School Psychology, EdS Certification

Location(s): Online Program with On Campus Requirement - California and Edinboro

The Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology is a 67 credit program of study. The first 30-credits of this 3-year program results in a M.Ed. in School Psychology (see School Psychology, M.Ed. program for first 30-credit course requirements). Then candidates continue on with the Ed.S. in School Psychology. Completion of the 67-credit progam in conjunction with passing scores on the National School Psychology Exam leads to Pennsylvania School Psychologist Certification and recognition as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.The School Psychology Program prepares its graduates for the professional practice of psychology in the schools by emphasizing a scientist-practitioner model of training. The mission of the program is to prepare graduates students according to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) training standards and develop leaders in schools who use empirically supported practices for instruction, mental health/crisis intervention, and special education services. The program provides a solid foundation of instruction, research, and field experience, which reflects current, empirically supported methods in psychology and education. These experiences prepare graduates to provide assistance and expertise in the assessment and intervention of problems experienced by children, schools, and communities.

Student Learning Outcomes

School psychologists have knowledge of and demonstrate competence in varied models and methods of assessment and data collection for identifying strengths and needs, developing effective services and programs, and measuring progress and outcomes.
School psychologists demonstrate knowledge and competence in varied models and strategies of consultation, collaboration and communication applicable to individuals, families, groups and systems and methods to promote effective implementation of services.
School psychologists demonstrate knowledge and competence in biological, cultural and social influences on academic skills; human learning, cognitive, and developmental processes; and evidence-based curricula and instructional strategies.
School psychologists demonstrate knowledge and competence in biological, cultural, developmental and social influences on behavior and mental health, behavioral and emotional impacts on learning and life skills, and evidence-based strategies to promote social-emotional functioning and mental health.
School psychologists demonstrate knowledge and competence in school and systems structure, organization, and theory; general and special education; technology resources; and evidence-based school practices that promote learning and mental health.
School psychologists demonstrate knowledge and competence in principles and research related to resilience and risk factors in learning and mental health, services in schools and communities to support multi-tiered prevention, and evidence-based strategies for effective crisis response.
School psychologists demonstrate knowledge and competence in principles and research related to family systems, strengths, needs and culture; evidence-based strategies to support family influences on children’s learning and mental health; and strategies to develop collaboration between families and schools.
School psychologists demonstrate knowledge and competence in individual differences, abilities, disabilities and other diverse student characteristics; principles and research related to diversity factors for children, families and schools, including factors related to culture, context and individual and role difference; and evidence-based strategies to enhance services and address potential influences related to diversity.
School psychologists demonstrate knowledge and competence in research design, statistics, measurement, varied data collection and analysis techniques, and program evaluation sufficient for understanding research and interpreting data in applied settings.
School psychologists demonstrate knowledge and competence in the history and foundations of school psychology; multiple service models and methods; ethical, legal and professional standards; and other factors related to professional identity and effective practice as school psychologists.

Admission Requirements

Official bachelor’s degree transcript from regionally accredited institution
Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
Autobiographical Essay
Resume
GRE
Two recommendations (in-application form)

Curriculum Requirements

Required Advanced

SPSY 7734 - Behavioral Assessment and Intervention II Credit Hours: 3
SPSY 7725 - Clinical Practicum in School Psychology I Credit Hours: 3
SPSY 7735 - Clinical Practicum in School Psychology II Credit Hours: 3
SPSY 7790 - Seminar in School Psychology (Ethics) Credit Hours: 3
SPSY 7752 - Professional Development in School Psychology Credit Hours: 3
SPSY 7795 - Internship in School Psychology Credit Hours: 3 to 9
SPSY 7795 - Internship in School Psychology Credit Hours: 3 to 9

Students transitioning from M.Ed. in Educational Psychology

Required courses:

SPSY 7722 - Assessment in School Psychology I Credit Hours: 3
SPSY 7723 - Assessment in School Psychology II Credit Hours: 3
SPSY 7724 - Behavioral Assessment and Intervention I Credit Hours: 3
SPSY 7781 - Statistics in Education Credit Hours: 3

Students transitioning from M.Ed. in School Psychology

Required Courses:

SPSY 7756 - Collaborative Consultation in Education Settings Credit Hours: 3
SPSY 7710 - Academic Intervention and Program Evaluation Credit Hours: 3
SPSY 7788 - Research in Education and Psychology I Credit Hours: 3
SPSY 7789 - Research in Education and Psychology II Credit Hours: 3