Tim Urdan

Tim Urdan is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Santa Clara University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan’s Combined Program in Education and Psychology, and academic credentials from Harvard University (M.Ed.) and UC Berkeley (B.A.). His research focuses on student motivation, classroom dynamics, and teacher identity, with a particular interest in generational differences in academic motivation and cross-cultural studies involving the U.S., Greece, and Germany. He is also the co-editor of the Advances in Motivation and Achievement series and has authored influential textbooks like Statistics in Plain English and Adolescent Development for Educators. Urdan is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and has consulted on employee motivation, adolescent development, and statistical methodologies.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Education and Psychology, University of Michigan
• M.Ed., Harvard University
• B.A. in Psychology, UC Berkeley

Research Interests:

• Student motivation and classroom environments
• Teacher identity and emotions
• Generational differences in academic achievement
• Cultural influences on motivation
• Educational policy and methodology

Awards & Recognition:

• Fellow of the American Psychological Association

Teaching and Lab: He leads the Teaching and Motivation in Education Lab and teaches courses such as Statistical Data Analysis, Motivation and Emotion, and Psychology of Education.