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Master of Education/Education Specialist in
School Psychology

Program Description
School Psychology is a rapidly growing field requiring trained professionals with a master's or education specialist (Ed.S.) credential. School Psychologists typically work in elementary and secondary schools for carrying out assessments, designing and implementing interventions, making appropriate referrals on students and conducting consultations.

This 68-credit hour program combines coursework from both the Departments of Education and Psychology. Students completing this program will acquire knowledge, dispositions, and performances to function in school settings as licensed School Psychologists, and will be trained within the Reflective Practitioner Model. Students' skills in each of these areas are regularly assessed at various checkpoints throughout training, which includes coursework, practicum field training experiences, and a culminating one-year internship experience. At the conclusion of this integrated sequence of study, students earn both the Master of Education in Education and Psychological Foundations and the Educational Specialist degree. Graduates of this program will also qualify for licensure as School Psychologists in the State of Indiana.

Individuals who have already completed graduate work within the past five years may transfer up to 24 credit hours of applicable coursework toward meeting the degree requirements. No more than nine of the 24 credits to be transferred can be at the 600-level. Transfer of credits is approved on a course-by-course basis by appropriate faculty in the Education or Psychology Department. Transfer credits must be congruent with Valparaiso University degree requirements.

Candidates are required to successfully complete a Pre-Practicum review conducted by the Coordinator of School Psychology prior to registration for SPED 681, Practicum in School Psychology. The review covers the knowledge base and practical skills required of individuals who will work as school psychologists. Prior to enrolling in SPED 683, Internship in School Psychology, students must also meet with the Coordinator to review progress in SPED 681, as well as to review a disposition form completed by the University Practicum Supervisor. Before completion of the internship year, students must submit a cumulative portfolio that includes evidence that the Indiana Professional Standards Board (IPSB) School Services Personnel standards and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) standards have been met. Included in this portfolio should be evidence that the student has passed a comprehensive school psychology examination.

A Highly Flexible Program
This program is designed for completion in 3-4 years. All coursework and practicum experiences must be completed prior to the initiation of the internship year. Students are encouraged to complete the program through 2 years of full-time coursework, which includes summer months, plus the yearlong internship. Courses are typically held during evening hours, but field training requirements are usually met during hours in which elementary and secondary schools are in session.

Program Requirements
The program consists of 35 credit hours to fulfill the M.Ed. requirement, and 33 credit hours to fulfill the Ed.S. requirement. Within the Ed.S. requirement, 6 credit hours are assigned to the internship year, and 6 credit hours to electives in education and psychology.

Curriculum

What can you expect?
Graduate study at VU requires diligence and motivation. The School Psychology program is rigorous, both in its academic challenge and in its demand to prepare students to meet licensure requirements. Students work closely with both their faculty and peers. They are assigned faculty advisers who provide course selection and career guidance and who oversee practicum and internship training. Students quickly form peer networks and learning cohort groups with other education and psychology students, a process that enriches the learning experience and increases the overall resources of the group.

Criteria For Admission
In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to the Graduate Division, applicants should note the following requirements for both the M.Ed. and Ed.S. components of the program:

1. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Examination should be taken by the time the student enters the program and must be taken by the end of the first semester of study.
2. Applicants are expected to have a background in psychology which includes one course in introductory psychology, one course in human growth and development, and one course on basic statistics. Applicants who do not meet these requirements may be admitted to the program with the understanding that they will complete these courses along with other requirements.

As part of the application process, students must provide:

1. Valparaiso University Graduate Application and School Psychology Supplemental Application;
2. Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework. If you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from Valparaiso University, you are not required to submit an official transcript from Valparaiso University;
3. Two letters of recommendation;
4. Essay relating graduate study to professional goals. The essay should include a self-assessment of experience and education that would qualify one for undertaking work in school psychology. This essay substitutes for the general essay required for admission to the Graduate Division;
5. Application Fee: $30.

Admission is usually offered only for the fall semester, with priority given to applications submitted by March 1. Preference is given to applicants who plan to complete the program through full-time coursework.

Financial Considerations
Students may be surprised to discover the affordable graduate tuition rate at Valparaiso University. Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $450 per credit hour, highly competitive for a private institution of recognized national quality. The administrative fee is $80 each semester. Financial aid is available through student loans. Most students are employed part- or full- time in social service and school settings in the surrounding community during their graduate study. Several school assistantships are awarded each year in conjunction with local school corporations.

School Assistantships
Each year, several school assistantships, awarded in conjunction with local school districts, may be awarded to 2-3 full-time students in the school psychology program.  These assistantships provide a stipend of approximately $5,200 and a 1 course tuition benefit each year.  Responsibilities for assistants are worked out with each individual school district and usually require substitute teaching and other activities related to professional development in school psychology.

For more information about the Master of Education/Education Specialist in School Psychology program
To learn more about the Master of Education/Education Specialist program, visit their department website at http://www.valpo.edu/education/programs/schoolpsychology/index.php.

Interested students should request an application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by e-mailing graduate.studies@valpo.edu.

Contributing Faculty: