The EdS is the most widely recognized degree in School Psychology and the credential required for the hiring of school psychologists by most school systems. The 66 credit EdS in School Psychology comprises the curriculum and the 1,200-hour internship (i.e., the Master of Arts plus 30 credits).

Admissions

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions.

All  applicants will be required to complete the  graduate  admissions requirements of CEHD:  

  • Resume  
  • Goals Statement 
  • Transcript 
  • Two letters of recommendation   

In addition to these  requirements for graduate admission, the  EdS degree  will require applicants to submit the following:  

  • Evidence (via transcript) of having taken 5 prerequisite undergraduate courses that cover the following topics: general psychology, statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology. 
  • Optional: General  GRE.  If submitted, the score must be no more than 5 years old.  

Banner Code: E1-EDS-SCH

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 66-71

An overload is required in the fall and spring terms of students’ first year.

Students admitted to the EdS program without a master’s degree in School Psychology must earn the Master of Arts (MA) degree in Psychology, concentration in School Psychology concurrently within the EdS degree program. The first 36 credits of the EdS program's plan of study fulfill the MA degree requirements.

Master of Arts Coursework

The following 36 credits of coursework will apply to the Master of Arts (MA) degree in Psychology, concentration in School Psychology:
SPSY 722Advanced Child Assessment4
EDCD 603Counseling Theories and Practice3
EDRD 629Literacy Foundations and Instruction for School Psychologists3
SPSY 619Consultation and Applied Behavioral Analysis3
SPSY 671Role and Function of the School Psychologist3
SPSY 672Schools as Systems Practicum in School Psychology3
SPSY 709Cognitive Assessment4
SPSY 617Child Psychopathology3
SPSY 710Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Assessment4
SPSY 750Cognitive Assessment Practicum3
SPSY 773Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation in Schools3
Total Credits36

Required Coursework

EDCD 525Advanced Human Growth and Development3
Select one course from the following:3-4
Counseling Children and Adolescents
Group Processes and Analyses
Counseling in the Schools
EDRS 590Education Research3
EDRS 620Quantitative Inquiry in Education3
SPSY 753Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in Schools3
Total Credits15-16

Experiential Learning

SPSY 751Advanced Assessment Practicum in School Psychology I3
SPSY 752Advanced Assessment Practicum in School Psychology II3
SPSY 775Prevention Intervention Consultation Practicum3
6 or 10 Internship credits of:6 or 10
School Psychology Internship 1
Total Credits15-19
1

Students must register for at least 3 credits in two semesters.

Plan of Study

First Year
Summer Semester OneCreditsFall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
SPSY 7224SPSY 6193SPSY 6173
EDCD 6033SPSY 6713SPSY 7104
EDRD 6293SPSY 6723SPSY 7503
MA to be awarded here at 36 hoursSPSY 7094SPSY 7733
 10 13 13
Second Year
 Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
 SPSY 7513SPSY 6923
 SPSY 7753SPSY 7523
 EDCD 525 or SPSY 5973SPSY 7533
 EDRS 5903EDRS 6203
  12 12
Third Year
 Fall SemesterCreditsSpring SemesterCredits
 SPSY 7903-5SPSY 7903-5
  EdS to be awarded here at 66 hours
  3-5 3-5
Total Credits 66-70