Interdisciplinary Program in Educational Psychology
During the fall of 2007, the first cohort in Peabody College's new Interdisciplinary Program in Educational Psychology (IPEP) began taking classes. As one of the nation's leading graduate schools of education, Peabody has many talented faculty and graduate students, in five departments, who share an interest in measuring and understanding learning across the developmental spectrum. The IPEP offers doctoral students a unique opportunity to enhance knowledge and skills through an integrated examination of theories of learning and cognition, along with training in measurement and assessment methodologies.
IPEP emphasizes the integration of learning research and measurement methods to enable the development of better educational assessments, which in turn can unlock new insights into what and how people learn. Students gain understanding of diverse perspectives on learning, as well as methods of assessing it. Students also have opportunities to propose and conduct research of their own that focuses on learning and development, or use of assessments that accurately characterize learning.
The IPEP is an interdepartmental community of scholars, rather than a free-standing degree program. Students participating in the program must be admitted to an existing Peabody department (Community Research and Action; Leadership and Policy Studies; Teaching and Learning; Psychological Sciences; or Special Education), which will serve as their home department. Departments may conceptualize the IPEP as a minor, a specialization or core component of a major program of study, or the coursework part of electives used to individualize each student's program of study.
· Complete a four-year sequence of coursework and seminars totaling 16 credit hours
· Participate in colloquia featuring experts on learning, measurement, or assessment
·Present a proposed or completed research project during Year Four of the program
Doctoral students admitted to Peabody College may apply to the IPEP prior to starting doctoral study, or at the end of the first year. As part of the Dunn Family Scholars Program, IPEP has obtained funding for three students per year to receive full tuition remission, a very competitive stipend, and an annual research account. Contact the program coordinator for specific admission deadlines and funding details. Acceptance into the IPEP will be based on (1) meeting the admission standards to Peabody College, (2) writing a statement of research interest(s) compatible with the program's goals, and (3) obtaining a letter of support from the student's department advisor or an IPEP faculty affiliate. A cross-departmental admissions committee chaired by the program director makes admissions and funding decisions.
To apply to the IPEP or learn more about it, contact Stephen N. Elliott, Dunn Family Professor of Educational and Psychological Assessment, Vanderbilt University, Peabody College, Peabody #59, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, Tennessee 37203-5721
Office Phone: 615-322-2538
