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
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.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
School Psychology Core Courses | ||
EDSP 500 | Professional School Psychology | 3.0 |
Assessment | ||
EDSP 510 | Academic Assessment in School Psychology | 3.0 |
EDSP 512 | Cognitive Assessment in School Psychology | 3.0 |
EDSP 514 | Social, Emotional, and Psycho-Behavioral Assessment | 3.0 |
Early Childhood and Human Development | ||
EDSP 521 | Typical and Atypical Development in Early Childhood Education | 3.0 |
EDSP 523 | Teaching and Learning Environments for Children | 3.0 |
School Psychology Ethics | ||
EDSP 530 | School Psychology Legal and Ethical Requirements | 3.0 |
Multicultural Awareness, Sensitivity, and Practice in School Psychology | ||
EDSP 540 | Multicultural Awareness, Competence, and Sensitivity in School Psychology | 3.0 |
Practicum | ||
EDSP 600 | Practicum in School Psychology | 3.0 |
EDSP 601 | Advanced Practicum in School Psychology | 3.0 |
Internship | ||
EDSP 700 | School Psychology Internship | 4.0 |
Applied Behavior Analysis Courses | ||
ABA 630 | Fundamental Elements of Behavior Change | 4.5 |
ABA 631 | Measurement and Experimental Design | 4.5 |
ABA 632 | Behavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis | 4.5 |
ABA 633 | Behavioral Interventions | 4.5 |
ABA 634 | Consultation, Systems Change, and Supervision | 4.5 |
ABA 635 | Ethical Considerations and Professional Conduct | 4.5 |
ABA 636 | Applications of Fundamental Elements of Behavior Analysis | 4.5 |
Special Education Courses | ||
EDEX 536 | Special Education Law and Processes (PK-12) | 3.0 |
EDEX 550 | Teaching Individuals with Low Incident Disabilities | 3.0 |
English Language Learners Course | ||
EDUC 565 | Foundations in Instructing English Language Learners | 3.0 |
Total Credits | 73.5 |
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- GRE scores of 1100 recommended but not required
- Previous work with children, teens, or young adults preferred
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
- Two letters of recommendation from previous instructors, supervisors, and/or mentors
- Personal essay addressing
- Why you're interested in this field
- Why you're interested in attending the program at Drexel
- Your career goals and how Drexel's program will help you achieve them
- How this program relates to your previous education and/or work experience
- Resume
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2022-2023 is $1047 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1396 per credit)
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2022-2023 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2022
September 19, 2022
December 3, 2022
December 5, 2022
December 10, 2022
Winter 2023
January 9, 2023
March 18, 2023
March 20, 2023
March 25, 2023
Spring 2023
April 3, 2023
June 10, 2023
June 12, 2023
June 17, 2023
Summer 2023
June 26, 2023
September 2, 2023
September 4, 2023
September 9, 2023
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