Curriculum and Instruction, School Psychology Concentration, Ed.S.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Specialist in Education degree with a concentration in School Psychology usually requires 

1. an earned master’s degree in psychology, educational psychology, or school counseling from an accredited university or college. Normally, candidates should have completed all courses listed under the M.A. program for the Pre-Specialist in Education: School Psychology concentration;
2. an acceptable undergraduate grade point average (at least 3.00) in all college work taken;
3. a minimum score of 291 on the combined verbal and quantitative measures of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Application Deadlines: Applications for Summer/Fall admission must be complete by March 1, and applications for Spring admission must be complete by October 1. Late applicants who meet the admission criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicant must

1. submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
2. submit official scores on the GRE-a minimum of 291 on the combined Verbal and Quantitative sections is expected;
3. submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
4. submit the supplemental School Psychology program application;
5. submit three (3) reference forms (found online). It is recommended that at least two references should be completed by faculty who can attest to the applicant’s academic abilities;
6. submit a current curriculum vita that includes education and employment history, research involvement, volunteer activities, references, and awards/scholarships;
7. submit a statement of purpose, including reasons for interest in the field of school psychology and the program at MTSU and a description of professional goals. (Typically two to three [2-3] pages in length.)

NOTE 1: Admission to graduate study in School Psychology is competitive and not automatic for students meeting minimal admission requirements. Students are selected from a pool of qualified applicants. Each year the number of students admitted to the program depends on the availability of adequate faculty supervision.

NOTE 2: To be considered for a graduate assistantship students must submit additional materials. Information about the application procedure is available at www.mtsu.edu/psychology/grad/assistantship.php.

Degree Requirements

The Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in School Psychology requires completion of 31 semester hours.

Candidate must

1. be able to meet the demands required for professional work in psychology. Therefore, students may be subject to dismissal from the Psychology Department if they (a) commit a serious breach of ethics or gross professional negligence or (b) present evidence of impaired psychological functioning that would present a danger to themselves or others in a professional role. Students who are dismissed may reapply and will be considered for readmission on a competitive basis. Students who reapply may be asked to provide evidence of improved ability to meet performance requirements. See program director and program handbook for readmission policy.
2. complete 31 graduate semester hours (see Curriculum section below for specifics) with a minimum of 15 hours at the 7000 level.
3. satisfy a residency requirement consisting of
   1. the completion of 18 semester hours of graduate study within a 12-month period and
   2. full-time enrollment (at least 9 semester hours) for a least one semester.
4. complete FOED 6610 /FOED 7610  (for those who did not have a thesis listed on their transcripts as part of their master’s degree).
5. complete courses in the following areas (based on National Association of School Psychologists 2020 standards):
   1. data-based decision making;
   2. consultation and collaboration;
   3. academic interventions and instructional supports;
   4. mental and behavioral health services and interventions;
   5. school-wide practices to promote learning;
   6. services to promote safe and supportive schools;
   7. family, school, and community collaborations;
   8. equitable practices for diverse student populations;
   9. research and evidence-based practice;
   10. legal, ethical, and professional practice.
6. complete PSY 7810 , an internship of 1,200 hours as a capstone experience.
7. pass a written comprehensive examination approved by the faculty (may be taken no more than twice).
8. maintain professional liability insurance (coverage amount at the student’s discretion) throughout enrollment in the program, with a current insurance binder filed with the department at all times.

Curriculum: Curriculum and Instruction, School Psychology

The following illustrates the coursework requirements.

Program Notes

If changes to the program are needed (such as course substitutions), students should file a Revision Form available on the Graduate Studies website at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/forms.php.