Program Overview

School Psychology, EdS

Overview

The EdS is the most widely recognized degree in School Psychology and the credential required for the hiring of school psychologists by most school systems. The 66 credit EdS in School Psychology comprises the curriculum and the 1,200-hour internship (i.e., the Master of Arts plus 30 credits).

Admissions

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions.

• Resume
• Goals Statement
• Transcript
• Two letters of recommendation

In addition to these requirements for graduate admission, the EdS degree will require applicants to submit the following:

• Evidence (via transcript) of having taken 5 prerequisite undergraduate courses that cover the following topics: general psychology, statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology.
• Optional: General GRE. If submitted, the score must be no more than 5 years old.

Banner Code: E1-EDS-SCH

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 66-71

An overload is required in the fall and spring terms of students’ first year.

Students admitted to the EdS program without a master’s degree in School Psychology must earn the Master of Arts (MA) degree in Psychology, concentration in School Psychology concurrently within the EdS degree program. The first 36 credits of the EdS program's plan of study fulfill the MA degree requirements.

Master of Arts Coursework

• SPSY 722: Advanced Child Assessment (4 credits)
• EDCD 603: Counseling Theories (3 credits)
• EDRD 629: Literacy Foundations and Instruction for School Psychologists (3 credits)
• SPSY 619: Consultation and Applied Behavioral Analysis (3 credits)
• SPSY 671: Role and Function of the School Psychologist (3 credits)
• SPSY 672: Schools as Systems Practicum in School Psychology (3 credits)
• SPSY 709: Cognitive Assessment (4 credits)
• SPSY 617: Child Psychopathology (3 credits)
• SPSY 710: Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Assessment (4 credits)
• SPSY 750: Cognitive Assessment Practicum (3 credits)
• SPSY 773: Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation in Schools (3 credits) Total Credits: 36

Required Coursework

• EDCD 525: Advanced Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
• Select one course from the following:
  • EDCD 606: Counseling Children and Adolescents
  • EDCD 608: Group Processes and Analyses
  • SPSY 692: Counseling in the Schools
• EDRS 590: Education Research (3 credits)
• EDRS 620: Quantitative Inquiry in Education (3 credits)
• SPSY 753: Responsive Educational Practices (3 credits) Total Credits: 15-16

Experiential Learning

• SPSY 751: Advanced Assessment Practicum in School Psychology I (3 credits)
• SPSY 752: Advanced Assessment Practicum in School Psychology II (3 credits)
• SPSY 775: Prevention Intervention Consultation Practicum (3 credits)
• 6 or 10 Internship credits of:
  • SPSY 790: School Psychology Internship 1 Total Credits: 15-19

Plan of Study

First Year

• Summer Semester One:
  • SPSY 722 (4 credits)
  • EDCD 603 (3 credits)
  • EDRD 629 (3 credits)
• Fall Semester:
  • SPSY 619 (3 credits)
  • SPSY 671 (3 credits)
  • SPSY 672 (3 credits)
  • SPSY 709 (4 credits)
• Spring Semester:
  • SPSY 617 (3 credits)
  • SPSY 710 (4 credits)
  • SPSY 750 (3 credits)
  • SPSY 773 (3 credits)

Second Year

• Fall Semester:
  • SPSY 751 (3 credits)
  • SPSY 775 (3 credits)
  • EDCD 525 or SPSY 597 (3 credits)
  • EDRS 590 (3 credits)
• Spring Semester:
  • SPSY 692 (3 credits)
  • SPSY 752 (3 credits)
  • SPSY 753 (3 credits)
  • EDRS 620 (3 credits)

Third Year

• Fall Semester:
  • SPSY 790 (3-5 credits)
• Spring Semester:
  • SPSY 790 (3-5 credits)

Total Credits: 66-70