Program Overview
School Psychology EdS Program
The Education Specialist degree in School Psychology is a rigorous graduate degree program that meets the requirements for certification as a school psychologist in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
About the Program
The EdS program is designed to be completed in three years of full-time study, with the third year being a full-time internship. The program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
The time limit for degree completion is 4 years.
Campus Location
The program is located on the Main campus.
Full-Time/Part-Time Status
The program is designed to be completed in three years of full-time study.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Areas of Specialization
The program offers two optional concentrations for study:
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Counseling
Job Prospects
Graduates are employed in public and private schools.
Licensure/Certification
Graduates can become Nationally Certified School Psychologists. Certification in School Psychology is awarded after completing the internship and passing the examinations required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy
Students may take up to, but not more than, 9 credits of graduate study in the program before being admitted to the program.
Financing Opportunities
Financial support opportunities may include scholarships, tuition remission, and other financial aid such as grants, loans, and federal work study.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline
The application deadline is February 1.
Letters of Reference
Two letters of recommendation are required, providing insight into the applicant's academic competence.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline
A bachelor's degree is required, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Transcripts
Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all accredited institutions attended and/or from which credit was earned must be submitted.
Statement of Goals
A statement of goals is required, indicating the applicant's objectives in obtaining a specialist degree and certification as a school psychologist.
Standardized Test Scores
GRE scores are not required but may be submitted. Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English must report scores for a standardized test of English.
Resume
A current resume is required.
Interview
An interview with the faculty admissions committee may be required after a complete application is received.
Clearances
All admitted students must submit copies of the required Pennsylvania criminal background check, FBI criminal history, Child Abuse check, and TB test to the College of Education and Human Development's Office of Field Placement prior to enrolling in their first term.
Program Requirements
General Program Requirements
The program requires 66 credits beyond the baccalaureate, including 30 credits for the MEd and 36 credits post-master's EdS.
Required Courses
The following courses are required:
- ABA 5302: Effective Teaching Strategies and Academic Interventions
- ABA 5303: Ethical and Legal Issues
- CPSY 5526: Multicultural Counseling
- EDUC 5101: Critical Understanding of Social Science Research
- EPSY 5561: Development and Learning Over the Lifespan
- SPSY 5667: Introduction to Cognitive Assessment
- SPSY 5671: Integrative Assessment
- SPSY 5674: Social and Emotional Aspects of Behavior and Assessment
- SPSY 5676: Applied Behavior Analysis
- SPSY 5771: Biological Aspects of Behavior
- SPSY 8773: Developmental Psychopathology and Low Incidence Disabilities
- SPSY 8777: Theories and Techniques of Counseling for Youth
- SPSY 9551: Consultation
- SPSY 9487: Professional Issues and Practicum
- SPSY 9687: Clinical Supervision Seminar in School Psychology
- SPSY 9688: Psychoeducational Clinic
- SPSY 9885: Internship in School Psychology
Optional Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
The optional 12-credit concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis allows students to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's educational requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Optional Concentration in Counseling
The optional 12-credit concentration in Counseling allows students to meet Pennsylvania's educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor.
Internship
For certification, an internship with a minimum of 1,200 hours in an approved setting must be completed.
Culminating Events
A comprehensive examination and a portfolio review are required. The comprehensive examination is an essay examination that covers key areas of Psychology and School Psychology. The portfolio review is a review of the student's professional work during the internship year.