LAS VEGAS--May 22, 2009--For the second consecutive year, the educational psychology program at UNLV was named among the top 25 specialty programs in the nation, according to an annual survey by U.S. News & World Report. Out of 241 schools with doctoral degrees in education that responded to the magazine's survey, UNLV's program ranked 21st, tying with two other universities. Rankings are based on criteria such as research activity, doctoral students' GRE scores and faculty awards.

Educational psychology is a longstanding program at UNLV and offers master's and doctoral degrees as well as a specialist degree in school psychology. Students are prepared for professional careers as university teachers, researchers and mental health providers in the school and community. A learning and technology component of the doctoral program examines how technology - virtual online forums, social networking Web sites and the Internet - affect the way teachers create lessons plans and how students absorb information.

"The effectiveness of homework, how to teach climate change, online test-taking versus traditional pencil and paper exams are just a few examples of research areas faculty and graduate students are investigating," said Paul Jones, chair of the educational psychology department. "This ranking is an indication of our research mission and our commitment to produce highly qualified scholars and clinical practitioners locally and nationally."

The faculty also supports the local school district in evaluating how special programs, like early childhood reading and the district's empowerment program, are working.

Faculty and graduate students also conduct studies in research lab on campus, in professional development schools, charter schools and at the UNLV Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center.

For additional information on educational psychology at UNLV, please see <a href="http://education.unlv.edu/EP/">http://education.unlv.edu/EP/</a> or call (702) 895-3253.