The School Psychology EdS program is designed for students who wish to become certified School Psychologists. This specialist degree has a very specific curriculum to meet the respective licensing requirements for school psychologists.
The EdS in School Psychology is a state-approved initial teacher preparation program that is subject to any change in the Florida Administrative Code (State Board of Education Rule 6A-5.066). Students enrolled in this program should remain in close contact with their adviser to keep informed of any program changes implemented to comply with new state requirements.
The School Psychology Program is a unique specialization in psychology and education. This program is based on two assumptions. School psychologists can apply relevant knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines to the learning and adjustment problems of preschool and school-age children. Also, relevant knowledge and skills can be transmitted through a variety of services including (a) consultation with teachers and parents, (b) direct and indirect services to children and young adults, and (c) direct and indirect services to school and community organizations. School psychologists may practice in public or private schools, colleges and universities, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, mental health clinics, government agencies, child guidance centers, penal institutions, and may develop private practices. Applicants with backgrounds in education, psychology or other closely related undergraduate majors may qualify for the School Psychology degree program.
The program involves formal preparation and practical experiences focusing on psychological foundations (human development, learning, and motivation), psychoeducational assessment, exceptional students, remediation or intervention techniques, counseling skills, as well as a full-time supervised internship of two semesters in the public school setting.
The School Psychology EdS degree requires a minimum of 74 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, as well as a portfolio, practicum and research report at the completion of study. Please note that 62 credit hours are completed before internship. The research report and internship courses comprise 18 credit hours that are completed during the internship.
Total Credit Hours Required: 74 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree
This program prepares students for state-regulated professional licensure or certification. For more information on how this program may prepare you in that regard, please view the licensure disclosure for the program.
Program Prerequisites
A baccalaureate degree in Education, Psychology, or related discipline.
Prerequisites or Co-requisites (DOE Certification)
- TSL 5085 - Teaching Language Minority Students in K-12 Classrooms 3 Credit Hours
- RED 5147 - Developmental Reading 3 Credit Hours
- EEX 6061 - Instructional Strategies Pre-K-6 3 Credit Hours
- EEX 6218 - Diagnostic Assessment and Intervention Planning in Exceptional Education 3 Credit Hours
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
56 Total Credits
Core
3 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- EDF6401 - Statistics for Educational Data (3)
Specialization
47 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- SPS6601 - Introduction to Psychological Services in Schools (3)
- SPS6606 - Consultation in School Psychology (3)
- SPS6608 - Seminar in School Psychology (3)
- SPS6801 - Developmental Bases of Diverse Behaviors (3)
- SPS6225 - Behavioral and Observational Analysis of Classroom Interactions in Schools (3)
- SPS6931 - Ethical and Legal Issues in School Psychological Services (3)
- MHS6401 - Techniques of Counseling (3)
- SPS6191 - Individual Psychoeducational Diagnosis I (4)
- SPS6192 - Individual Psychoeducational Diagnosis II (4)
- SPS6125 - Preschool Psychoeducational Assessment (3)
- SPS6194 - Assessment of Special Needs (3)
- SPS6206 - Psychoeducational Interventions (3)
- SPS6700 - Advanced Psychoeducation and Data-Based Decision Making (3)
- SPS5605 - Building and Improving Relationship and Emotional Intelligence (3)
- SPS6175 - Cultural Diversity and Nonbiased Assessment (3)
Research Report
6 Total Credits
- Complete 1 of the following
- Earn at least 6 credits from the following:
- SPS6909 - Research Report (1 - 99)
- Complete the following:
- SPS6402 - Applied Prevention and Intervention in Schools I (3)
- SPS6403 - Applied Prevention and Intervention in Schools II (3)
Practicum and Internship
18 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 6 credits from the following:
- SPS6946L - Practicum in School Psychology (3)
- Earn at least 12 credits from the following:
- SPS6948 - School Psychology Internship (6)
Grand Total Credits: 74
Application Requirements
Application Deadlines
Financial Information
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowship Information
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.
With the exception of SPS 5605 - Building and Improving Relationship and Emotional Intelligence, and SPS 6700 - Advanced Psychoeducation and Data-Based Decision Making, SPS courses are only open to students in the School Psychology Program.
Additional Program Requirements
- Complete an electronic portfolio that documents reflections on study and learning experiences throughout the program and receive approval by the School Psychology faculty.
- Pass a comprehensive exam.
- Pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE).
Equipment Fee
Students in the School Psychology EdS program pay a $90 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. A materials fee of $45 is charged for each of four assessment courses.
Independent Learning
A practicum and research report are required as the culminating independent learning experience.
