Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology
PCOM's NASP-approved Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology (EdS) is an innovative, applied professional psychology program designed for students with a master's degree in school psychology or a related field (e.g., education, counseling, social work, etc.) who are seeking certification in the field of school psychology. In combination with the MS program the EdS program prepares candidates for a career in School Psychology.
The EdS program offers a progressive curriculum designed to prepare practitioners in various aspects of school psychology including assessment, consultation, academic and behavioral intervention, counseling, and crisis intervention and prevention. The program trains students from a cognitive-behavioral framework to conceptualize issues and to develop a coordinated system of service that promotes and integrates wellness and learning for all children.
Completion of this certification fulfills the requirements for certification as a school psychologist in Pennsylvania and other states and for eligibility to apply for Nationally Certified School Psychologists credential. For more information on this credential please visit www.nasponline.org
Learn more about the Educational Specialist Degree program.
Doctor of Psychology
PCOM's NASP-approved and Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)-designated doctoral program in School Psychology is a state-of-the-art professional school psychology curriculum that is designed especially for working professionals. It builds upon the advanced training and experience of the certified school psychologist in multiple ways, including skills in cognitive behavioral therapy and interventions, advanced assessment, health promotion, program development and evaluation services and research.
There is a special focus on the multi-cultural context of schools, families and other systems. Graduates will be prepared to service children in schools, hospitals or other mental health settings and to demonstrate leadership as a professional.
Learn more about the Doctor of Psychology program.
What is a school psychologist?
School psychologists use their training in both psychology and education to help children and youth succeed academically, socially and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, the community and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments for all students.
For more information about the profession, visit the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) website.
Where do school psychologists work?
The majority of school psychologists work in the public school setting. Others work in private schools, community agencies, charter schools, hospitals and clinics or universities. School psychologists generally work as practitioners, administrators and faculty/researchers.
What is the difference between a school psychologist and a school counselor?
Training as a school psychologist will provide broader options both within and outside of school settings. In addition to working in schools, school psychologists are often employed by other agencies such as community mental health centers, pediatric departments of hospitals, corrections facilities, etc.
Within school settings, opportunities for school psychologists continue to broaden as districts secure funding from a greater variety of sources including grants, prevention and early intervention projects, etc.
PCOM’s MS program provides the foundational knowledge to continue into the EdS program, which prepares the student to become a certified school psychologist.
What is the significance of National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) approval?
The MS/EdS program in school psychology, completed in sequence at PCOM, are NASP approved. Approval by the NASP is significant because of its link to Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP).
NASP program approval/national recognition is an important indicator of quality graduate education in school psychology, comprehensive content and extensive and properly-supervised field experiences and internships, as judged by trained national reviewers.
In addition, programs obtaining NASP approval allow for a streamlined process for program graduates to obtain the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential. Thus, NASP approval/national recognition confers multiple advantages to programs, program graduates and the school psychology profession.
Learn more about NASP-Approved Programs on the NASP website.
Do students have field experiences? If so, where?
Yes, during the third trimester students will complete a fieldwork experience that provides them with the opportunity to apply knowledge skills learned thus far through coursework. Fieldwork experiences are conducted at locations such as:
- Public schools
- Charter schools
- Private schools
- Urban school districts
- Rural school districts
