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School Psychology, EdS

The NASP-accredited Educational Specialist (EdS) school psychology program gives you ethical and professional skills to become an effective school psychologist for diverse populations.

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About this Program

Empowering Leaders Who Help Children Succeed and Work for Social Change

School psychologists can make a positive, lasting difference in children’s lives. They are a vital part of the effort to unlock each child’s potential for success. 

As a school psychologist, you will support students and teachers in meeting academic standards. You will help students with disabilities and provide a nurturing space for all children.

In the rapidly changing world of K-12 education, the demand for school psychologists has never been greater. Our school psychology program is designed specifically to prepare you to take on the challenges within today’s educational environments.

Dedicated to a practitioner-scholar model, the program provides you with a solid grounding in evidence-based practices. You will develop the knowledge, skills and character to be an effective school psychologist in diverse communities.

Two Program Options to Advance Your Career

We offer two paths to receiving your Educational Specialist Degree (EdS) in School Psychology, depending on your educational background. The EdS degree is between a master’s degree and a doctoral degree. 

  • Post-Bachelor's Educational Specialist Degree (EdS)
  • Post-Master's Educational Specialist Degree (EdS)

Our Educational Specialist Degree In School Psychology At A Glance

Learn how an Educational Specialist Degree (EdS) in School Psychology will contribute to your career goals. Then, explore course requirements and see how impactful a Seattle University EdS degree can be.

 If you enter the program with a bachelor’s degree, the program of study requires 90 credit hours. All post-bachelor’s degree students are required to complete a 1200-hour internship.

This degree leads to a:

  • An Educational Specialist Degree (EdS)
  • Washington State Certification (ESA Certification)
  • National certification (National Certificate in School Psychology)

Degree Requirements

 If you enter with a master’s degree, the program of study requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, depending on prior course work. At the time of enrollment, you meet with a program adviser to review previous graduate coursework and plan a program of studies that meets degree requirements. 

This degree leads to a:

  • An Educational Specialist Degree (EdS)
  • Washington State Certification (ESA Certification)
  • National certification (National Certificate in School Psychology)

Degree Requirements

In accordance with state and national professional standards, you will graduate from the Seattle University School Psychology program demonstrating entry-level competence in each of ten (10) domains of practice:

  • Data-Based Decision-Making and Accountability
  • Consultation and Collaboration
  • Academic Interventions and Instructional Supports
  • Mental and Behavioral Health Services and Interventions
  • School-Wide Practices to Promote Learning
  • Service to Promote Safe and Supportive Schools
  • Family, School and Community Collaboration
  • Equitable Practices for Diverse Populations
  • Research and Evidence Based Practice
  • Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice 

Competence requires demonstration of both knowledge and skills. The program ensures that you have a foundation in the knowledge base for psychology and education, including theories, models, empirical findings and techniques in each domain, and demonstrate professional skills necessary to deliver effective services that result in positive outcomes in each domain. Your performance on each of the benchmarks is evaluated formally during the internship.

Consistent with the Jesuit mission of Seattle University and the College of Education, the school psychology program’s mission is to prepare you to collaborate with professional colleagues, families and the larger community to serve and advocate for all students. 

The program develops school psychologists who embody and act upon a commitment to social justice, particularly among disenfranchised students and families. 

Program faculty embody caring, the pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to justice, so that you enact these values in your own works. 

Learn More About The Program

In our recent accreditation, the National Association of School Psychologists noted how equitable practices for diverse populations are infused throughout our philosophy and content of our program. The School Psychology program is fully accredited by National Association of School Psychologists through 2031. Learn more

Demand for school psychologists is exceptionally strong and on the rise. School psychology has consistently been rated among the 100 Best Jobs in U.S. News and World Report.

Awareness of the need to provide mental health and instructional supports for children and youth in schools continues to grow. Further, the profession currently faces shortages of qualified school psychologists to fill positions nationwide.

There is a particular need for professionals from diverse backgrounds.

School psychology provides you with a stable career with growth opportunities, good health and retirement benefits and an opportunity to positively impact youth and families.

Most school psychologists work in K–12 public schools. However, you can also provide services in a variety of other settings, including:

  • Private and charter schools
  • Preschools and other early childhood settings
  • School district administration offices
  • Colleges and universities
  • School-based health and mental health centers
  • Community-based day treatment or residential clinics and hospitals
  • Juvenile justice programs
  • Private settings

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

#11

School Psychologist

Best Social Services Jobs —U.S. News & World Report, 2024

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Established Program

We have been nationally recognized and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists since 1998.

Designed for Your Success

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Supportive Environment

The Jesuit education mission focuses on care for the whole person. Caring, compassionate faculty understand you have a full life. We work with every student to respond to their specific needs—whether it's related to work, family, linguistics, diversity, disability, etc. 

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Flexible Schedule

Our program offers flexibility for working professionals, including degree completion plans tailored to their unique needs. For those seeking to change careers, we offer credit for relevant prior graduate coursework.

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$3.5 Million Grant for Tuition Funding

In exchange for a commitment to work in high-need schools after graduation, the Puget Sound Partnership will provide need-based partial tuition and stipends to eight students in each cohort.

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Answers to Your Questions

Learn more about becoming a school psychologist—and get answers to common questions about our program.

What Do School Psychologists Do?

School psychologists apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They help schools successfully:

  • Improve academic achievement.
  • Promote positive behavior and mental health.
  • Support diverse learners.
  • Create safe, positive school climates.
  • Strengthen family-school partnerships.
  • Improve school-wide assessment and accountability.

Learn more about the profession

Continue to explore and learn more about the school psychology profession.

From Our Faculty

Jason Parkin

Jason Parkin, PhD, NCSP

“The Seattle University School Psychology Program challenges students to use the tools from the fields of education and psychology in ways that promote equity and positive developmental outcomes for all students in our nation’s schools. Through field-based experiences, students engage with the city of Seattle, its public schools and beyond the Puget Sound region. Students participate in a cohort model, developing strong relationships with their peers that may last their entire careers.”

Featured Faculty

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help!

Ashley Miller

Senior Admissions Counselor

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