Educational psychology has a rich philosophical heritage, in some ways dating back to foundational questions asked by Greek thinkers, such as what the nature of learning and thinking are. However, officially, educational psychology took root in the United States in 1903 when psychologist E.L. Thorndike penned the first educational psychology textbook. This book grew out of earlier theoretical work put forward by thinkers and leaders such as William James, J. Stanley Hall, and John Dewey.
Educational psychology as a field of study supports teacher practitioners with a theoretical, historical, and psychological basis for student development and learning. Similarly, within the system of a school, secondary or elementary, the function of the educational psychologist (regardless of exact job position) is to augment and support teacher and student interactions from the unique perspectives educational psychology affords.
Educational psychology programs train those studying the discipline to be both researchers and educators. This program of study emphasizes a scholarly understanding of learning processes, learning styles, human development, as well as external factors such as home life and affective issues that may influence students in an academic setting. Coupled with this theoretical basis is application; most programs shape educational psychologists to be both researcher and practitioner.
According to the "U.S. & World Report" the top 10 education school programs for educational psychology are as follows: University of Wisconsin--Madison, University of Michigan--Ann Arbor, Stanford University, Michigan State University, University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign, University of Maryland--College Park, Vanderbilt University (Peabody), University of California--Los Angeles, University of Minnesota--Twin Cities and University of Texas--Austin.
An individual with training and a degree in educational psychology has many opportunities. Careers may include being school psychologist in an elementary or secondary schools, as well as a student counselor (also in both levels of school). Educational psychologists may also be employed by colleges or universities for the same positions, although at the collegiate level of education the responsibilities are slightly different. Educational psychologists may choose to pursue research opportunities and may publish studies that in turn enrich the field of study.