School Psychology EdS
- Educational Specialist
- In-Person
- Greeley
3 Years
Program Overview
Are you passionate about helping children succeed? As a school psychologist, you’ll work directly with students, families and educators to support academic achievement and social-emotional growth. Our Educational Specialist program gives you the hands-on training you need to make a real impact in schools.
This program is one of only two in Colorado approved by the National Association of School Psychologists. That means when you graduate, you’ll be ready to earn your National Certification in School Psychology credential and start your career with confidence.
What You’ll Learn
Our program focuses on the practical skills you need to work effectively in schools. You’ll gain expertise in:
- Understanding how students learn and behave
- Assessing cognitive abilities, academic skills and emotional well-being
- Consulting with teachers, families and school staff
- Counseling children, teens and families
- Using data to support student success
You’ll Need:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or equivalent foreign degree)
- 3.0 GPA or higher on your most recent completed degree (or current degree in progress)
- If you’ve completed a master’s degree or 18+ graduate credits, your graduate GPA will be used
- If you’re still finishing your bachelor’s, you must submit your final official transcript in your first semester
- Applicants with a final GPA below 3.0 may be assigned additional program requirements
Application Materials:
- Completed online application ($50 fee waived for UNC students and alumni)
- Official transcripts from your bachelor’s degree institution
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement explaining your interest in graduate school
- Writing sample showing your research and analysis skills
Good News: No GRE required!
You’ll complete 68 credit hours over three years of full-time study. The program combines coursework, practicum experiences and a final internship.
Core Coursework
Your classes will cover essential topics in school psychology, including:
- Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
- School-Based Psychological Consultation
- Advanced Psychopathology
- Social and Behavioral Assessment in the Schools
- Legal and Professional Foundations of School Psychology
- Cognitive Assessment
- Academic Assessment and Intervention
- Counseling Theories and Techniques
Practicum Experience
During your second year, you’ll complete a 500-hour practicum in a school setting. This gives you supervised experience working with students while you continue your coursework.
Internship
In your final year, you’ll complete a 1,200-hour full-time internship in a school. This intensive experience lets you take on the full role of a school psychologist under supervision, preparing you for your career.
Comprehensive Examination
Before completing your degree, you’ll take a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge across all areas of school psychology practice.
Program Timeline
Year 1: Core coursework and foundational skills
Year 2: Advanced coursework and 500-hour practicum
Year 3: Final courses, comprehensive exam and 1,200-hour
This program is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists and leads to licensure as a School Psychologist through the Colorado Department of Education.
Why Choose Our EdS in School Psychology?
Nationally Recognized Program
One of only two programs in Colorado approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), giving you a clear pathway toward earning your National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP).
Employment Rate
Our graduates have achieved a 100% employment rate for the past 20 years. The program prepares you for a career that’s in high demand across Colorado and the nation.
Leadership-Focused Training
Curriculum and hands-on experiences designed to build the practical skills you need to lead effectively in diverse educational environments.
Real-World Experience
Theory matters, but practice makes perfect. You’ll complete:
- A 500-hour practicum in a school during the academic year
- A 1,200-hour full-time internship in your final year
These experiences let you apply what you learn in the classroom to real situations with students, giving you the confidence and skills to excel in your career.
Professional Licensure
UNC’s professional licensure programs are designed to lead to Colorado licensure.
Each state sets their own requirements, so a UNC program might not lead to licensure in other states. Visit the UNC Professional Licensure page to learn more about which states UNC programs meet educational requirements for licensure. It’s important to understand requirements in the state where you plan to work. Visit the State Licensure Boards page to find each state’s licensing agency and contact information.
Have questions? We're here to help!
School Psychology
UNC’s School Psychology programs train students to become school psychologists. Students learn how to apply theory and research to the practice of psychology in schools and related settings. Our accredited programs are carefully designed to meet national standards of practice and to provide state-of-the-art training, and they are delivered by distinguished faculty recognized nationally and internationally for their work in the field. Our graduates’ job placement rate is 100%.
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- McKee 248