School Psychology

Educator Specialist

 

DescriptionProgram OverviewDegree OptionsAdmission InformationFAQ'sRegistrationFinancial InformationAcademic CalendarLearn MoreContact InformationExternal Funding
The EdS in School Psychology is a National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) approved 69-credit program designed for individuals who desire certification in school psychology at the state and national level.

Our program focuses on preparing school psychologists who are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. By applying expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, school psychologists are able to help children and youth succeed academically, behaviorally, and emotionally.  As a school psychologist you will partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.

The EdS in School Psychology is open to students who hold a master’s degree in a closely related area (e.g., special education, counseling) by applying directly to the EdS program with the post-master’s option. All other applicants should select the EdS with master’s program option.

PSU was recently awarded a $1.9 million Federal Behavioral Health and Workforce Education Training program grant – Learn More!

The EdS in School Psychology is a professional preparation program with an emphasis on personal and interpersonal growth in addition to academic excellence. Our program is structured for students to progress through a foundational core of knowledge, skill development, and application.

A sequence of field experiences progressively assist students to connect theory with practice. The pre-practicum experience is integrated into Foundations of School Psychology (SY 6010) and includes shadowing a school psychologist in a school setting. Finally, the 1,200-hour internship places students in settings that allow them to experience the full range of actives that are associated with the role of the school psychologist. While completing their internship experiences, students must be able to attend weekly seminars in Plymouth.

The program can be completed in three years of full-time coursework by taking 3 classes each semester (fall/spring/summer). Many students opt to complete the program through part-time study taking 1-2 classes each semester over the course of 4-6 years.

 Our School Psychology program offers the following options:

    •  
  • EdS in School Psychology, K-12 Certification – for students who already have a master’s degree in a closely related field
  • MEd in School Psychology, non-certification – for students who have not yet earned a master’s degree this program will be completed in conjunction with the EdS in School Psychology, K-12 Certification program.

Optional secondary concentrations can be added in these areas:

  • Eating Disorders
  • Play Therapy
  • Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS)
Curriculum Requirements
Admission Requirements
The School Psychology programs require the following materials to be submitted through our online application

  • Recommended 3.0 or better GPA in undergraduate coursework
  • Official transcripts from any/all college level work
  • Three professional recommendations
  • Participation in the Group Interview – Register Here
  • Current Resume
  • Statement of interest
  • NH Residency Verification form (NH residents only) 
Admission Deadlines

Students pursuing School Psychology can apply for admission to any of the upcoming semesters. Here are the deadlines for 2023-24:

  • Fall 2023 – August 1, 2023
  • Spring 2024 – December 1, 2023
  • Summer 2024 – April 15, 2024

*We suggest submitting your documentation at least two weeks prior to the posted date to ensure your application is complete and can be reviewed by the deadline. 

What is a School Psychologist
School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students’ ability to learn and teachers’ ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School Psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.

What is the job market like? Will I get a job?
There is a critical shortage of school psychologists in NH and nationally. Our graduates have a 100% employment rate. US News and World Report consistently ranks school psychology among the top three social service jobs.

How long does it take to become a certified school psychologist?
The program can be completed in three years if full time, taking 3 courses per semester including Fall, Spring, and Summer. Many students complete the program part time over 4 – 6 years. Two courses are considered full time.

Can I work while completing the program?
Yes, most students work at least part time. It is a rigorous program. How much you can work depends on your personal situation (for example, family responsibilities, type of work). It is important to keep in mind that when completing the practicum (2 semesters) you will need one full day per week to complete your practicum experience in a school setting. It would be very difficult to work during the 1200-hour internship. The internship is usually completed full time, 5 days per week, September – June. The internship can be completed part time over two years.

Do I have to find the sites for my fieldwork, or will PSU assist in securing sites?
We help students find sites. We have many sites that we regularly use, however, if you would like to do your field work at a site we have not used before we will communicate with the school psychologist in that district to make sure they understand our expectations. This is also true for the internship.

Is the internship paid?
Not always. Sometimes school districts offer a stipend ranging from $10,000 – $30,000. There is also an option to apply to the NH Department of Education for Alternative IV certification school psychology which allows one to apply for and be hired by a school district. This is a very challenging internship experience and should be sought by those candidates that feel their skills are very strong. Our department has been awarded grants over the last 6 years which have allowed us to provide a $10,000 stipend to interns. We will continue to search for these funding opportunities, but this type of funding is not guaranteed. 

Summer & Fall 2023 Registration Opens April 10

Did you know PSU allows you to take up to 12 credits of graduate coursework before applying to most programs? So whether you are admitted to a program or just want to try a class, you can get started today!

Search for classes – the Office of the Registrar handles the course registration process – more information is available by visiting their website where you can check out the current course schedule by clicking on the “Register for Courses” option on the left side. Simply select the current term from the drop down menu which will then allow you to search for classes in a variety of ways.

Register Online – Registration can be completed online through the myPlymouth portal if you are a current/active student or have been admitted to a graduate program. Be sure to have your user name, password, and the course number and title handy. At the end of the registration process you will be notified of your billing due date. Specific instructions for completing the online registration can be found on the Registrar’s website under the “How to Register” tab.

New to PSU? If you are taking your first graduate class at PSU and have not been admitted to a graduate program, you will need to complete the paper registration form which can be found under the “Registration Forms” tab. Completed forms should be submitted directly to the Office of the Registrar via email to psu-registrar@plymouth.edu or faxed to 603-535-2724.

Graduate Tuition Rates – Tuition for graduate coursework is calculated on a per credit rate based on residency status. Click here to see the current tuition costs.

“How much will my graduate program cost?” and “How will I pay for it?” are two of the most common questions asked when considering continuing your education. Here is some basic information about tuition, financial aid, scholarships and Graduate Assistant opportunities. We encourage you to click the links on this page for additional information and resources.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Tuition for graduate level courses is assessed on a per credit basis, and differs slightly for NH residents and non-residents. Please note, the per credit rate varies depending on the level of the program to which you are admitted.

2022-23 ESTIMATED Rates for New Hampshire Residents

Program Level Tuition Mandatory Fees Per Credit Total
Master’s $560 $42 $602
CAGS $595 $42 $637
EdD $650 $42 $692

2022-23 ESTIMATED Rates for Non-Residents

Program Level Tuition Mandatory Fees Per Credit Total
Master’s $770 $42 $812
CAGS $745 $42 $787
EdD $825 $42 $867

More information is available through the Student Account Services Office.

Financial Aid

Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of student loans only. You will need to complete the FAFSA at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester you wish to begin taking classes. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid – please review our international admission requirements to learn more.

More information can be found on the Financial Aid webpages.

Scholarships

Each year, Plymouth State offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to admitted graduate students. Selection criteria include academic and professional achievements, commitment to graduate study, and achievement or pursuit of personal or professional goals. Visit the PSU Scholarship Opportunities webpage for additional information.

Graduate Assistant positions

Graduate assistants are an important part of Plymouth State’s collaborative learning community. They work alongside faculty, staff, and students to help achieve the University’s goals, while gaining valuable experience as assistants, researchers, and teachers.

At this time, our Graduate Assistant positions are limited and available only for certain graduate programs.  Please contact your program coordinator for more information on available positions and the application process.  

The full 2023-24 academic calendar can be found here.

  • Fall 2023 – August 28 to December 15
  • Spring 2024 – January 22 to May 10
  • Summer 2024 – May 13 to August 9

We would be happy to provide you with more information about our graduate programs – here are a few ways to learn more!

INQUIREComplete a brief inquiry form and we will connect you with the program coordinator and provide you with additional information about the curriculum, admission requirements, faculty information, and more.

VISIT We hold information sessions and campus visits throughout the year, or we can schedule an in-person advising appointment – come check out our beautiful campus in Plymouth, NH

EMAIL Have a quick question about our wide array of graduate programs and certificates? Send us an email at forgrad@plymouth.edu

CHATWe would be happy to chat with you – just submit a question to one of our admissions advisors.

Want an answer right away? Give us a call – the Admissions Office is open Mon-Fri from 8:00am-4:30pm at 603-535-2237 or 800-FOR-GRAD.

Graduate Admission Team – Whether you are just graduating with your bachelor’s degree or have been out of school for a while, we are here to help guide you through the application process, assist in getting you registered for your first semester of classes, and provide you with “next steps, information, and resources on campus.

Program Coordinator/Advisor – Once you have been admitted into a graduate program, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will be your go-to person for class scheduling, program and/or curriculum questions, and academic guidance.

Office of the Registrar – can assist with course registration, transcript requests and degree conferral information

Student Account Services – please contact them with questions regarding your bill, employer reimbursement, or financial holds on your account.

Financial Aid Office – is here to assist financial aid, student loans, or other financial related questions.

SY and CO Course Offerings  
Please check our course registration page for current offerings or schedule a time to speak with the program coordinator for more information.