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The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program in School Psychology is fully accredited by the  National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) until August 1, 2030. It is designed to prepare students to meet the Department of Education requirements for certification in West Virginia and other states. The Ed.S. consists of 39 hours of required coursework and field experiences, in addition to a Master of Arts (M.A.) Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in School Psychology (36 hrs). For information about faculty, candidates, and their outcomes in the program, please refer to the Program Annual Report and Student Outcomes Data. This data may be of interest to current or prospective candidates.

You apply to the Master’s Degree in Psychology with School Psychology Emphasis first. After successfully completing 12 hours in the fall semester, you apply to the Ed.S. in School Psychology. You receive two degrees in our program after three years of full time enrollment! Students who apply to the Ed.S. School Psychology program and already possess graduate degrees in psychology, counseling, or education may be considered for advanced standing after a review of coursework, grades and test scores by the School Psychology faculty.

The School Psychology Ed.S. Program at Marshall University focuses on practitioner training for the delivery of comprehensive school psychological services primarily in school settings. Ed.S. students are trained in a “scientist practitioner” model that emphasizes the use of research findings in clinical decision-making, both in terms of creating interventions as well as evaluating their efficacy. Ed.S. students draw upon scientific literature to make decisions regarding best practice with a focus on empirically supported services.

Students receive education and training in the following ten NASP domains:

• Data-Based Decision Making
• Consultation and Collaboration
• Academic Interventions and Instructional Supports
• Mental and Behavioral Health Services and Interventions
• School-Wide Practices to Promote Learning
• Services to Promote Safe and Supportive Schools
• Family, School, and Community Collaboration
• Equitable Practices for Diverse Student Populations
• Research and Evidence-Based Practice
• Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice