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Education Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology Degree Overview
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In our Educational Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology with Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential program, you’ll specialize in offering services and support that make struggling children’s lives better. School psychologists work closely with students and families to develop individualized programs to help them manage significant issues, such as mental disorders and elevated emotional issues. You’ll learn how to use data and science to assess complicated scenarios and drive behavioral change to help students thrive at home and in school.
This program also prepares you for the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential, allowing you to practice in California’s schools. You don’t need a psychology background to attain this degree, but you have an awareness of the struggles children face in our schoolrooms, and want to help students and families. An EdS in School Psychology with a PPS can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career that helps you improve the lives of students.
The program offers two tracks to prepare you to lead within school systems:
- The Education Specialist in School Psychology with Pupil Personnel Services Credential and Emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis will increase your understanding, and further your development of skills in guiding behavioral change. If you’re currently an instructional aide in special education, you’ll find the Applied Behavior Analysis is aligned with your current work. You’ll be prepared to receive a Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, meeting the requirements to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) examination. Additionally, the program prepares you to gain the PPS (Pupil Personnel Services) credential, allowing you to practice in California’s schools.
- The Education Specialist in School Psychology with Pupil Personnel Services Credential and Emphasis in School Based Mental Health prepares you to work at a high level, considering the bigger picture of the education and social emotional environment. The position is data-driven, working with students and family to develop plans to get them through ongoing challenges such as mental illness, suicide ideation, and long-term family issues. The program also prepares you to gain the PPS (Pupil Personnel Services) credential that allows you to practice in California’s schools.
Faculty and admissions
Get the information you need in order to start your Alliant experience. Browse our diverse list of faculty members, or see the latest admission requirements for your program.
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Degree highlights
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Beyond a Master’s Degree
The program provides an advanced education that surpasses that of an master’s degree, prepares you for your National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) certification, and provides coursework toward licensure, such as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
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All Bachelor’s Degrees Welcome
As long as you have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution, in any subject, you will fulfill the admissions requirement and be in the position to turn that degree into an EdS degree.
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Online, On Your Time
Not only can you earn your degree online, you’ll learn how to work with actual students in the online K–12 schoolroom to gain the experience you need to succeed in the field.
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“This is a profession in which you can really change the hearts and minds of many and really extend your impact … there are many opportunities to be able to completely transform systems and be able to provide the support in more than just direct ways that exponentially increases your impact in the lives of many students.”
Rodrigo Enciso
School Psychologist and CSOE Alumnus
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Degree information
Student Learning Outcomes
Coursework for the EdS in School Psychology program ensures you are prepared in the following professional competencies:
- Data-based decision-making and accountability with knowledge of varied models and methods of assessment useful in identifying strengths and needs, in understanding problems, and measuring progress and accomplishments.
- Consultation and collaboration with knowledge of behavioral, mental health, collaborative, and/or other consultation models and methods.
- Effective instruction and development of cognitive/academic skills through knowledge of human learning processes, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of cognitive and academic skills.
- Socialization and development of life skills through knowledge of human developmental processes, techniques to assess these processes, and direct and indirect services applicable to the development of behavioral, affective, adaptive, and social skills.
- Student diversity in development and learning with knowledge of individual differences, abilities, and disabilities and of the influence of biological, social, cultural, ethnic, experiential, socioeconomic, gender-related, and linguistic factors in development and learning.
- School and systems organization, policy development, and climate with knowledge of general education, special education, and other educational and related services.
- Prevention, crisis intervention, and mental health with the knowledge of human development and psychopathology and biological, cultural, and social influences on human behavior.
- Home/school/community collaboration with knowledge of family systems, student development, learning, and behavior, and methods to involve families in education and service delivery.
- Research and program evaluation with knowledge of research, statistics, and evaluation methods.
- School counseling practice and development with the knowledge of the history and foundations of their profession; of service models and methods; of public policy development; and of ethical, professional, and legal standards.
- Information technology skills, with the knowledge of information sources and technology relevant to their work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the career outlook for graduates of the EdS in School Psychology degree program?
The career outlook for those who have obtained their Education Specialist in School Psychology degree is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth of almost 14% for school psychologist positions, nation-wide, by 2026. Opportunities are driven by increased mental health needs in K-12 settings, and society in general.
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What kind of job can I expect to get with this degree?
Graduates with an EdS in School Psychology with an Emphasis in School-Based Mental Health should expect to find a career as a school psychologist at the elementary-, middle-, high-school level. Graduates may also choose to pursue specialized roles in K-12 settings as an Educationally Related Mental Health Services counselor or evaluator. They may also consider pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and work in the private sector.
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What scholarship and financial aid options are available to me?
Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education. Alliant offers a number of institutional scholarships for many of our students; learn about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
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When does EdS in School Psychology degree program start?
The program is an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods. Learn more with our eight-week term academic calendar.
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How long does it take to complete the EdS in School Psychology degree program?
The Education Specialist in Psychology degree with emphasis in school-based mental health (SBMH) is a 78-credit program and takes a minimum of three years to complete, over 14 terms. The Education Specialist in Psychology degree with emphasis in Applied Behavioral Analysis is a 75-credit program and takes a minimum of three years to complete, over 14 terms.
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What is the modality of this program?
The EdS in School Psychology program is offered fully online. All classes and coursework can be completed virtually, on your own time, allowing you to tailor your education to your schedule.
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Degree Campus Locations
The Education Specialist in School Psychology is only offered as an online program. Explore additional online master’s programs, doctoral programs, certificates and more below.
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Online Programs
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Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve the lives of people in diverse cultures and communities around the world. Our Vision is an inclusive world empowered by Alliant alumni. We create learning environments at our accredited institution to help students reach their full potential.
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Why CSOE
At CSOE, we believe that education is the great equalizer and are committed to preparing and empowering the next generation of educational professionals. Earn a master’s degree today!