School Psychology Program Overview

The School Psychology Program offers students the opportunity to receive the Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.). The program is a 71 semester hour program and requires a three-year, full‑time commitment of all entering students. Depending on course load during the fall and spring semester, study during one or more summer sessions will be required. Typical course schedule is a minimum of 13 to 15 graduate hours each semester. The School Psychology Training Program is fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and embraces the NASP Standards for Training and Field Placements.

During the first year, students complete courses that enhance practical skill, particularly in assessment, and also provide students with more in-depth knowledge in the theoretical foundations of psychology and special education. In the second year, skills continue to be developed through course work and also through several practica in local school districts. Building assessment skills, and direct and indirect intervention skills through practica and additional course work are the focus of the second year. Practica give the student supervised practice in service delivery in the areas of assessment, consultation and intervention.

In the third year, students are able to apply and integrate the experiences of the first two years of the program, through work in a full-time school psychology internship. Students also complete a school-focused research project during this year. The School Psychology Internship requires a total of 1200 clock hours with at least half of these hours in a school setting. This internship is usually a paid one, and the intern serves as a school psychologist with both field and university supervision.