Elementary school psychologist with student

Ed.S. School Psychology

Academics

The demand for school psychologists and school counselors is growing rapidly and is projected to rise by about 13 percent from 2016-2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Overview

The Educational Specialist program requires students to take 66 credits. Typical Ed.S. candidates complete the program in three years, with two years of course work and a year-long, full-time internship. 

A normal course load is three courses for 10 credits in the fall, three courses for 10 credits in the spring and one to three courses in the summer for 3-10 credits.  

Gaining hands-on experience is an important part of the program, so practicums are integrated throughout the course-based curriculum during the first year and a formal practicum during the second year. Across both years, students accumulate 200 hours of practical experience. The final year is an internship, and Ed.S. candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive exam, which consists of an extensive portfolio review. 

Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for state certification as school psychologists.

Application Requirements

  • Online application
  • Transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate)
  • Two letters of recommendations

  • Personal statement

  • Professional resume

  • Proof of English proficiency
See All Requirements

Quick Facts

Transcript Evaluations: Evaluations are required for applicants who have earned a degree outside the U.S.

Priority Deadline: December 1. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadline.

Secondary Deadline: April 1. Submissions for secondary deadline are accepted beginning January 1, only for EdS applicants, and only virtual interviews will be offered  in early April for finalists. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadline.

Modality: On-Campus

Course Requirements: 22 courses (66 credits)

Typical Course Load: Fall (3 courses), spring (3 courses), summer (1-3 courses)

Time to Completion: 3 years

Practical Experience Component: During the first two years students accumulate 200 hours of practical experience and the final year is spent in an internship

Culminating Experience: Comprehensive exam, which consists of an extensive portfolio review

Your best work is ahead.

Curriculum

All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted. Course descriptions can be found in the course catalog.

course numbercourse name
EDUC 403Research
EDUC 461Single Subject Research Design

course numbercourse name
EDUC 402Developmental Psychology
EDUC 473Social Bases
EDUC 474Behavioral Neuroscience
SCHP 418Children in Context

course numbercourse name
EDUC 406Foundations of Social Emotional Learning
EDUC 456Trauma and Resilience

course numbercourse name
SPED 332Education and Inclusion for Individuals with Special Needs

course numbercourse name
EDL 420Data-Based Decision Making
SCHP 402Applied Behavior Analysis
SCHP 404Introduction to School Psychology
SCHP 407Crisis Management in Schools
SCHP 412Consultation Procedures
SCHP 422Assessment of Cognition and Achievement
SCHP 432Assessment of Cognition and Achievement Practicum (1)
SCHP 423Social Emotional and Behavioral Assessment and Intervention
SCHP 425Academic Assessment and Intervention
SCHP 426Advanced School and Family Interventions
SCHP 435School Based Practicum (2)
SCHP 443Certification Internship (9)

Accreditation

Lehigh’s Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Psychology program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to train individuals to become school-based practitioners. Faculty share their own pioneering research and best practices in the field to train doctoral candidates in the most effective methods for working with children of all backgrounds and abilities. 

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

The demand for school psychologists and school counselors is growing rapidly and is projected to rise by about 13 percent from 2016-2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Educational Specialists in School Psychology who have completed this program are employed as school psychologists in school districts around Pennsylvania and the U.S. Others hold a variety of positions, including intermediate unit administrators.  

Faculty and Staff

Documents