Why School Psychology?
Today’s school psychologists are called upon to provide a broad range of services that support the healthy development of all students. The school psychologist is charged with making ethical and moral decisions in professional practice. The basis for leadership in this decision making is a clear dedication to child advocacy, the ability to take responsibility for the consequences of individual actions, and the moral courage to make decisions that will lead to appropriate interventions for all students.
In order to support students’ development, school psychologists work with other professionals and parents in the school environment. School psychologists use a variety of formal and informal assessment procedures to gather data for decision making related to educational programming for students. They design developmental, preventive, and remedial interventions for children and adolescents. They consult and collaborate with teachers, parents, and multi-disciplinary teams to solve problems and design programs to enhance the growth of all students.
Urgent need for school psychologists
Today’s schools face daunting challenges. School psychologists are at the forefront in trying to fulfill the complex demands of:
- Keeping children safe from violence
- Supporting students and teachers in meeting high academic standards
- Helping students with serious physical and mental disabilities
- Providing safe and supportive environments for children who may face chaos in other parts of their lives.
The state of Washington, like many other states in the country, faces a serious shortage of school psychologists at a time when the need for their services and skills in schools is greater than ever. Seattle University’s School Psychology Program prepares students with the knowledge, ethical dispositions, and skills to perform broad roles in schools. The program is grounded in a belief in the dignity and worth of every individual, with a focus on diversity, ethics and social justice. The program prepares graduates to play an active role as change agents in schools. It has been preparing school psychologists for 20 years, and has placed virtually all of its graduates in school psychology positions.
Designed for working professionals
The School Psychology program is designed either for part-time students who plan to take one or two courses per quarter, or full-time students. Students may begin the program during any quarter. Classes are offered late afternoons and evenings during the school year, and also during daytime hours in the summer session, to accommodate the professional educator. Clinical classes are small, with 12 to 15 students, to enhance contact with other students and faculty members.
The School Psychology Program offers a number of options for working professionals who wish to pursue a graduate degree and / or certification in school psychology. All degree program options lead to the Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.), Washington state certification (ESA Certification) and national certification (NCSP). The Ed.S. degree is between a master’s degree and a doctoral degree. For students who enter with a bachelor’s degree, the Post-Bachelor’s Degree program of study requires 91 credit hours. For students entering with a master’s degree, the Post-Master’s Degree program of study requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, depending on prior course work. Students who wish to pursue dual degrees and certification in both school psychology and school counseling may complete the Dual Degree/Certification program of study which requires a total of 127 credit hours. At the time of enrollment, each student will meet with an Advisor to review the previous course work and to plan a degree program meeting certificate competency requirements.
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Who are School Psychologists?
Why the School Psychology Program?
Programs and Courses
Educational Specialist Degree
Post-Bachelor's and Post-Master's
Dual Degree/Certification Program
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Admissions and Application Procedures
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