Where psychology meets education to make a difference.
"Lehigh's COE offers a strong School Psychology program and was the right match for me and my goals. This program allows me to explore topics that interest me and develop the necessary skills for my future career."
Overview
The Educational Specialist program at Lehigh University is a 66-credit on-campus program. Typical Ed.S. candidates complete the program in three years, with two years of course work and a year-long, full-time internship. Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for state certification as school psychologists.
Hands-On Learning
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.
Demand for School Psychologists
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.
Program at a Glance
Format: On-Campus
Credits: 22 courses (66 credits)
Length: 3 years, with two years of course work and a year-long, full-time internship
Deadlines: Priority Deadline is December 1. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadline. Secondary Deadline is 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.
Credential Earned: Educational Specialist Ed.S. Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for state certification as school psychologists.
The COE Advantage
The Ed.S. is a forward-thinking program focused on going beyond current role of school psychologist - preparation for future innovations in the field.
Students play a key role in our training program. Each year representatives from the Ed.S. and Ph.D. cohort attend all program meetings with faculty and communicate celebrations and concerns that arise amongst students. This allows pro-active problem solving to ensure a welcoming collaborative climate underscores all students’ educational experiences. Our students are seen and heard.
Students in the School Psychology programs also host a student-led interest group that plays a role in organizing student led social activities, representation on graduate student senate for travel funding.
Students at Lehigh have the opportunity to interact with faculty beyond the classroom. The School Psychology program regularly hosts social events beyond those hosted by the broader College of Education. Each Fall the School Psychology program hosts a welcome back picnic where students and faculty kick off the new school year and compete head to head in a kickball game. The School Psychology program regularly hosts tailgate events for Lehigh Football games. Prior to Winter-Break faculty and students gather at a potluck dinner to give thanks. In February the School Psychology program hosts a social event at the National Association of School Psychologists national convention to bring alumni of the program together with current students. Finally, every Spring the School Psychology program attends an Iron Pigs game, the local minor league baseball team. All program faculty care deeply about the well being of our students, beyond the grades that students earn in their class.
Our Program Also Offers:
- Expert Faculty: Our faculty are leading experts in their specialities and renowned for their research accomplishments. Instructors of our classes have applied experience that they draw from to ensure that you can immediately apply the skills you are learning.
- Cohort model: The majority of your classes will be small and most will be composed of other school-psychology students in the EdS and PhD programs.
- Competitive Tuition
Frequently Asked Questions
Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for state certification as school psychologists.
Typical Ed.S. candidates complete the program in three years, with two years of course work and a year-long, full-time internship.
Curriculum
All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted. Course descriptions can be found in the course catalog.
| course number | course name |
|---|---|
| EDUC 403 | Research |
| EDUC 461 | Single Subject Research Design |
| course number | course name |
|---|---|
| EDUC 402 | Developmental Psychology |
| EDUC 473 | Social Bases |
| EDUC 474 | Behavioral Neuroscience |
| SCHP 418 | Children in Context |
| course number | course name |
|---|---|
| EDUC 406 | Foundations of Social Emotional Learning |
| EDUC 456 | Trauma and Resilience |
| course number | course name |
|---|---|
| SPED 332 | Education and Inclusion for Individuals with Special Needs |
| course number | course name |
|---|---|
| EDL 420 | Data-Based Decision Making |
| SCHP 402 | Applied Behavior Analysis |
| SCHP 404 | Introduction to School Psychology |
| SCHP 407 | Crisis Management in Schools |
| SCHP 412 | Consultation Procedures |
| SCHP 422 | Assessment of Cognition and Achievement |
| SCHP 432 | Assessment of Cognition and Achievement Practicum (1) |
| SCHP 423 | Social Emotional and Behavioral Assessment and Intervention |
| SCHP 425 | Academic Assessment and Intervention |
| SCHP 426 | Advanced School and Family Interventions |
| SCHP 435 | School Based Practicum (2) |
| SCHP 443 | Certification 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.
Faculty and Staff
Lori Gallagher Anderson
Coordinator, Counseling and School Psychology
Dr. Bridget V. Dever
Professor and Associate Dean for Research
Dr. George J. DuPaul
Professor
Dr. Robin Hojnoski
Professor and Acting Dean for the College of Education
Dr. Seth D. Laracy
Visiting Assistant Professor, Director of Clinical Training
Dr. Patricia H. Manz
Professor and Chair of Education and Human Services Department
Dr. Lia E. Sandilos
Associate Professor
Dr. Ethan R. Van Norman
Professor and Program Director
Application Requirements
- Transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate). Evaluations are required for applicants who have earned a degree outside the U.S.
- Two letters of recommendations
Personal statement
Professional resume
- Proof of English proficiency
Still have questions?
- Talk with a Student Ambassador
- Contact Admissions Office at (610) 758-3225 or coe-admissions@lehigh.edu