The Ed.S. in School Psychology provides training for a professional career as a certified or licensed school psychologist. Ed.S.-level school psychologists work primarily in public and private school systems, preschool settings, and child-development centers. Typical responsibilities are assessment, diagnosis, consultation, program planning, and intervention services to preschool and school-age children with educational, emotional and behavioral problems.
Admission. Students may enter the Ed.S. program in School Psychology if they have a master’s degree in psychology, education or a related field. An applicant with a good academic record may enter without a master’s degree, provided the applicant has an undergraduate major in psychology, education or a related field; a GPA of 3.00; introductory courses in the following areas: statistics, learning theories or educational psychology and human development; and current satisfactory scores on the GRE General Tests. Applicants must also meet the general requirements listed in the Graduate Programs and Academic Information portions of the Admissions and Academics section of this bulletin.
Students admitted to the Ed.S. without a master’s degree may elect to receive an MA en route or may proceed directly to the Ed.S. degree. Students who want the MA degree must take and pass the MA comprehensive examinations. Students continuing to the Ed.S. without receiving the MA are not required to take these exams. Students will be required to take and pass the Ed.S. comprehensive examinations.
Students are required to pass the ETS School Psychology (Praxis II) exam and submit a satisfactory portfolio in addition to the requirements below.
Prior to clinical experiences or classes with child contact, students will be required to complete a clearance form indicating whether they have been convicted of a felony and have fingerprints on file with the Michigan State Police. Having a prior conviction may make it impossible to complete the program.
Students must demonstrate computer competency.
Transfer Credits for Ed.S. in School Psychology. The program requires a minimum of 70 semester credits of post-baccalaureate study. At least 24 semester credits (excluding practicum and internship) must be completed within the Ed.S. program at Andrews University.
Students who come to the program with a baccalaureate degree in psychology, education or a related field can only complete 20% of their MA or Ed.S. outside Andrews University, and 80% of their overall program must be completed at Andrews University. The 20% does not include internship or practicum. It is recommended that this 20% not include courses that are examined on the comprehensive exam.
