Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology
Graduate Program
Explore the education specialist degree in school psychology graduate program at UW-Eau Claire
Earn your education specialist degree in school psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists, our well-respected graduate program will prepare you to become a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.
Through rigorous coursework and real-world training, you'll become a problem solver, critical thinker and effective collaborator, working to help children and youth thrive behaviorally, emotionally and academically. Courses are taught by expert faculty and licensed school psychologists, as well as those who have backgrounds in clinical psychology, counseling psychology and applied behavior analysis.
To support your professional development and cultural competence, our all-encompassing degree provides a sequence of field experiences. During the program, you'll gain real-world, professional experience by participating in a multicultural practicum, providing school psychological services in culturally diverse settings such as the Lac Du Flambeau Indian Reservation or the Milwaukee Public School District. School-based practica will give you invaluable experience with placements in both rural and urban school settings. And while working as a graduate clinician in the Human Development Center, you'll gain critical interprofessional collaboration skills.
With our comprehensive curriculum and expansive opportunities for experiential learning, you can make important contributions to help change the lives of students, families, communities and beyond. Are you ready to take the next step in your career?
First-hand experience sets Blugolds apart
The two primary missions of the Human Development Center at UW-Eau Claire are to provide education and clinical training to graduate and undergraduate students on campus while also providing clinical services to those in the Eau Claire community. Blugolds in the school psychology program have experienced the first-hand field experience they need to excel in their field straight out of graduation.
“It always impresses me how knowledgeable all the different team members are and what they bring to the table,” says Ellie O’Flanagan, graduate student in the school psychology program. “It’s just really valuable things that I can add to my repertoire, too.”
These students work on real cases — not simulations or case studies. Partnerships and collaboration between the hard-working faculty supervisors and students are valued as a one-of-a-kind experience at UW-Eau Claire.
Why complete my education specialist degree in school psychology at UW-Eau Claire?
Professional experience. Gain valuable clinical training in our Human Development Center, where six different disciplines come together to provide services for children and families. As a first-year student, you’ll practice assessment and intervention skills with actual clients. The following year, you’ll take on a leadership role as well as increase your experience in interdisciplinary practice, gaining skills that are highly sought after by employers.
Supportive faculty and individualized learning. Courses are taught by passionate, enthusiastic professors who know and love their fields. Their varied backgrounds provide incredible insights into the world of psychology and education. Small class sizes help you form relationships and gain an even more personalized education.
Over
1,200 hours of experience
before graduating
100% employed
or continuing education after graduation
2021-2022 Graduate Report
Quick facts
- Program length: three years (two years on campus, one-year internship)
- Job placement: 100%
- Cohort size: 10-12 students
- Students will earn a Specialist in Education (EdS) degree.
Accreditation information
The school psychology educational specialist degree is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Licensure information
The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure about whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification.
The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: N/A
It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alaska, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia
What can I do with an education specialist degree in school psychology degree from UWEC?
Our graduates go on to make a positive impact across the globe — from Montana to the U.K. By earning your master of science in education and education specialist degrees, you are eligible for licensure or certification as a school psychologist in most states. You are also eligible for National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP). Some graduates choose to take their education a step further by pursuing their doctorate or seeking additional certification as directors of special education or pupils services.
Where are education specialist alumni now?
- School psychologist, Milwaukee Public Schools, Wisconsin
- School psychologist, Polzin School District, Montana
- School psychologist, Heartland Area AEA, Iowa
- School psychologist, Green Bay Public Schools, Wisconsin
- Director of special education, Oostburg School District, Wisconsin
- School psychologist, Richfield Public Schools, Minnesota
- School psychologist, Somerset School District, England
Education specialist degree in school psychology curriculum
Our program provides the extensive education needed to help children and youth succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Curriculum is structured so you can gain knowledge of applied research, educational foundations and methods, and the delivery of school psychological services. Your capstone works as an internship — typically salaried — during which you'll work full time in a supervised, professional role, accumulating more than 1,200 hours of experience prior to graduation.
What classes do education specialist degree in school psychology students take?
Your classes may cover topics like:
- Counseling
- Human relations
- Collaboration and consultation
- Evidence-based intervention
- Historical, legal and philosophical foundations of education
- Multicultural practicum
- Social foundations
- Statistical methods in psychology
Learn more about the education specialist degree in school psychology in the UWEC course catalog.
Application information
Visit our graduate admissions page to see the application process, deadlines, and required materials.
Admission requirements
- Total undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- The GRE will be optional; scores will be considered if submitted.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.
Applicants to the graduate program are encouraged to complete undergraduate coursework in Statistics, Learning Principles and/or Behavior Modification, Developmental Psychology, Foundations of Measurement and Research Methods.
For more information, please contact:
Mary Beth Tusing
tusingm@uwec.edu
715-836-5525
Department information
Psychology
Hibbard Humanities Hall 277124 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701 Visit the Psychology department website