School Psychology, EdS

Program code: SPSYHH-EDS

The School Psychology (EdS) degree program is designed to provide the student with specific clinical skills necessary to function as a school psychologist. The program includes a minimum of 66 credits beyond the MEd in Educational Psychology Degree, culminating in the EdS degree in School Psychology. Courses focus on the multiple roles of the school psychologist, including counseling, assessment, intervention, consultation, exceptionalities, law/ethics, and the use of psychological skills in multicultural educational settings. The certification program includes a number of practica experiences and an internship that encompass a minimum of 1,200 hours, at least half of which must occur in a school setting. Students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.25 and a grade of B or better in all department courses. Department courses are identified by their assigned prefix code of EDSP in the title. Continuous enrollment in a minimum of 9 credits per semester and 6 credits per summer session is required for the certification program unless waived by the Coordinator of the Specialist Program and the School Psychology Committee.

Students will apply to the EdS in School Psychology program and earn a MEd along the way similar to the PhD program.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the master’s degree program in educational psychology is based on an evaluation of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE test scores, work history, professional goals, and personal characteristics as determined during the interview. No one criterion dominates in the admission decision, provided there is evidence of the basic ability to do graduate work. Applicants who have earned a master’s degree in a closely related field of study may also apply and be considered for admission into the certificate in school psychology program. If a transcript review shows that a student with a master’s degree has not had all necessary courses required to go on to the certification program, more courses at the master’s level will have to be taken before the certification sequence is begun.

Students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.25 and earn a grade of B or better in all core courses while enrolled in the program. Continuous enrollment is also required for the master’s degree unless waived by the Coordinator of the Certification Program and the School Psychology Committee.

All graduate students enrolled in this program are required to have Pennsylvania Criminal Record (Act 34) and Child Abuse Clearances (Act 151) as well as Act 114 (FBI Fingerprinting Record) prior to any placement in a school setting or intermediate unit. Applicants should be aware that some districts or intermediate units may not accept placements if any criminal record is reflected on these background checks. Applicants with a criminal record, even summary offenses, are required to disclose this history to their program upon entry to the program to facilitate placement. Some serious offenses, typically involving child welfare, preclude state certification.