Program Information
The School Psychology Program at the specialist level (a total of 64 credits) is fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (until 2027) with evidence of consistency with the NASP standards for graduate preparation of school psychologists. Our program at Idaho State University is the only School Psychology program in the state (Professional Licensure Disclosure for School Psychology). Demand for child psychological services in schools is projected to increase over the next decade. You can improve the psychosocial and academic success of children!
- The Education Specialist in School Psychology aligns with the National Association of School Psychologists’ professional standards and is the minimum preparation level for school psychologists and special education directors in most states. This program can lead you to licensure/certification as a school psychologist in Idaho. Make a difference every day as a School Psychologist!
- For licensing requirements in other states, visit: NASP-State School Psychology Credentialing Requirements.
- Course Requirements Checklist
- Program Handbook
Application, Funding, and Support
Admission and Program Requirements
Candidates for the Ed.S in School Psychology must meet all college and university requirements for admission and retention. Preference is given to applicants with an undergraduate major in psychology or education (including special education) and a GPA above 3.0. The preferred deadline to be considered for summer semester admission is January 1st. If there is availability, we do accept some competitive students after January 1st. Our program admits about six to eight students each year.
Our students usually enter the program with a bachelors's degree and complete their M.Ed. of School Psychological Examiner before being accepted to continue their study toward an Ed.S. degree. Other master’s degree majors in a closely related field may be approved upon recommendation of the selection committee. However, they may be required to take additional, prerequisite coursework.
General Requirements
All post-master’s degree course work must be taken from members of the Idaho State University graduate faculty or be approved in advance by the graduate faculty. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) is required over all course work taken in the M.Ed./Ed.S. program. An oral examination covering the specialist paper, portfolio, and/or relevant topics is required.
Time Requirement
All requirements for the Ed.S. must be completed within a period of five years from the date of completion of the first post-master’s degree course to be applied toward the degree.
ISU Course Catalog
School Psychology Major Requirements
The Ed.S. in School Psychology is designed to be consistent with the minimum entry-level requirements in the field of school psychology as presented by the National Association of School Psychologists. A master's degree as a school psychological examiner or its equivalent is required. The Ed. S. is viewed as a practitioner's degree and will focus on applied activities.
The Ed.S. candidate must complete a minimum of 64 credits in School Psychology, including the master degree and 6 credits for the supervised specialist-level internship experience (1200 hours). Following are the courses and sequence:
Ed. School Psychological Examiner (31 credits)
Summer Semester (9 Graduate Credits)
SCPY 6660 Seminar in School Psychology (3 cr)
SCPY 6672 Problem-Solving Intervention in Schools (3 cr)
EDUC 6602 Theories of Learning (3 cr)
Fall Semester (12 Graduate Credits)
SCPY 6619 Individual Intelligence Testing (3 cr)
SCPY 6673 Response to Intervention Methods (3 cr)
EDUC 6610 Applied Educational Statistics (3 cr)
EDUC 6601 Research and Writing (3 cr)
Spring Semester (10 Graduate Credits)
SCPY 6682 Cognitive Behavioral Intervention in Schools (3 cr)
SCPY 6668 Practicum: Intro to School Psych, SPED & LD (3 cr)
SCPY 6657 Legal and Ethical Issues in School Psychology (2 cr)
SCPY 6659 Multicultural Issues in School Psychology (2 cr)
Ed.S. School Psychologist (33 credits)
Summer Semester (6 Graduate Credits)
SCPY 6615 Advanced Child Psychology & Development (3 cr)
SCPY 6652 Specialist Paper (3 cr)
Fall Semester (12 Graduate Credits)
SCPY 6616 Psychological Assessment (3 cr)
SCPY 6663 Clinical and Diagnostic Interviewing in Schools (3 cr)
SCPY 6665 Clinical School Psychology (3 cr)
SCPY 6669 Advanced Practicum in School Psychology (3 cr)
Spring Semester (9 Graduate Credits)
SCPY 6662 Consultation in the Schools (3 cr)
SCPY 6664 Neurocognition and Learning (3 cr)
SCPY 6669 Advanced Practicum in School Psychology (3 cr)
Ed.S. Internship Fall and Spring (6 Graduate Credits)
SCPY 6759 Ed.S Internship Fall (3 cr)
SCPY 6759 Ed.S Internship Spring (3 cr)
Total 64 Credits
Note: Students must enroll in practicums to reach a specified level of client contact, supervision, and additional experience hours. Placements must have prior approval of the school psychology faculty. Students must successfully complete one semester of SCPY 6668 Practicum: Intro to School Psychology, SPED & LD before enrolling in SCPY 6669: Advanced Practicum in School Psychology (6 credits in total for Fall and Spring semester).
Additional Requirements
Students will also prepare a School Psychology Portfolio. The Portfolio will be presented and defended in the Oral Examination. The School Psychology must be completed successfully during the Ed.S. course of study.
Career Opportunities
Graduates with a degree in school psychology could be qualified for the following types of positions:
- Public School Psychologist (80%)
- Private Clinic Practice
- Post-Secondary Practitioners
- Hospital Practice
- Higher Education Faculty
- School-Based Mental Health Center
- Higher Education Researcher
- Community Day Treatment Center
- Private School Psychologist
- Trainer of Teachers, Health Professionals, Care-Givers
- Life Coaching
- Juvenile Justice Program
Job Outlook
Because school psychologists are highly desirable in today’s job market, the job outlook includes:
- Near 100% job placement rate
- Average salary (according to the government’s Occupational Outlook Handbook) is $81,040 for school psychologists and $60,510 for school counselors.
NASP Practice Model
What does it look like?
- Data-Based Decision Making:Our students will be able to impact children through the collection, interpretation, and use of data. They will be able to use this data to create appropriate interventions.
- Consultation & Collaboration:Our students will be able to indirectly impact children through consultation and collaboration with teachers, families, systems, etc.
- Support of Academic Skills:Our students will be able to impact children through their expertise in learning and developmental theory, and academic intervention strategies.
- Support of the Mental Health, Social & Life Skills:Our students will be able to impact children through their expertise in mental health.
- School-Wide Interventions:Our students will be able to indirectly impact children through their knowledge of system theory and their expertise in the creation of system wide change.
- Preventative & Responsive Services:Our students will be able to impact children through their knowledge of resiliency, protective and risk factors and their experiences in implementing preventative services.
- Family-School Collaboration:Our students will be able to impact children through their ability in bridging the connection between school and family.
- Diversity Practice:Our students will be able to impact children through their awareness, knowledge, and skills in the area of diversity. This competency is imbued throughout their practice. They will be seen as a beacon of inclusion and culturally competent practice.
- Research & Evaluation:Our students will be able to impact children through their knowledge of research, statistics, and program evaluation. They will be able to use this information to make real world positive impact within the schools.
- Legal & Ethical Practice:Our students will be able to impact children through advocacy and ethical practice. They will standup for the rights of our students and always perform in a legally and ethically exemplary manner.
Dr. Joel Bocanegra
Professor of School Psychology
Office: College of Education 108A