Train to meet students’ behavioral, emotional and learning needs; gain the skills to help them tackle developmental challenges in the Educational Specialist in School Psychology (EdS) program. The program has the full approval of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and meets requirements for certification as a school psychologist in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and most other states. The program also meets requirements for the National Certification (NCSP) through NASP. Full-time students complete two years of coursework, followed by a year-long internship, for a total of three years to degree completion
The program offers a robust clinical component: In addition to your required coursework, each student must also complete an annual portfolio, required practicum placements and a 1,200-hour internship in a school setting. An on-campus clinic also allows students to work with real families in an urban setting and write comprehensive evaluations. The program’s emphasis on academic, intellectual, social-emotional and systems-level assessment makes graduates highly sought after by employers. The program is dedicated to promoting social justice and to fostering a diverse, inclusive learning environment.
For students who are interested in research, there are opportunities to join a research team and partner with faculty members to write and present joint studies.
You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your studies through one of two concentrations: Applied Behavior Analysis or Counseling. To complete the educational specialist degree requirements and the requirements for PDE certification as a School Psychologist (PK-12), students must complete 66 credits of post-baccalaureate required coursework. Students who are pursuing board certification as a behavioral analyst (BCBA) should elect to complete the additional 12 credits of coursework in the optional concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students who are pursuing licensure as a professional counselor should elect to complete the additional 12 credits of coursework in the optional concentration in Counseling.
You can focus on School Psychology or you can take one of the following concentrations.
Discover in-depth strategies and develop the skills necessary for the highest level credentialing opportunities in applied behavior analysis. Students will prepare to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s educational requirements to become a board-certified behavior analyst.
After completing an internship and passing the exams required by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, students may become Nationally Certified School Psychologists.