Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology

Hybrid EdS in School Psychology

The EdS in School Psychology from Drexel University's School of Education is a pediatric-focused program that gives you the tools to make a real difference in the lives of children and young adults. Using a multicultural informed framework, you will learn the function of a school psychologist, and how school psychologists perform their roles and responsibilities in a variety of community settings, including educational agencies, clinical and hospital settings, and behavioral health organizations. You will also learn how to select and implement targeted evidence-based intervention practices, and ensure that all students have access to an equitable, culturally sensitive, and developmentally appropriate instructional and behavioral experience.

EdS in School Psychology Program Features

• Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a School Psychologist training program
• The EdS in School Psychology uses a hybrid model.
  • The psychology core courses are taught in person at Drexel's main campus in Philadelphia, PA.
  • The applied behavior analysis, special education, and english language learners courses can be taken online for added flexibility.
• You will learn from faculty who are published experts in the fields of School Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Early Childhood Development.
• The program includes intensive practicum experiences, with the goal of getting you into community settings from the very beginning of your degree.
• The cohort nature of the program allows you to build relationships and network with classmates, faculty, and staff.
• You will learn standard IQ, EQ, EF, adaptive, skill-based, and achievement test assessment processes.
• This program includes coursework in early childhood development, applied behavioral analysis, legal and ethical policy and law, and teaching English language learners.
• You will have the opportunity to become dual certified in applied behavior analysis and school psychology.

Archived Webinar

• Online Open House: EdS in School Psychology

How long does it take to complete an EdS in School Psychology?

This is a full-time program that takes three years to complete. You will complete two years of coursework, followed by a one-year internship.

What can I do with an EdS in School Psychology?

With this degree, you’ll have the opportunity to find employment as a school psychologist in research centers, school districts, state education agencies and departments, behavioral health agencies, and hospital and clinic settings.

What is the role of a school psychologist?

As a school psychologist, your job is to be a resource and advocate for your students. You can expect to work directly with students, counseling them on academic, emotional, or social issues. You’ll conduct evaluations and help develop student individualized education programs (IEPs). You will also work within your school or educational community, including with parents, teachers, and other staff, to develop workshops and promote policies that deal with issues like violence, harassment, and bullying.

What are the benefits of being a school psychologist?

School psychology lets you have a direct impact on the lives of students outside of a classroom setting. For those who want to work with students but don’t want to teach, school psychology can be an extremely rewarding career. You will work closely with students to improve their lives, both in and out of school. This position gives you the opportunity to build an inclusive, diverse learning environment and promote good mental health.

What skills do you need to be an educational psychologist?

Being a strong communicator who is comfortable working with others is crucial for school psychologists. You will be working directly with students, parents, and other educators, so you’ll need to be able to communicate verbal and written information clearly, and accurately process information. You should be prepared to think critically about problems and offer creative solutions. And, because of the nature of the job, you should have excellent listening skills and be able to bring sensitivity and empathy into your interactions with students.

How much money does an educational psychologist make?

EdS in School Psychology Salary Expectations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a school psychologist is roughly $85,000 per year. This figure is dependent upon your location, as well as your job setting (those working in a clinical environment, for instance, tend to have a higher salary than those working in a school). This is a pediatric-focused program, and one of our main goals is to place graduates in hospital and clinic settings, in addition to education agencies and behavioral health organizations.

Can a teacher become an educational psychologist?

It’s not necessary to be a teacher or have a degree in education to pursue your EdS in School Psychology. However, for this program, it is preferred that you have some experience working with children. So, having a background as a teacher is a great entry point into this program. Even for those currently working in education, it is necessary to pursue additional training before becoming an educational psychologist.

Drexel's 10,000 Hours Podcast: Jim Connell

Despite what 80's teen movies told us, throwing "bad kids" into detention doesn't actually help them. Jim Connell, an associate professor at Drexel, draws on his own experiences and his work in behavioral health to find better ways to help troubled kids.

Related Programs

• Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
• MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Dual MS in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis

State restrictions may apply to some programs.