The master’s degree in Educational Psychology (School Psychology concentration) is designed as part of the Educational Specialist degree. Students in the EdS track earn a master’s degree along the way to their final degree upon completion of the master’s degree requirements. As such, the master's degree is not a terminal degree. Students must complete 31 graduate credits. Further, students in the EdS track must pass the master’s exam.
The School Psychology concentration incorporates the scientist-practitioner model and provides a concrete link between theory, research, and practice. The program prepares students for employment in school and mental health settings. Students are prepared to provide psychological services to children, adolescents, and families; to conduct research; and to empirically evaluate the efficacy of their psychoeducational interventions and assessment procedures.
The following degree options are available: Master of Science Degree in Educational Psychology with a concentration in School Psychology; Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology; and, a PhD in Educational Psychology: Specialization in School Psychology. The PhD Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines vary by program, please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars.
Application
Before applying please see the Educational Psychology Website for department-specific application requirements.
Admission
An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements plus these departmental requirements to be considered for admission to the program:
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.00.
- Applicants may be admitted with specific program-defined course deficiencies provided that the deficiencies amount to no more than two courses. The student is expected to satisfy deficiency requirements within three enrolled semesters. No course credits earned in making up deficiencies may be counted as program credits required for the degree.
- Initial advisor assignment will be made by the area chair of the concentration to which the applicant has applied.
- For the concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and School Psychology: a resume or curriculum vitae.
- Completion of the reason statement in the application.
Credits and Courses
Students in the Educational Psychology MS - School Psychology concentration pursue the Education Specialist (EdS) as their terminal degree.
Master’s Degree Requirements - EdS Track (31 credits minimum)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| School Psychology Foundations | ||
| ED PSY 751 | Professional and Historical Issues in School Psychology | 3 |
| ED PSY 752 | Developmental Psychopathology | 3 |
| ED PSY 755 | Cognitive Assessment: School Age Children | 4 |
| ED PSY 851 | Assessment and Interventions: Personality, Social and Emotional Functioning | 3 |
| COUNS 805 | Consultation Strategies for Counselors and School Psychologists | 3 |
| ED PSY 760 | Academic Intervention and Alternative Assessment | 3 |
| ED PSY 952 | Pediatric Psychology in Urban Settings | 3 |
| Choose from the list below for 9 credits minimum | 9 | |
| Educational Statistics and Measurement | ||
| Educational Statistical Methods I | ||
| Educational Statistical Methods II | ||
| Techniques of Educational and Psychological Measurement | ||
| Development, Learning & Cognition | ||
| Cognition: Learning, Problem Solving and Thinking | ||
| Human Development: Theory and Research | ||
| Contextual Determinants of Motivation | ||
| Social Cognition in Educational Psychology | ||
| Total Credits | 31 | |
Master’s Examination
Upon successful completion of 31 graduate credits, the student is eligible to become a candidate for the Master of Science in Educational Psychology. The master’s degree is awarded pending successful completion of a master’s comprehensive examination.
Additional Requirements
Advising
Each student will be assigned two advisors: an academic advisor and a faculty advisor. The academic advisor will assist with academic planning. The faculty advisor will be available for additional support regarding course content and/or field-specific questions and concerns. A student who is not assigned to an advisor at time of admission should immediately contact the Department Chair.
Thesis
Optional. Up to 6 degree credits may be awarded for thesis research. The availability of the thesis option is dependent upon faculty availability and time constraints.
Comprehensive Examination
The student who does not write a thesis must pass a final oral or written comprehensive examination. For School Counseling students, the comprehensive capstone exam is the School Counseling National Praxis Subject Exam. For Clinical Mental Health Counseling students, the comprehensive capstone exam is the CPCE. The student who writes a thesis must pass a final oral examination in defense of that thesis.
Time Limit
The student must complete all degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment.