Dec 07, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

School Psychology, Ed.S.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by College/Department

Department: Educational and Psychological Studies
 

The Ed.S. degree program in School Psychology has been designed specifically for training in school psychology and has been developed to meet all relevant national accreditation standards. The Ed.S. program is fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and the Florida Department of Education.  Students who complete the School Psychology Training Program at USF automatically meet the academic and field training requirements for certification in Florida as a school psychologist as well as for certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). 

The Ed.S. program in School Psychology is committed to training professionals who have expertise in the depth and diversity of both psychology and education. This training is accomplished within a scientist-practitioner model that emphasizes comprehensive school psychological services using a social and cognitive behavioral learning theory orientation that recognizes the impact of children’s individual differences and the importance of multicultural awareness and skills. Graduates of the Ed.S. program typically move to positions of employment as school psychologists. 

Accreditation: 
The Ed.S. degree program in School Psychology is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
 
Major Research Areas: 
School psychology, academic performance, student behavior, youth mental health, systems change.

ADMISSION INFORMATION

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

The School Psychology program admission only occurs in the fall.  This is a limited access program, which means that only a limited number of students are able to be accepted each year.  Students are considered for this degree on a case-by-case basis.  Please contact the Graduate Coordinator prior to applying.

A complete application includes the following:

  • A curriculum vita or resume
  • Statement of professional goals. In a 3-page double-spaced statement, explain your short-term, intermediate, and long-term professional goals, research interests, and alignment with the program’s mission and vision. 
  • Three letters of recommendation from professionals who are familiar with your scholarship and work history.
  • If invited for an interview, present self professionally in an oral interview with two or more faculty members and graduate students.

Curriculum Requirements


Total Minimum Hours: 74 Credit hours post-bachelor’s

  • Core - 64 Credit Hours
  • Practicum/Internship - 8 Credit Hours Minimum
  • Thesis/Project - 2 Credit Hours Minimum

​Total Minimum Hours: 44 Credit hours post-master’s

  • Core - 34 Credit Hours
  • Practicum/Internship - 8 Credit Hours Minimum
  • Thesis/Project - 2 Credit Hours Minimum

Comprehensive Exam


After completion of the program of study, the thesis or project serves in lieu of the Ed.S. comprehensive exam. Each Ed.S. Supervisory Committee is responsible for confirming successful completion of the thesis or project. It is the responsibility of the Major Professor to ensure that this process proceeds in due course.

Practicum and Internship (8 Credit Hours)


Thesis or Project (2 Credit Hours Minimum)


Students in the Ed.S. School Psychology Program are required to plan and successfully complete an individual thesis or project. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for the student to apply knowledge gained in the major to the resolution of significant needs arising from professional practice. Students are required to enroll for a minimum of two (2) credit hours in the thesis or project course the semester in which the thesis or project is submitted to the College Associate Dean for Academic Affairs or the Office of Graduate Studies. 

Tests or Examinations


Students in the School Psychology Ed.S. program must complete the Professional Education Examination, the FTCE School Psychology subject area exam, and the National Association of School Psychology Certification Exam (PRAXIS). These exams are taken during students’ second and third years in the program, prior to graduation.

Residency Requirement


Students in the Ed.S. School Psychology Program must remain in residence for at least two years. Academic residency for each year is defined as registration for at least nine (9) semester hours, two semesters in a 12-month period.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs by College/Department