Educational Specialist in School Psychology
The Educational Specialist in School Psychology (Ed. S.) degree program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is a National Association of School Psychologists-Approved
training program that prepares future school psychologists as
data-based problem solvers. Particular attention throughout the program
is placed upon interventions and educational outcomes within a
cognitive-behavioral theoretical perspective. The program promotes a
unique set of professional values through its emphasis on:
- Data-based decision making
- Educational and psychological treatment outcomes
- Multicultural diversity
- Program development and evaluation
- Facilitation of organization change
The UMSL Ed. S. in School Psychology degree
is designed to prepare school psychologist practitioners to work in
school settings. Graduates of the program are immediately eligible for
School Psychologist Certification from the Missouri Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education and the Nationally Certified School
Psychologist credential from the National Association of School
Psychologists.
Student Learning Outcomes
The following outcomes guide the training and preparation of our Ed. S. in School Psychology degree candidates:
- Data-Based Decision Making
Ed. S. candidates will acquire knowledge of a variety of
assessment models and methods that enable them to develop expertise in
collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data for the purpose of making
recommendations to improve the academic performance and/or
social-emotional development of the children and adolescents with whom
they work.
- Educational and Psychological Treatment Outcomes
Ed. S. candidates will gain knowledge and develop skills
associated with a wide-range of educational and psychological
interventions that promote academic performance and social-emotional
behavior.
- Program Development and Evaluation
Ed. S. candidates will gain knowledge and skills of a variety of
interventions and research methodologies that enable them to develop,
implement, and evaluate school-based programs designed for children and
adolescents.
- Multicultural Diversity
Ed. S. candidates will acquire knowledge of identity development
that facilitates the development of skills to work with students and
families from diverse groups, thereby engaging in culturally-competent
practice.
- Facilitation of Organizational Change
Ed. S. candidates will acquire an understanding of the
complexity of educational systems and the role school psychologists can
play to promote systemic changes and improve services for children and
adolescents.
The Ed. S. in School Psychology degree program consists of 60
hours of graduate coursework that includes coursework in psychological
and educational foundations, psychoeducational assessment, and direct
and indirect service delivery. Prevention and early intervention of
academic, behavioral, and social-emotional problems through
consultation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and systems-level
interventions are highlighted throughout the program. The Ed. S. degree
is a small cohort program that utilizes close relationships with
faculty and field-based practitioners to develop professional skills.
Admission requirements include a 3.0
undergraduate GPA, current GRE Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical
Writing scores at or above the 50th percentile, three letters of
recommendation, a personal statement describing professional goals (not
to exceed five double-spaced typed pages). Following initial screening
the finalists will invited for an on campus interview with the school
psychology program faculty and Ed. S. candidates. Prerequisite
coursework in developmental psychology and statistics is required for
admission. All required application materials will be considered equally
when making admission decisions. Applications are reviewed annually
with a February 15 deadline.
Transfer credits may be granted for graduate
coursework completed prior to entering the program, but strict
limitations apply. The Ed. S. in School Psychology degree program
involves a minimum of three years of intensive study. Although it is
possible to complete the first year of the curriculum on a part-time
basis, please note that practicum during the second year involves two
days per week working in a school with a school psychologist, and
internship is a yearlong fulltime supervised experience. Consequently,
fulltime study is recommended and preferred.
Please consult the UM-St. Louis School Psychology Program Manual, FAQs, and Application Checklist for additional information about the program.
Educational Specialist in School Psychology (Ed. S.) Curriculum*
Fall I
ED PSY 6532 Psychoeducational Differences
ED PSY 6530 Foundations of School Psychology
ED PSY 6545 Consultation in Schools and Related Settings
ED REM 6750 Advanced Research Design in Education
Spring I
ED PSY 6310 Psychology of Learning Processes
ED PSY 6550 Professional Issues in School Psychology
ED REM 6718 Psychoeducational Assessment and Intervention II
ED REM 7771 Quantitative Research Methods I
Summer I
CNS ED 6010 Theories of Counseling
ED PSY 6210 Life-Span: Individual and Family Development
Fall II
ED PSY 6536 Biological Bases of Behavior
ED PSY 6540 Psychoeducational Interventions
ED PSY 6590 School Psychology Practicum I
ED REM 6719 Advanced Assessment in School Psychology
Spring II
CNS ED 6030 Foundations for Multicultural Counseling
ED PSY 6542 Psychotherapeutic Interventions in School Psychology
ED PSY 6591 School Psychology Practicum II
ED REM 6730 Educational Program Evaluation
Fall III
ED PSY 6598 School Psychology Internship
Spring III
ED PSY 6599 School Psychology Internship
*In addition to coursework, the
following program level assessments are required for graduation: Praxis
II School Psychology Examination, Portfolio, and Case Study