Department Head:
Dr. Sarit Alkalay
sarital@yvc.ac.il
Introduction
Educational psychology in Israel is a dynamic and vibrant field dedicated to enhancing children’s and adolescents’ emotional, social, and educational well-being. This branch of psychology focuses on addressing the developmental and learning challenges within educational settings. Educational psychologists collaborate closely with educators, parents, and other professionals to support children in overcoming obstacles such as learning difficulties, behavioral issues, and emotional struggles. They also play a significant role in crises, helping children navigate personal, familial, or societal stressors.
Program Description*
The M.A. in Educational Psychology program at Yezreel Valley College aims to provide educational psychologists with up-to-date knowledge in relevant areas of psychology, help them to develop research and evaluative skills, and facilitate the knowledge-based experience needed to work with children and their caregivers in psychological-educational services.
The curriculum combines in-depth coursework in developmental psychology, diagnostics, therapy (including CBT), and systemic work within educational frameworks. Students also gain hands-on experience through practical internships in public Educational Psychology Services, where they apply their skills in real-world settings under the supervision of experienced professionals. Graduates are qualified to register with the Ministry of Health and start their internship in public Educational Psychology Services across the country, providing essential support to children, families, and educational teams.
The department offers both a thesis track and a non-thesis track with a final project. The thesis track provides an opportunity for students to engage in advanced research and is ideal for those considering a career in academia or research. The non-thesis track involves a systematic literature review on a specific research topic. While both tracks include a research component, the final project in the non-thesis track is purely theoretical, as it does not require data collection or analysis, whereas the thesis track involves hands-on research. Both tracks allow students to begin their professional internships in educational psychology services. However, the thesis track requires an additional year of study to complete. Ultimately, both tracks provide the same opportunity for career advancement, and graduates can seamlessly transition into the workforce as educational psychologists.
This program prepares students for a fulfilling career in educational psychology, with opportunities to work both within the public education system and in private practice. The demand for educational psychologists is high, as the field continues to expand with increasing recognition of the need for early intervention and mental health support in educational environments.
Faculty
Faculty Staff >>
Department Contact Information
Ms. Mali Shalit
malis@yvc.ac.il
For additional information in Hebrew see >>