Educational Specialist in School Psychology

Train to meet students’ behavioral, emotional and learning needs; gain the skills to help them tackle developmental challenges in the Educational Specialist in School Psychology (EdS) program. The program has the full approval of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and meets requirements for certification as a school psychologist in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and most other states. The program also meets requirements for the National Certification (NCSP) through NASP. Full-time students complete two years of coursework, followed by a year-long internship, for a total of three years to degree completion

The program offers a robust clinical component: In addition to your required coursework, each student must also complete an annual portfolio, required practicum placements and a 1,200-hour internship in a school setting. An on-campus clinic also allows students to work with real families in an urban setting and write comprehensive evaluations. The program’s emphasis on academic, intellectual, social-emotional and systems-level assessment makes graduates highly sought after by employers. The program is dedicated to promoting social justice and to fostering a diverse, inclusive learning environment.

For students who are interested in research, there are opportunities to join a research team and partner with faculty members to write and present joint studies.

You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your studies through one of two concentrations: Applied Behavior Analysis or Counseling. To complete the educational specialist degree requirements and the requirements for PDE certification as a School Psychologist (PK-12), students must complete 66 credits of post-baccalaureate required coursework. Students who are pursuing board certification as a behavioral analyst (BCBA) should elect to complete the additional 12 credits of coursework in the optional concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students who are pursuing licensure as a professional counselor should elect to complete the additional 12 credits of coursework in the optional concentration in Counseling.

Concentrations

You can focus on School Psychology or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • Applied Behavior Analysis

    Discover in-depth strategies and develop the skills necessary for the highest level credentialing opportunities in applied behavior analysis. Students will prepare to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s educational requirements to become a board-certified behavior analyst.

  • Counseling

    Prepare for employment as a counselor in community-based mental health settings beyond schools. Students will hone skills that position them to pursue additional certification or licensure, expanding their professional opportunities.

Licensure

After completing an internship and passing the exams required by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, students may become Nationally Certified School Psychologists.

Related Graduate Degrees

The School Psychology EdS is a practitioner degree for students who wish to pursue careers in school-based settings. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a faculty member or researcher, you might consider the

College student studying outdoors at a picnic table

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Educational Specialist offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit

View the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Find peer support and leadership opportunities while tackling the challenges of your program. Educational Specialist students can join the

  • Graduate Student Organization of the College of Education and Human Development, which runs community-based events like school supply drives as well as professional development workshops and activities. The organization upholds a strong commitment to social justice, regularly organizing political events and engaging in projects with community partners.
  • Student Association of School Psychologists, a student organization that plans social hours and organizes volunteer opportunities for students. They also co-sponsor a yearly school psychology conference with the School District of Philadelphia and with the Association of School Psychologists in Pennsylvania. This event attracts school psychologists and mental health professionals from all over the region. Past speakers have included Laurence Steinberg, Marsha Levick, MK Asante and Celeste M. Malone.

Questions

For more information about this program, the College of Education and Human Development, how to apply for admission, and your application status, contact Enrollment Management.

Enrollment Management
Ritter Annex 150
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-204-8011
Email: educate@temple.edu

ED-SCPS-EDS

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