School Psychology Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree Program (75 credits)
The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program in School Psychology is interdisciplinary in nature and is intended for students who seek state certification as a Pre-K-12, school psychologist. The Ed.S. degree program is designed as a 75-credit graduate program for students who wish to work in schools, other educational organizations, and/or related agencies.
The program is competency-based and aims to train professionals who can provide the wide range of services expected of school psychologists. Emphasis throughout the program is on realistic application of didactic instruction and experiential learning, along with demonstrated continual progress toward independent professional functioning. Students may enter the program post-baccalaureate or post-master’s degree.
Beginning post-baccalaureate students will follow an integrated and sequential course of study, earn a Master of Arts degree in psychology, complete the Educational Specialist degree, and then are recommended for state certification. The Ed.S. degree program is fully approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and follows graduate preparation standards and guidelines for School Psychology training as set forth by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Those seeking entrance post-baccalaureate, earn a Master of Arts degree in Psychology upon successful completion of 48 credit hours and other degree requirements for the general theoretical concentration. Applicants seeking admission post-master’s degree should expect to complete a minimum of 30 graduate credits, including a 1,200-hour internship, within three academic years. The applicability of prior graduate coursework will be evaluated in writing by the director of the program, including a 1,200-hour internship, within three academic years. Part-time students, entering post-baccalaureate, are expected to complete the program and internship hours within five years.
Educational Specialist in School Psychology Program Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s or master's degree in a related area study.
- All undergraduate and graduate transcripts (minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25).
- GRE optional (within the past five years).
- A personal statement citing the applicant’s reasons for entering the profession of school psychology and giving an estimate of potential for success in the field. Include a resume of the applicant’s professional experience (if any).
- A CV/resume of the applicant’s education and professional experience (if any).
- Two letters of recommendation that discuss the candidate’s abilities, competencies, and personal character to be successful in graduate work in school psychology.
- A personal interview with the school psychology program director/committee.
- All application material must be received by the application deadline (January 15th).
Those admitted to the program are expected to demonstrate continued professional growth. The progress of each candidate is reviewed yearly.
Each School Psychology student is required to complete the following course of studies. To be recommended for certification, a student must also pass the Praxis II (School Psychology) standardized examination, taken during the internship year. Note: Program requirements and curricula are subject to change, pending Pennsylvania Department of Education and NASP Training Standards.
I.
HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND DEVELOPMENT (15 semester hours)
II.
NATURE AND PSYCHOLOGY OF EXCEPTIONALITY (9 semester hours)
| PSYC 532 | Child Psychopathology | 3 |
| SPED 507 | Characteristics & Remedial Strategies For Mildly Impaired Learners | 3 |
| SPED 520 | Evidence Based Practices | 3 |
III.
ASSESSMENT PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES (15 semester hours)
| PSYC 561 | Introduction to Psychological Testing | 3 |
| PSYC 562 | Cognitive Assessment | 3 |
| PSYC 563 | Assessment of Learning | 3 |
| PSYC 581 | Socio-Emotional Assessment of Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| EDUC 561 | Methods Materials and Assessment in ESL Teaching Esl | 3 |
IV.
INTERVENTION PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES (12 semester hours)
| COUN 518 | Foundational Counseling Techniques | 3 |
| COUN 532 | Multicultural Issues in Prof Counseling Professionals | 3 |
| PSYC 585 | Family-School Interventions | 3 |
| | |
| PSYC 539 | Behavior Management Approaches | 3 |
| Or | |
| SPED 539 | Behavior Management Approaches | 3 |
V.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (15 semester hours)
| PSYC 551A | School Psychology Law & Ethics (seminar I) | 3 |
| PSYC 552A | School-Based Consultation Methods (seminar Ii) | 3 |
| PSYC 549A | School Psychology Practicum | 1 |
| PSYC 549B | School Psychology Internship | 1.5 |
| PSYC 549C | School Psychology Internship | 1 |
VI.
CURRICULUM AND ORGANIZATION IN EDUCATION (3 semester hours)
VII.
RESEARCH AND STATISTICS (6 semester hours)
To be recommended for certification, a student must also pass the Praxis II (School Psychology) standardized examination, taken during the internship year.
Note: Program requirements and curricula are subject to change, pending Pennsylvania Department of Education and NASP Training Standards.
Transfer of Credits
All credits transferred must reflect at least a “B” grade, be from a regionally accredited institution, be similar in content and demand of equivalent Marywood courses and ideally have been taken within the preceding five years. The Director of School Psychology must approve all transfer credits. The following criteria are also considered:
- The student has attained Full Acceptance Status in the program.
- The student has provided a syllabus of the proposed transfer course(s).
- The student has provided an official transcript showing an earned grade of “B” level or above in the course(s) to be transferred.
- For within Department transfers, the student must meet with their academic advisor who will generate a recommendation of approval for transfer.
Transfer credits will not be applied to the following courses:
PSYC 549A Practicum
PSYC 549B Internship
PSYC 549C Internship
PSYC 551 School Psychology Law and Ethics
PSYC 562 Cognitive Assessment
PSYC 563 Assessment of Learning
PSYC 581 Socio-Emotional Assessment of Children and Adolescents
Final written approval is made by the Director of School Psychology with copies of the final determination placed in the student's file and emailed to the student.
Course Sequence
Upon entering the Educational Specialist program post-baccalaureate, students work to complete the requirements of the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in general theoretical psychology and continue enrolling in courses specific to school psychology certification. The M.A. degree is earned after successful completion of 48 credits, including passing a masters competency exam and Professional Contribution or Thesis. . Students then continue to enroll in courses, university-based practica, and internship specific to satisfying requirements for the Educational Specialist degree.
Practicum and Internship Guidelines
PSYC 549A Practicum is completed the semester immediately prior to the field-based internship experience (PSYC 549B, PSYC 549C). Students who do not enroll in PSYC 549B the semester immediately following PSYC 549A are required to retake PSYC 549A during the regular schedule in the upcoming academic year. Students earning a grade C+ or lower in PSYC 549A are ineligible to begin the 1,200 hour field-based internship the following semester and a Corrective Action Plan will be automatically developed.
The School Psychology program provides guidance in students’ selection of field-based internship sites (PSYC 549B, PSYC 549C). All field-based internships sites must be approved by the Director of the School Psychology Program prior to mailing of the memorandum of understanding to the site. To be eligible for the internship experience, the student must have successfully completed all coursework requirements (including PC/Thesis) and been awarded a master’s degree. The 1,200 hour internship is completed on a full-time basis over the course of one academic year. The internship experience begins only in the fall semester. Students are not permitted to complete the internship experience at a site where they attended school, are/were employed, and/or are a relative or friend to a site stakeholder.