(75 credits minimum)
The Educational Specialist School Psychology Program is designed to prepare school-psychologist scientist-practitioners with a broad cognitive-behavioral orientation through a program that is research-based and theory-driven, school-focused, and experiential in nature. The program is committed to addressing issues of diversity, technology, research, theoretical orientation, professional values, and human development through preparation in the areas of educational and psychological foundations, research methodology, assessment, intervention, consultation, and school psychology.
The primary objectives of the program are to develop school psychologists who demonstrate understanding of, value for, and competence in the following areas: (a) a comprehensive knowledge base related to psychology and education with a specific emphasis in school psychology; (b) development, integration, and application research, evaluative procedures, and new knowledge in the field, to the process of solving both practical and theoretical problems; (c) excellent clinical service in areas of assessment, consultation, prevention, intervention, and program evaluation; (d) communicate and collaborate with parents, teachers, and other professional colleagues to facilitate development and remediation for children, youth, and families from diverse backgrounds; (e) show social and professional responsibility, including ethical and legal standards and guidelines, as well as individual and cultural differences; (f) receive ongoing personal and professional evaluation and development.
The educational specialist degree is regarded as a practitioner’s degree and as such, is a continuation of work completed in pursuit of the master of education in school psychology. A student admitted to a program leading to this degree must write an advanced thesis or otherwise demonstrate the competency to carry on individual research. Upon completion of the master of education in school psychology, the student will be eligible for the Indiana Standard School Psychologist License.
The program listed below includes the course work for the master of education in school psychology. Students who have not completed the master of education in school psychology but have a master’ s degree in special education, psychology, or related fields may be considered for admission, and complete any deficiencies en route to the completion of the educational specialist degree. The program is approved by NASP/NCATE. Further information regarding program approval may be obtained from NASP at: National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814, Phone: 301-657-0270, e-mail: webmaster@naspweb.org
Admission Requirements
1. Complete application to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
2. Hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
3. Have an undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 or above.
4. Have a graduate grade point average of 3.25 or above with no deficiencies in the area chosen for advanced graduate study.
5. An offical transcript from each school at which any undergaraduate or graduate work has been done.
6. Scores on the Graduate Record Examinations General Tests.
7. Submit at least three letters of recommendation from persons who know the prosepctive student in an academic and/or professional capacity.
8. Submit a personal narrative describing the applicant’s professional goals and how this program specifically contributes to those goals.
It must not be assumed that meeting minimal standards guarantees admission to the program. After review of all of the above materials, the admission committee will invite prospective to participate in either a telephone or to appear for a personal interview.
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