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.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Term 1		Hours
Summer
SPSY 524	Basic Principles in Applied Behavioral Analysis	3
SPSY 531	Theories of Learning and Behavior	3
	Hours	6
Term 2
Fall
SPSY 501	Professional School Psychology	2
SPSY 512	Psychometrics	3
SPSY 613	Assessment I: Cognitive Assessment	3
	Hours	8
Term 3
Winter
SPSY 504	Developmental Psychology	1
SPSY 507	Exceptional Child	2
SPSY 528	Behavior Assessment	3
SPSY 615	Assessment II: Academic Interventions	3
	Hours	9
Term 4
Spring
SPSY 525	Behavioral Change and System Supports	3
SPSY 551	Practicum: Functional Behavioral Assessment	1
SPSY 618	Assessment III: Behavioral, Social, and Emotional	3
SPSY 740	Instructional Design Delivery	1
SPSY 748	Biological Aspects of Behavior	1
	Hours	9
Second Year
Term 1
Summer
SPSY 508	Foundations of Psychotherapy	3
SPSY 527		3
SPSY 598	MS Comprehensive Exam	0
	Hours	6
Term 2
Fall
SPSY 609	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Schools	3
SPSY 619	Consultation and Collaboration in Educational Settings	3
SPSY 622	Direct Assessment of Academic Skills	1
SPSY 652	Practicum in Applied Law and 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 Practice	1
	Hours	10
Term 4
Spring
SPSY 535	Clinical Supervision, Management Training	3
SPSY 620	Prevention Strategies and Crisis Intervention	3
SPSY 623	English Learners, Approaches and Supports	3
SPSY 654	Practicum in Family School Partnerships	1
	Hours	10
Third Year
Term 1
Summer
SPSY 616	Educational Research, Program Planning and 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
Spring
SPSY 663	Internship Seminar III	1
	Hours	1
	Total Hours	72

Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology (EdS)

An applicant to the educational specialist degree in school psychology program must have successfully completed a undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in psychology, counseling, education or a related field with a B average or better prior to matriculation.

It is expected that students enter the school psychology 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 educational specialist degree 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. The online application will be available beginning in the fall 2021 term at https://explore.pcom.edu/apply/.

Your application will be processed and assessed by the Faculty Committee on Admissions only after the receipt of:

• Autobiographical statement explaining your interest in this academic program as it relates to your career goals (in 500 words or less)
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official scores from the GRE general test (PCOM GRE code is 2662). This requirement may be waived for applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher.
• Curriculum vitae or resume

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. 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.