January 2025 University Catalog

Education Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Education Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology degree program provides advanced preparation for learners who intend to pursue state licensure or certification as a school psychologist. The EdS in School Psychology program is built on the graduate preparation standards for school psychologists and consists of an integrated, sequential program of study that includes didactic instruction, clinical training, comprehensive assessment of clinical competencies and professional fitness, and supervised practicum and internship experiences. The model for services by school psychologists is embedded throughout the curriculum with particular emphasis on data-based decision making, diversity, and social justice to ensure learners are prepared to provide services in dynamic, complex, and ever-evolving communities.

Personal Suitability and Fitness for the Profession

Capella embraces the principles and guidelines set forth by the Council of Chairs of Training Councils (CCTC) related to professional psychology programs in that the faculty, training staff, supervisors, and administrators in the EdS in School Psychology degree program have a professional, ethical, and potentially legal obligation to ensure, insofar as possible, that all learners have the competence to manage professional relationships in an effective and appropriate manner, and that they possess the emotional maturity, interpersonal stability, and intellectual judgment required to work with vulnerable populations. Personal suitability and fitness for the profession includes but is not limited to demonstration of sufficient interpersonal and professional competence; self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-evaluation; openness to processes of supervision; and resolution of issues or problems that interfere with professional development or functioning in a satisfactory manner. Throughout the graduate training of each learner, faculty and staff are responsible for educating and assessing learners with regard to their personal suitability and fitness for the profession.

Residency Requirement(s)

Two ten-week courses with a four-day and a four-and-a-half-day embedded residency experience (PSY-V7003, PSY-R7004), respectively. See university policy 3.04.05 Attendance at Residencies and the Residencies page on Campus for more information.

Practicum/Internship Experience Requirement(s)

Minimum of 300 practicum hours and 1,200 internship hours.

Additional Program Requirements

PSY5063Data Based Decision Making

5

PSY-R7004Comprehensive Learner Assessment for School Psychology

3

PSY-V7003Treatment Planning and Report Writing

5

PSY7120School Psychology Practicum

4

PSY7336Organization and Operation of the School

5

PSY8150Exceptional Children in the Classroom

5

PSY8235Psychological Assessments for School Psychologists 3

5

PSY8335Consultation and Collaboration in the School

5

PSY8337Legal and Ethical Issues in the School

5

PSY8338Child and Adolescent Development for School Psychologists

5

Learners must register for PSY7121 a minimum of three times to fulfill their program requirements.‡

PSY7121School Psychology Internship

4

Total

At least 59 quarter credits

One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.

Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

† The Education Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology degree program provides advanced preparation for learners who intend to pursue state licensure or certification as a school psychologist.

‡ Learners are required to take the Praxis Series tests concurrently with PSY7121. Learners are responsible for any costs associated with these examinations.

Applicants to the EdS in School Psychology degree program must have an MS in School Psychology from Capella University.

Please note that some courses within this program have prerequisites that are not listed as required courses, which may increase the total number of courses needed to complete this program.

Capella University is not currently accepting applications for the EdS in School Psychology program from Arkansas residents.

Completion of Capella’s EdS in School Psychology degree will not meet the state requirements for professional licensure or certification as a school psychologist unless certain other conditions are fulfilled. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosure for this program on Capella’s website. Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. State licensing boards review each applicant's completed education, exam scores, supervised experience, criminal history, and application materials at the time of license application to determine eligibility. Contact your Enrollment Counselor or Academic Advisor for more information.