The Master of Education degree in the Educational Psychology Program (36 credits) has been designed to give the interested student a broad theoretical and practical background in the areas of education and psychology. The program will be of interest to those planning to pursue certification in school psychology after the master’s degree, to those wishing to broaden their understanding of human development, educationally based interventions, and learning, or to those wishing to learn more about educational evaluation and research.
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.
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