Factors to consider when choosing an EDS or PHD in School Psychology

Choosing between an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree and a PhD in school psychology starts with the work you want to do after graduation. Use the steps below to compare career fit, credentialing, training, and costs,then build a shortlist you can evaluate with confidence.

How do you choose between an EdS and a PhD in school psychology?

Choose an EdS if your primary goal is school-based practice and the program meets your intended state’s credentialing requirements. Consider a PhD if you also want substantial research training, university teaching opportunities, or preparation for broader practice settings. 

Both pathways can prepare school psychologists, but doctoral training adds research expectations, including a dissertation, and generally takes longer. At Lehigh, EdS students generally complete their degree in three years (two years of coursework, one year of internship)  versus five to six for their PhD (the final year also being an internship). Your decision should reflect the responsibilities you want, the training you can sustain, and the credentials your future work requires.

What should you gather before comparing programs?

Before comparing school psychology programs, gather your transcripts and contact information for letter writers. Consider where you would like to live for the next 3-5 years, and be prepared to reflect on your experiences and accomplishments that have led you to apply to graduate school. 

Create a comparison document with columns for career alignment, approval or accreditation, completion time, field placements, total costs, funding, and outcomes. Record unanswered questions instead of filling gaps with assumptions.

Compare your options in six steps

1. Define your preferred workday and long-term goals.
   Write down the activities you want to prioritize: student assessment, intervention, consultation, research, teaching, or work beyond schools. While all accredited training programs should cover these content areas in some capacity, training programs differ in their points of emphasis. At Lehigh faculty prepare students to engage in data-based decision making to engage in evidence-based assessment and intervention and to support educators and school systems via consultation to meet the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs of all students. 
2. Then separate essential goals from possibilities. If research sounds appealing, review faculty publications and ask yourself whether you want to conduct studies—not simply read findings. If direct student support is your priority, ask programs how their training develops that work. Finish this step with a short description of your intended role.
3. Verify program recognition and credential eligibility.
   Check the exact program’s current status through the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). For doctoral options, also review American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation. These checks concern the training program itself, not merely the university’s institutional accreditation. NASP maintains program approval and accreditation resources, while APA provides guidance for choosing accredited programs. If you hope to become a licensed psychologist (PhD) or nationally certified school psychologist (PhD & EdS) attending an accredited program is critical. 
   Ask the program to explain how its curriculum aligns with requirements where you intend to work. 
4. Map the complete training schedule.
   Check program websites for their listed curriculum and student handbooks. Verify whether the program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time programs allow you to complete your degree faster, but some classes and practicum experiences will take place during working hours. Full time programs often require students to complete three classes per semester whereas part-time programs allow students to complete fewer classes per semester so that they can complete their degree while working full time. Program handbooks will outline the classes and practical experiences you will need to fulfill to successfully graduate from the program and are required to be posted on program websites. APA recommends examining completion and professional outcomes when evaluating psychology graduate programs (apa.org) and this information should be posted on the program’s website.
5. Calculate costs alongside confirmed funding.
   APA also requires the typical amount of tuition and related expenses that students incur while attending the program be reported on program websites. In addition, funding opportunities (tuition remission and stipend) may be available on program websites. If they are not request this information, and the typical number of students funded in a given year, from the Program Director. NASP’s program database also includes financial-support information, but its entries are program-reported and should be confirmed directly. (apps.nasponline.org)
6. Examine supervision, placements, and faculty fit.
   Find out how  students are matched to practicum sites placements, how supervisors are selected, typical internship sites student work in (and the percentage of PhD students attaining accredited internships) and what support is available if you struggle to find an internship site. Programs should list a Director of Clinical Training that can answer any questions that you may have. At Lehigh, the director of clinical training supports all students in finding and securing practicum placements. The director of clinical training provides support in helping students apply for internships as well. Review opportunities to develop the assessment, intervention, consultation, and research skills relevant to your goals. Faculty interests, field experiences, research opportunities, and graduate employment are useful program-selection factors.
   Ask to speak with current students about feedback quality, faculty accessibility, workload, and departmental culture. For PhD, ask prospective mentors whether they are accepting students and how advising works. 
7. Test whether the delivery format fits your circumstances.
   When reviewing school psychology programs, investigate more than what modality the program is delivered in. Ask if online classes are offered for in-person programs and about synchronous attendance. If you are considering a fully online program, APA specifically recommends checking placement assistance and potential licensure implications when evaluating online graduate study. (apa.org). Traditionally in-person,programs, including Lehigh, provide more structure and support in placing students in practicum and internship experiences. Do not treat “online” as proof that a program is self-paced or compatible with full-time employment. Keep only options whose academic and practical requirements you can realistically meet.

Make your final shortlist

Before applying, check that each remaining option has:

• A clear connection to your intended career.
• Verified recognition and credential alignment.
• A workable schedule and placement plan.
• Documented costs and funding conditions.
• Faculty support and outcomes you have investigated.

If a critical answer remains unclear, pause and contact the program. Choose the pathway that supports your goals without depending on promises you cannot verify.