School Psychology, Education Specialist

Our 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 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.

Preparing professional educators for leadership and administration in schools and higher education

• Admission and Program Requirements
• Course Requirements Checklist
• Program Handbook

Career Opportunities

• 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           

ISU Catalog, Ed. S. School Psychology

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), a GPA above 3.0, and minimum score at the 40th percentile on both the verbal and quantitative sections on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. Applications must include at least two letters of recommendation and a personal statement of interest and goals. Complete application materials, including transcripts and test scores, must be received by January 1st to be considered for summer semester admission. 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.