Get your credentials for an in-demand career.
The Education Specialist in School Psychology program (formerly certificate of advanced graduate studies) at Worcester State University provides you with the knowledge and practical experience to become a thoughtful and responsive professional who is prepared for an in-demand career in school psychology.
Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists Accreditation Board and grounded in an ecological framework focused on prevention, assessment, and intervention, our program imparts in you the values of social and educational equality, sensitivity, and empathy. It is one of only 6 programs of its kind in Massachusetts, and it provides you with a high-quality education at a competitive cost.
As a full-time, 72-credit, 3-year program, it offers you course sequences in assessment, counseling, and neuropsychology as well as opportunities for collaborative research with experienced faculty. In recent years, students have presented their findings nationally.
Upon successful conclusion of the program’s requirements—including passing the necessary licensure exams, completing more than 1,800 hours of supervised practicum and internship experience, and performing successfully on a comprehensive exam—you will earn an education specialist degree in school psychology and a master of education in school psychology, which results in endorsement as a credentialed school psychologist in the state of Massachusetts through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Graduates of this program help students in today’s diverse public schools to achieve academically, socially, and emotionally—and they are sought after by employers. Although most go on to rewarding careers as school psychologists in public schools, others pursue careers in hospitals, private schools, prison facilities, and private practice.
Admission Requirements
The Education Specialist in School Psychology program welcomes applications from those who have an interest in commitment to the delivery of psychological services in a diverse society. Diversity among students in the program is expected; however, it is anticipated that all applicants will possess a bachelor’s degree with appropriate coursework or complete such coursework during the beginning phases of training.
The Education Specialist in School Psychology program admits students for the fall semester only. Priority application review for fall admission begins February 1.
Following formal application and meeting the graduate school’s general admission criteria, the EdS in School Psychology program utilizes multiple criteria for admission:
- An official transcript from the institution that awarded your bachelor’s degree
- An overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above
- An undergraduate major in psychology or education*
- Passing score on the MTEL Communication and Literacy subtest (may be completed during the first semester of study)
- Official transcript from each graduate institution that awarded your degree(s) or course credit, if applicable
*Students may be admitted to the program from a variety of academic backgrounds. However, it is expected that an appropriate number of courses in psychology may be required in the initial phases of training. The faculty reserves the right to determine those courses to be taken. This preparatory coursework will not directly apply to the course requirements for the EdS in School Psychology.
Worcester State offers you a cadre of professionals, faculty, adjunct faculty, and clinical supervisors who view themselves as partners and mentors with students, as they undertake this arduous, yet satisfying journey.
Clinical Experience
All clinical experience is fully supervised.
Pre-Practicum
A 30+ hour pre-practicum is completed during the second semester of the first year. Students are placed in a school and work directly with children.
Practicum
A 600+ hour practicum is completed during the second year of study.
Internship
During the third year, students complete a 1,200+ hour, unpaid internship in a school system.
Program Outcomes
Students receive a EdS in school psychology and an MEd in school psychology at the culmination of 3 years of full-time study. Upon completion, students may receive institutional endorsement to obtain the credential of school psychologist in the state of Massachusetts.
The education specialist degree is awarded upon successful completion of 72 credits combined planned program of study including a supervised, full-time practicum (600+ hours) and supervised full-time, unpaid internship (total 1,200+ hours), completion of an acceptable professional portfolio, and successful performance on a comprehensive examination. Candidates must satisfy all other graduate and degree requirements.
Institutional endorsement for professional credential as a school psychologist requires a passing score on the Massachusetts Teacher Educator Licensing Examination (MTEL) and sitting for the Praxis II exam and successful completion of all education specialist components.