General Information

Following is a brief description of a few of the professional organizations that graduate students in Educational Psychology often join to further their professional development. Specific areas of specialization may recommend additional, more specialized associations. For information about professional organizations, please contact your Area Chair. 

Professional Organizations

American Psychological Association

Based in Washington, DC, the American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA works to advance psychology as a science, a profession, and a means of promoting human welfare. 

Texas Psychological Association

The Texas Psychological Association is dedicated to advancing the field of psychology and improving access to quality mental health services. As an affiliate of the American Psychological Association, TPA works closely with national and state associations to advance the science and practice of psychology.

American Educational Research Association

The American Educational Research Association is concerned with improving the educational process by encouraging scholarly inquiry related to education and by promoting the dissemination and practical application of research results. AERA is the most prominent international professional organization for educational researchers, with the primary goal of advancing educational research and its practical application. Its members are educators, administrators, directors of research, testing or evaluation in federal, state and local agencies, counselors, evaluators, graduate students, and behavioral scientists. The broad range of disciplines represented by the membership includes education, psychology, statistics, sociology, history, economics, philosophy, anthropology, and political science.

American Counseling Association

The American Counseling Association is the largest association in the world that represents professional counselors who practice in a variety of settings. The mission of the ACA is "to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity."

American School Counseling Association

The American School Counseling Association focuses on providing resources, professional development, advocacy, and publications to school counselors worldwide. ASCA supports school counselors in helping their students prepare to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. 

Texas Counseling Association

The Texas Counseling Association works to support all Texans in the counseling profession and to advocate for the mental health needs of Texans.

The American College Counseling Association

The American College Counseling Association is a division of the American Counseling Association that focuses on counseling professionals who work in post-secondary education settings. ACCA holds an annual conference and provides professional development, research, and networking opportunities. 

National Association of School Psychologists

NASP empowers school psychologists by advancing effective practices to improve students’ learning, behavior, and mental health.