School Psychology - Ed.S., M.Ed. and Ph.D. Download to print

The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Psychology prepares students to work effectively with school personnel, parents and children in (a) the assessment of academic, social and behavioral functioning, (b) consultation, and (c) the implementation of interventions geared toward both prevention and remediation.

The Ph.D. in School Psychology is committed to a scientist-practitioner model of training, which conceptualizes school psychologists as data-oriented problem-solvers and transmitters of psychological knowledge and skill.  As such, students draw upon the scientific literature as a primary basis for professional practice and focus their research agendas to have meaningful implications for practice.

Note: State/Federal background checks are required for all field-based experiences. See Program Coordinator for more information.

See program website for more information about faculty research interests.

Official transcript(s), GRE, goal statement, two letters of recommendation, sample of written work, resume or vita, SPSY Vita (online document), Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form and interview.

Please refer to the university policy for graduate admission.

Educational Specialist programs in the College of Education, Health and Human Services practice selective admission.  Requirements include, among other things, evidence of high scholastic achievement, a high level of verbal ability and positive letters of recommendation

All Ed.S. programs, with the exception of school psychology, require that applicants must have completed or be about to complete their master’s degree from an accredited institution.  
In addition to observing regular application requirements of the university, applicants must do the following:

• Apply online to the  Ed.S. program and submit all application material to Graduate Studies
• Submit satisfactory scores on the general knowledge portion of the Graduate Record Examination if required.
• Submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation for admission to the Ed.S. degree program. One recommendation should be from an employer or other individual who can address the applicant’s ability in a professional work setting.
• Participate in interviews with selected program area faculty or the program area admission committee as requested.  
• Complete any special procedures mandated by specific program areas.
• Submit any supplemental information that may assist admissions committees in assessing academic or experiential background.  Supplemental information may include such items as professional vita, publications, additional recommendations or a copy of a master’s thesis.

M.Ed.: The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree requires a minimum of 32 semester hours of graduate coursework including at least 16 semester hours at the 60000 level or above. A major consisting of 18 or more semester hours in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services is required. M.Ed. students have six years from the term of first enrollment to complete the degree.

Ed.S.: Upon admission to the Ed.S. degree program, students will be assigned an advisor.

Ph.D.: Please refer to the program requirements and college doctoral handbooks for information about graduation requirements.

Licensure Requirement (not required for graduation):
Candidates seeking School Psychologist licensure are required to pass both Praxis II test School Psychologist (0401) and the domain specific School Psychology Ohio Assessment for Educators test.

Ph.D.: Students are required to complete a dissertation, minimum of 2 semesters, 15 hours each.

Ph.D.: Once the student has successfully completed and orally defended his/her comprehensive exams, she/he is recommended for doctoral candidacy in line with all other program and college requirements.

The KSU School Psychology Program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Phone: (202) 336-5979

Every student in the KSU School Psychology Program is automatically a member of the KSU Chapter of Student Affiliates in School Psychology (SASP), a nationally recognized student organization focused on the unique aspects of training in the field of School Psychology.

Ed.S.: An academic year internship under supervision of the faculty and a qualified school psychologist in public schools is required. Course requirements need to be successfully completed prior to the internship.

Ph.D.: Please refer to the program doctoral handbook for a description of all culminating experiences, including doctoral internship.