School Psychology, EdS

 If you enter the program with a bachelor’s degree, the program of study requires 90 quarter credit hours (Winter 2027) or 60 semester credit hours (Fall 2027). All post-bachelor’s degree students are required to complete a 1,200-hour internship.

This degree leads to a:

• An Educational Specialist Degree (EdS)
• Washington State Certification (ESA Certification)
• National certification (National Certificate in School Psychology)

 If you enter with a master’s degree, the program of study requires a minimum of 60 quarter credit hours (Winter 2027) or 40 semester credit hours (Fall 2027), depending on prior course work. At the time of enrollment, you meet with a program adviser to review previous graduate coursework and plan a program of studies that meets degree requirements. 

This degree leads to a:

• An Educational Specialist Degree (EdS)
• Washington State Certification (ESA Certification)
• National certification (National Certificate in School Psychology)

In accordance with state and national professional standards, you will graduate from the Seattle University School Psychology program demonstrating entry-level competence in each of ten (10) domains of practice:

• Data-Based Decision-Making and Accountability
• Consultation and Collaboration
• Academic Interventions and Instructional Supports
• Mental and Behavioral Health Services and Interventions
• School-Wide Practices to Promote Learning
• Service to Promote Safe and Supportive Schools
• Family, School and Community Collaboration
• Equitable Practices for Diverse Populations
• Research and Evidence Based Practice
• Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice 

Competence requires demonstration of both knowledge and skills. The program ensures that you have a foundation in the knowledge base for psychology and education, including theories, models, empirical findings and techniques in each domain, and demonstrate professional skills necessary to deliver effective services that result in positive outcomes in each domain. Your performance on each of the benchmarks is evaluated formally during the internship.

Consistent with the Jesuit mission of Seattle University and the College of Education, the school psychology program’s mission is to prepare you to collaborate with professional colleagues, families and the larger community to serve and advocate for all students. 

The program develops school psychologists who embody and act upon a commitment to social justice, particularly among disenfranchised students and families. 

Program faculty embody caring, the pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to justice, so that you enact these values in your own works. 

Learn More About The Program

In our recent accreditation, the National Association of School Psychologists noted how equitable practices for diverse populations are infused throughout our philosophy and content of our program. The School Psychology program is fully accredited by National Association of School Psychologists through 2031. Learn more

Demand for school psychologists is exceptionally strong and on the rise. School psychology has consistently been rated among the 100 Best Jobs in U.S. News and World Report.

Awareness of the need to provide mental health and instructional supports for children and youth in schools continues to grow. Further, the profession currently faces shortages of qualified school psychologists to fill positions nationwide.

There is a particular need for professionals from diverse backgrounds.

School psychology provides you with a stable career with growth opportunities, good health and retirement benefits and an opportunity to positively impact youth and families.

Most school psychologists work in K–12 public schools. However, you can also provide services in a variety of other settings, including:

• Private and charter schools
• Preschools and other early childhood settings
• School district administration offices
• Colleges and universities
• School-based health and mental health centers
• Community-based day treatment or residential clinics and hospitals
• Juvenile justice programs
• Private settings

Foundational/Beginning Courses: 

• SPSY 5001: Foundations of Special Education (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5110: Biopsychosocial Development (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5130: Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5150: Applied Research and Statistics (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5300: Individual Counseling and Interventions (3 Credits)

Discipline Specific/Advanced Courses: 

• SPSY 5200: Social Justice in School Psychology (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5210: Psychoeducational Assessment 1 (4 Credits) 
• SPSY 5211: Psychoeducational Assessment 2 (4 Credits) 
• SPSY 5220: School Support Systems 1 (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5221: School Support Systems 2 (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5310: Group Counseling and Interventions (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5320: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5500: Ethics And Law (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5510: Prevention And Response (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5520: Consultation And Collaboration (3 Credits)

Field-Based Integration Courses: 

• SPSY 5700: School Psychology Practicum (1 Credit) 
• SPSY 5710: School Psychology Practicum (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5720: School Psychology Practicum (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5800: School Psychology Internship And Seminar (3 Credits)
• SPSY 5810: School Psychology Internship And Seminar (3 Credits)

Please Note: Course Codes Are Subject To Change During The Transition To The Semester System. Course Titles And Content Will Remain Unchanged.