theory and research in the areas of cognition, social psychology and motivation, assessment, educational policy and diversity to better study learning in schools or other educational settings. Graduates are well prepared to teach in educational psychology and related programs at the university level; as well as take leadership positions in state and local research and policy environments.

Doctoral students may be admitted with only a bachelor’s degree. It is expected that these students will have coursework related to educational psychology, research experience and/or academic writing experience.

Regardless of whether the student has a master’s degree or not, prerequisites will be determined by an analysis of the student’s transcript. All students who are admitted need to show competence in research methods in education and introductory social statistics. Students without the competencies will take up to two prerequisite classes for credit either at VCU, another institution or online.

Whether your career goals include engaging in non-profit, higher education, K-12, or government entities, the VCU School of Education academic programs take learning to a new level. As the 16th best public graduate education school and 10th best online master in education based on U.S. News and World Report (2023), we do things differently. We are UNcommon at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Transforming lives. Serving communities. Learning Elevated. It’s more than an aspirational slogan. It’s our purpose. Our values of innovation, inclusion, community-focused, and collaboration guide us daily with diversity, equity, inclusion, and access at the center of our work. At VCU School of Education, we walk the walk. Come walk with us. VCU has been recognized four straight years as a Diversity Champion by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, and we follow suit in the VCU School of education with 32% of SOE students identifying as racially minoritized. Our faculty and staff are known around the world as leaders in education research and instruction, and they bring years of real-world experience to the classroom. Research shows that diversity drives excellence, and with our over $37.4 million dollar external funding supporting research, we make a big impact in challenging the status quo. VCU is ranked among the 30 most innovative public universities by the U.S. News and World Report, and the School of Education is ranked #13 school engagement by the National Science Foundation. If you are ready to be UNstoppable, join our community today.

Vision

To be a leader in responsive, needs-driven, and research-based educational practices that transform the lives of those we serve in our communities, especially those who have been historically marginalized.

Mission

We advance learning and knowledge through impactful research, teaching, and engagement to provide our students, professionals, and communities with the tools to create progressive change. We prepare and support professionals to lead change and inform social, economic, health, and educational policy and practice.

Values

• Innovative – Cultivate discovery, creativity, originality, inventiveness, and talent.
• Inclusive – Ensure a climate of mutual trust and respect where individuals of different cultural backgrounds, identities, abilities, and life experiences are embraced, engaged, and empowered to drive excellence and success.
• Community-focused – Build deliberate/intentional relationships with the surrounding community and engage in actions that focus on the needs of its people.
• Collaborative – Foster collegiality and cooperation with internal and external partners to advance learning, research, and service.