Full Description

The Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology is committed to a scientist-practitioner model of training, which conceptualizes school psychologists as data-oriented problem solvers. The program operates from an eco-behavioral orientation and emphasizes the delivery of school psychological services from a consultative framework to prevent and remediate learning, behavioral and social-emotional concerns in individuals from birth to 22 years.

Students in the program gain competencies, not only in the provision of services to individual children in schools, but also in the promotion and implementation of systemic educational reform. Graduates of the Ed.S. degree are highly prepared to be leaders and innovators of comprehensive support services in a variety of educational settings.

Students who do not hold a master's degree in school psychology must apply to the M.Ed. degree in School Psychology. After completing the M.Ed. degree, students may then matriculate into the Ed.S. degree.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree in school psychology from a NASP-approved college or university
• Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale (minimum graduate 3.250 GPA is recommended)
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or vita
• Goal statement
• Sample of written work
• School Psychology Supplemental Data form (online document)
• Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 77 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 Duolingo English Test score

Program faculty evaluate applicants' background, evidence of high scholastic achievement, a high level of verbal ability and positive letters of recommendation

¹

Students who do not have a prior NASP-approved master's degree must apply to the Kent State University School Psychology M.Ed. program. Students' applications will still be reviewed for admission into the Ed.S. program. If admitted, the student will matriculate into the Kent State University School Psychology Ed.S. program following successful completion of the M.Ed. in school psychology within the first year.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadlines: January 15 and June 1
    Applications submitted by January 15 will be considered for interviews taking place during the spring semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during either the summer or fall semester.
    Applications submitted by June 1 will be considered for interviews taking place during the summer. If admitted, students may begin coursework during the fall semester.
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: October 1
    Applications submitted by October 1 will be considered for interviews taking place during the fall semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during the spring semester.
• Summer Term
  • Priority deadline: January 15
    Applications submitted by January 15 will be considered for interviews taking place during the spring semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during either the summer or fall semester.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills associated with the National Association of School Psychologist's (NASP) Domains of School Psychology Training and Practice, which allows them to gain the credential of 'school psychologist' at the state and national levels (i.e., through both the Ohio Department of Education and NASP's national certification program [Nationally Certified School Psychologist, NCSP]).
2. Demonstrate positive impact on students in applied settings as related to assessment, planning/supports and implementation of interventions related to academic and behavioral needs as identified by key stakeholders in a variety of internship placement settings (i.e., within public schools).

Program Requirements

¹

Students must complete SPSY 77792 for two semesters, 3 credit hours each.

²

SPSY 77971 is required for students who complete an internship in the State of Ohio. If taken, students must complete two semesters, 3 credit hours each, for a total of 6 credit hours. All other students complete 6 credits of faculty-approved coursework.

³

Student must complete SPSY 77992 for two semesters, 6 credit hours each. An academic Year internship under supervision of the faculty and a qualified school psychologist in public schools is required. Course requirements need to be successfully completed prior to the internship.

Graduation Requirements

• Upon admission to the Ed.S. degree program, students will be assigned an advisor.
• Annual State/Federal background checks are required for all field-based experiences.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking School Psychologist licensure are required to pass the ETS Praxis II School Psychologist test or the domain specific School Psychology Ohio Assessment for Educators test.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Recognized by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in School Psychology is committed to a scientist-practitioner model of training, which conceptualizes school psychologists as data-oriented problems solvers and transmitters of psychological knowledge and skill. As such, students draw upon the scientific literature as a primary basis for professional practice and focus their research agendas so as to have meaningful implications for practice. In addition, functioning as a scientist-practitioner meas that professional practice is conducted in ways that are consistent with the scientific method.

Emphasis in training is placed on the provision of services through research-based practice and data-based decision making. Doctoral students gain competencies, not only in the provision of school psychological services to individual children and youth, but also in the promotion and implementation of systemic, preventative educational and mental health systems. Since the program's emphasis is on the application of psychology in applied educational and mental health settings, students are required to demonstrate competence in the substantive content areas of psychological and educational theory; the scientific, methodological and theoretical foundations of practice in school psychology; data-based decision making; intervention design and evaluation; and cultural and individual diversity.

The school psychology doctorate prepares students to work as leaders in applied practice in educational and mental health settings.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale (minimum 3.500 GPA is recommended)
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or vita
• Goal statement
• Sample of written work
• School Psychology Supplemental Data Form (online document)
• Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 77 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 Duolingo English Test score

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadlines: January 15 and June 1
    Applications submitted by January 15 will be considered for interviews taking place during the spring semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during either the summer or fall semester.
    Applications submitted by June 1 will be considered for interviews taking place during the summer. If admitted, students may begin coursework during the fall semester.
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: October 1
    Applications submitted by October 1 will be considered for interviews taking place during the fall semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during the spring semester.
• Summer Term
  • Priority deadline: January 15
    Applications submitted by January 15 will be considered for interviews taking place during the spring semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during either the summer or fall semester.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills associated with both the National Association of School Psychologists' Domains of School Psychology Training and Practice and those domains related to advanced psychological foundations knowledge and research skills as identified by the American Psychological Association (APA).
2. Demonstrate an appropriate level of professional deportment.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• The total number of required credit hours in each student's Plan of Study/Residency Plan will vary based on previous graduate coursework, point of entry into the program, program area advisor input and the school psychology program requirements. The minimum requirement for a doctoral degree is 60 credit hours beyond the master's degree. Given the requirements of the accreditation bodies governing Kent State's school psychology degree program, the typical number of required credit hours for the doctoral degree will exceed that of the minimum college requirements.
• Students who enter the program without recent and comprehensive training in school psychology (from a NASP-approved program) and without a school psychology license must complete relevant coursework. The total number of required hours will vary based on point of entry into the program, previous coursework and program advisor input.
• State/Federal background checks are required for all field-based experiences.

Candidacy

Once the student has successfully completed and orally defended their comprehensive exams, they are recommended for doctoral candidacy in line with all other program and college requirements.

Licensure Information

Candidates seeking School Psychologist licensure are required to pass the ETS Praxis II School Psychologist test or the domain specific School Psychology Ohio Assessment for Educators test.

American Psychological Association (APA), Recognized by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Full Description

The Master of Education degree in School Psychology provides a focus on the core principles and foundations of the practice of school psychology. The M.Ed. degree is not considered a terminal degree and is not sufficient for earning the Ohio state license in school psychology.

Additional training beyond the M.Ed. (e.g., an Ed.S. or Ph.D.) is required in order to gain the credential of 'school psychologist' at the state (i.e., Ohio Department of Education) and national (i.e., through the National Association of School Psychologists national certification program) levels as well as for licensure and practice in most states.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or vita
• Goal statement
• Sample of written work
• School Psychology Supplemental Data form (online document)
• Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 77 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 Duolingo English Test score

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadlines: January 15 and June 1
    Applications submitted by January 15 will be considered for interviews taking place during the spring semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during either the summer or fall semester.
    Applications submitted by June 1 will be considered for interviews taking place during the summer. If admitted, students may begin coursework during the fall semester.
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: October 1
    Applications submitted by October 1 will be considered for interviews taking place during the fall semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during the spring semester.
• Summer Term
  • Priority deadline: January 15
    Applications submitted by January 15 will be considered for interviews taking place during the spring semester. If admitted, students may begin coursework during either the summer or fall semester.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills associated with the National Association of School Psychologist's Domains of School Psychology Training and Practice.

Program Requirements

¹

Students must complete SPSY 67692 in two semesters, 3 credit hours each  for a total of 6 credit hours. Annual State/Federal background checks are required for all field-based experiences.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum 30 credit hours of graduate coursework required for the M.Ed. degree.
• Depending on students' background/experience, students may be required to complete additional coursework in the first and second years of the program.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Full Description

The Gerontology graduate certificate is offered jointly with the University of Akron to offer students specialized training within the interdisciplinary field of gerontology that goes beyond what is rooted in their selected professional discipline or academic major. Coursework completed at either institution may be applied to the certificate. The certificate program is flexible; students can tailor the courses taken toward completion of the certificate to meet their unique professional interests.

The Gerontology certificate is based on the recommended standards of excellence established by the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. The faculty at both Kent State University and the University of Akron are nationally and internationally recognized scholars in gerontology. Many are fellows of the Gerontological Society of America. Faculty are available to assist students with course selection, research projects and other matters of interest in the field of gerontology.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Official transcript(s)
• Master's degree from an accredited institution¹
• Two letters of recommendation (students currently enrolled in graduate degree programs at either Kent State University or the University of Akron may use the letters of recommendation submitted for admission into their degree program)
• Goal statement and professional objectives

¹

Student must be matriculated in a graduate degree program or hold a graduate degree from an accredited institution. Students may be admitted with non-degree status, but they must complete a graduate degree prior to being awarded the certificate.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Apply gerontological knowledge and skills to their professional career pursuits, whether of an applied or research orientation.
2. Interface with professionals from other disciplines within the interdisciplinary context of gerontology.
3. Understand aging from a broad bio-psych-social prospective, ranging from cell to society in scope.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Students declared in a doctoral degree should enroll in the doctoral level version of these courses, if offered.
• A thesis or dissertation may be applied toward certificate requirements if it involves an aging-related topic. Students can also apply a practicum/internship course within their degree program as a capstone experience in the certificate program.
• Minimum 12 credit hours must be at the 600 level (University of Akron), 60000 level (Kent State University) or above designation.
• Maximum 3 credit hours is transferable from outside the university.

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Full Description

The International Family Science minor provides students the opportunity to learn about the field of family science as it currently exists in the United States. The knowledge gained from the foundational courses in the minor is then explored in an international setting in Florence, Italy.

In Italy, students have the opportunity to critically assess the differences in how family science is viewed and implemented internationally compared to the United States. During their time in Florence, students will gain deeper cultural competence through experiential learning activities designed to foster critical thinking, mastery of content and self-reflection.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare this minor, students must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.500 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Describe the field of family science compared to other social sciences. 
2. Discuss the influences on the modern family from historical and cultural contexts.
3. Identify and analyze family policies in the United States and international settings.
4. Design research-informed educational programming for families that is preventative in nature for domestic and international settings.
5. Compare and contrast social service organizations from domestic and international settings.
6. Articulate cultural and socioeconomic differences and the significance of these differences in human development.

Program Requirements

¹

Courses are offered in Florence, Italy, only. Students may substitute other courses offered in Florence, with approval

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus*
  • Stark Campus*

_{* International travel to Florence, Italy, required.}

Full Description

The Nonprofit Studies minor prepares students for careers in a variety of nonprofit organizations at the local, state, national and international level. The curriculum provides students with knowledge and competencies in areas such as grant writing and fundraising, mission and vision, advocacy and lobbying, risk management, board development, program planning, leadership and ethics, human resource development, youth and adult development, marketing, financial management and non-profit management. Students gain real world experience with local nonprofit agencies through a practicum experience.

The Nonprofit Studies minor may be beneficial for students pursuing any major.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare this minor, students must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Describe the principles and practices of nonprofit management.
2. Construct a grant proposal appropriate for submission to a grant funder in the nonprofit sector.
3. Apply community outreach skills through successful completion of a community inventory as well as practicum and field experiences.

Program Requirements

¹

An internship/practicum is required at a non-profit organization; students must make prior arrangements with the program director. Before taking the internship/practicum course, students must have taken (or will take concurrently) HDF 44033 and HDF 44034.

Graduation Requirements

•  After declaring the Nonprofit studies minor, students are required to meet with the program director to discuss course selection and procedures for completing the minor.

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

• Delivery:
  • Fully online
  • In person
• Location:
  • Geauga Campus
  • Kent Campus
  • Stark Campus

Full Description

The Gerontology minor provides students with knowledge of the aging process and prepares students for professional positions in the diverse field of aging. Current predictions indicate that a "baby boomer" will turn 60 every seven seconds for the next 18 years. By 2050, it is estimated that one in five people will be over the age of 65, leading to an increase in demand for individuals with an understanding of the aging process.

The minor benefits students with a major or an interest in psychology, sociology, business, English, nursing, education, interior design, political science, speech pathology, audiology and recreation, parks and tourism management.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare this minor, students must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Students are required to meet with the human development and family science program coordinator to discuss course selection and procedures for completing the minor.
• Some courses require prerequisites, please see course descriptions for details.

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Identify physical, cognitive, emotional and social dimensions of human development and family relationships.
2. Identify the reciprocal influences of family, school, work and community contexts on human development
3. Recognize the unique strengths and needs of individuals and families.

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare this minor, students must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Program Requirements

¹

Course has prerequisites outside of the program requirements, please contact the Department of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences for special approval. 

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be upper-division coursework (30000 and 40000 level).
• Minimum 6 credit hours in the minor must be outside of the course requirements for any major or other minor the student is pursuing.
• Minimum 50 percent of the total credit hours for the minor must be taken at Kent State (in residence).

• Delivery:
  • Fully online
  • In person
• Location:
  • Geauga Campus
  • Kent Campus
  • Salem Campus
  • Stark Campus