School Psychology - Ed.S.

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 curriculum vitae
• 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 to waive) by earning one of the following:²
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET 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's M.Ed. degree in School Psychology. Students' applications will still be reviewed for admission into the Ed.S. degree. If admitted, students will matriculate into the Ed.S. degree following successful completion of the M.Ed. degree within the first year.

²

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadlines: January 15 and May 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 May 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

Major 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. Students are required to undertake an academic year of internship under supervision of the faculty and a qualified school psychologist in public schools. 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

The Ed.S. degree in School Psychology is recognized by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).