FAQs: School Psychology - Ed.S., M.Ed., Ph.D.
For answers to more FAQs about the School of Education, see the general FAQs page.
- What is the difference between an Ed.S.and a Ph.D. in School Psychology?
The Ed.S. in School Psychology is a degree between a master's degree and a doctorate. The Ed.S. degree will allow you to be credentialed in Illinois as a certified school psychologist through the State Board of Education. This credential allows you to practice as a school psychologist in the public schools. The Ph.D. program in school psychology is designed for individuals who want to pursue an academic career or for individuals who are already credentialed as school psychologists.
- To which program do I apply: the M.Ed./Ed.S. or the Ed.S. only?
The school psychology program is the only program listed under the educational specialist degree. However, there are two choices for the school psychology program. If you have a master's degree in education, counseling, social work or psychology, you would check the Ed.S.-only box. If you do not have a master's degree in one of the above fields, then you would check the box under educational specialist that indicates master's and educational specialist degree. Do not check the box under master's degree indicating that you want a master's in educational psychology.
- Does the School Psychology prepare me for licensure?
Ed.S.: In Illinois the Ed.S. degree qualifies you to become certified as a school psychologist by the Illinois State Board of Education in order to work in the schools. The degree does not qualify you to be licensed as a clinical psychologist for private practice under the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations. Each state has its own credentialing requirements and individuals need to check with the state in which they want to practice school psychology for the particular state's credentialing requirements.
Ph.D.: In Illinois the Ph.D. degree qualifies you to become certified as a school psychologist by the Illinois State Board of Education in order to work in the schools. The issue of licensure through the Illinois Department of Regulations (DPR) is up to the DPR review. Each state has its own credentialing requirements and individuals need to check with the state in which they want to practice school psychology for the particular state's credentialing requirements. - How do I apply for state certification?
Read and follow the procedures for state certification here.
- I have taken graduate courses at another university. Will any of these courses transfer to Loyola in the School Psychology program?
Because of the rapid changes in the field of education and school psychology, courses will only be transferred to Loyola if they have been taken during the five years prior to your admittance to the school psychology program. If you do not have a master's degree then six semester hours may be transferred. If you have a master's degree, six semester hours may be transferred to an Ed.S. degree and up to 36 semester hours may be transferred into the Ph.D. program at Loyola.
- How long does it take to complete the school psychology program?
M.Ed./Ed.S.: Full-time students (9 semester hours per semester) can complete the program in three years by taking courses during the summer. A full-time internship must be completed during the last year of study.
Ph.D.: Full-time students (12 semester hours per semester) can complete the coursework and field placements in four years by taking courses during the summer. A full-time 12-month internship must be completed during the last year of study. All coursework and dissertations must be completed within six years of being accepted into the program. - Can I complete the school psychology program by taking courses part time?
The program is best completed as a full-time student. In the past, we occasionally admitted part-time students, but we have only admitted full-time students for several years.
- Is there a residency requirement?
Yes, and there are three methods of satisfying the residency requirement.
- Full-time study: A student must complete nine hours of coursework for two consecutive semesters. The two Summer Sessions count as a semester.
- Continuous committed student category: A student must successfully complete 12 semester hours of coursework per year for a continuous two-year period. Summer school hours could be included in the yearly total.
- Concentrated pre-internship residency experience: A student must complete a series of concentrated pre-professional experiences and coursework requiring two consecutive semesters in the year prior to pursuing the internship.
Students choosing residency option three must be registered for CIEP 461 (School Psychology Practicum I) and CIEP 485 (Social, Emotional, Behavioral Assessments and Interventions) during the Fall semester, and CIEP 463 (School Psychology Practicum II) and CIEP 479 (School Based Consultation) during the Spring semester.
If a student selects option three, he/she must also complete practica assignments in settings exclusive of his/her regular employment setting.
