EDS School Psychology
Department website: https://www.pcom.edu/academics/programs-and-degrees/school-psychology/school-psychology-eds/
The EdS program is committed to preparing school psychologists who are thoroughly prepared for service and practice in the 21st century.
With a commitment to excellence, this practitioner-based program prepares highly competent graduates who are uniquely committed to providing high-quality, effective, and ethical school psychological services in educational and mental health settings. The program is also dedicated to preparing students to promote social justice through culturally responsive practice and advocacy to ensure equity for all children.
Few other programs provide a standardized client program, which provides simulated but authentic clinical learning experiences. Students will also engage in field work early on in the program in a variety of settings. In addition to eligibility for school psychology certification, the EdS program at PCOM incorporates a behavior analytic course sequence approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to pursue certification as a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA).
NASP-Accredited
The 3-year EdS program in School Psychology is fully accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists. Students completing this program are eligible for certification as a school psychologist. The EdS program at PCOM also incorporates a behavior analytic course sequence approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to pursue certification as a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA).
EdS Degree Completion
The EdS degree can be completed in three years (two years of coursework and a one-year internship). Students in the EdS program will also receive a master’s of science in school psychology following completion of coursework in their second year. Classes meet in the evening hours two to three nights per week. Field experiences take place during the day on a flexible schedule. However, in the third year, the required internship experience must be completed during typical school hours.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| Fall | ||
| SPSY 512 | Psychometrics | 3 |
| SPSY 524 | Basic Principles in Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SPSY 613 | Assessment I: Cognitive | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Winter | ||
| SPSY 504 | Developmental | 1 |
| SPSY 507 | Exceptional Child | 2 |
| SPSY 528 | Behavior Assessment | 3 |
| SPSY 531 | Theories of Learning and Behavior | 3 |
| SPSY 615 | Assessment II: Academic | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Spring | ||
| SPSY 501 | Professional School Psychology | 2 |
| SPSY 525 | Behavioral Change and Systems Support | 3 |
| SPSY 551 | Practicum: Functional Behavior Assessment | 1 |
| SPSY 618 | Assessment III: Behavioral, Social, and Emotional | 3 |
| SPSY 748 | Biological Aspects of Behavior | 1 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| Summer | ||
| SPSY 508 | Foundations of Psychotherapy | 3 |
| SPSY 527 | Ethics, Law, and Professional Practice | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SPSY 609 | CBT in Schools | 3 |
| SPSY 619 | Consultation and Collaboration in Educational Settings | 3 |
| SPSY 622 | Direct Assessment of Academic Skills | 1 |
| SPSY 652 | Practicum: Applied Law & Ethics | 1 |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Winter | ||
| SPSY 526 | Single Case Experimental Design | 3 |
| SPSY 614 | Multicultural Perspectives in Psychology | 3 |
| SPSY 617 | Academic and Behavioral Interventions | 3 |
| SPSY 653 | Practicum: School-Wide Practices | 1 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| Spring | ||
| SPSY 535 | Clinical Supervision, Management & Training | 3 |
| SPSY 620 | Prevention & Crisis Intervention | 3 |
| SPSY 623 | English Learners: Implications & Accommodations | 3 |
| SPSY 654 | Practicum: Family-School Partnerships | 1 |
| SPSY 740 | Instructional Design & Delivery | 1 |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| Summer | ||
| SPSY 598 | MS Comprehensive Exam | 0 |
| SPSY 616 | Educational Research & Program Evaluation | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SPSY 661 | Internship Seminar I | 1 |
| Hours | 1 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Winter | ||
| SPSY 662 | Internship Seminar II | 1 |
| Hours | 1 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| SPSY 663 | Internship Seminar III | 2 |
| Hours | 2 | |
| Total Hours | 73 | |
Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology (EdS)
An applicant to the Educational Specialist Degree (EdS) in School Psychology program must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in psychology, counseling, education or a related field with a 3.0 GPA (B) or better prior to matriculation.
It is expected that students enter the EdS program with adequate academic preparation to undertake graduate studies, and a knowledge base that is equivalent to an undergraduate major in psychology. Students entering the program must have:
- 6 credits of English
- 6 credits of Math
- 15 credits of psychology or relevant electives
At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, students may be required to take additional prerequisite courses that would enhance their preparation for the graduate program.
The EdS in School Psychology program utilizes a rolling admissions policy. Therefore, applications will be considered throughout the year as received until the desired enrollment has been achieved. Application requirements and a link to the online application is available at https://www.pcom.edu/admissions/apply/.
Required Application Materials:
- PCOM Application for Admission
- Autobiographical Statement: In a 500 words or less, please describe your professional goals and how an EdS degree in School Psychology can help you achieve those goals.
- In this statement, applicants should articulate why they are a good fit for our program, and conversely, why our program is a good fit for the applicant.
- Additionally, applicants should briefly discuss the resources and support available to them to successfully complete the program.
- Official scores from GRE or Miller's Analogies Test (PCOM institutional code for GRE - 2662). This requirement may be waived for applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Writing sample (preferably graded)
Letters of recommendation can be sent directly to PCOM Admissions in .pdf format to recommend@pcom.edu. All other admissions documents can be sent to admissions@pcom.edu.
Official college transcripts from all colleges/universities schools attended must be sent directly to:
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office of Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
We will accept electronic transcripts via email from Parchment Services and National Student Clearinghouse to admissions@pcom.edu.