Curry School of Education

Our current students chose this program because...

Myles Durkee

“I was definitely drawn to EP-ADS by the amazing work that my advisor was conducting. Also, the apprenticeship model that this program follows provides invaluable opportunities to acquire hands-on experience in academia (i.e. publications, grant writing, etc.).”

Eileen Merritt

“I am interested in learning about interventions that make a difference for teachers and students in elementary schools. The interdisciplinary nature of the program appealed to me because I am able to study interventions like Responsive Classroom. RC strives to improve both the socio-emotional climate in the classroom and the learning environment. Learning from the leaders in our field about how to conduct educational research is a privilege, and there are so many challenges and opportunities provided to me through this program.”

Sophie Aiyer

“I chose the program because of its interdisciplinary nature. The faculty members have diverse interests, which allows students to become involved in a range of research opportunities.”

Please see this information about our alumni and their careers

Program Overview

The Educational Psychology and Applied Developmental Science (EP-ADS)  doctoral program prepares promising students to conduct research in education science. The program focuses on the social and cognitive lives of children and adolescents, the contribution of school and out-of-school settings on learning and development, and the development and evaluation of interventions designed to alter and improve developmental pathways.

Limited English proficiency, poverty, inadequate access to social supports and health care, and the presence of developmental or acquired disabilities pose significant challenge to children and youth and prevent their success in school and life. The EP-ADS program takes a strengths-based approach to understanding such complex challenges to society. Research conducted in EP-ADS examines the ways in which school settings, after-school programs, and families hold the potential to promote resilience and reduce school failure.