Applying for School Psychology Programs

[KRG]

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Hello! I am junior psychology major (with a minor is sociology) attending a small private school in the midwest. I have been interested in school psychology for quite some time but still have a few questions.

First of all, what are the advantages of pursuing a PhD over an EdS? It seems like most of the posts about school psychology here suggest it is best to get a PhD for more job flexibility and licensure possibilities. Funding will be a huge factor in my choice of school and program. What are the chances of getting funding as an EdS student?

Currently, I'm expecting to apply to Indiana University, University of Florida, Michigan State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Minnesota. Has anyone attended any of these programs or heard anything about them (specifically funding?) All of these schools claim to be fairly competitive in terms of acceptance rates. I'll take the GRE this spring, so I'm not sure what my scores will look like, but I have a 4.0 GPA that I have worked extremely hard to maintain... How much will this be taken into account?

Also, what kinds of experiences (jobs, internships, volunteering, etc.) would be helpful on my application? This coming fall, I will be doing research with one of my professors and will also be taking a class in special ed assessment that includes a practicum. What additional experiences would be helpful?

Thank you for your help!

 

[PureLife1234]

If you want to work in the schools as a school psychologist then get an EdS. If you want to go into academia/private practice then get a PhD. If you want flexibility then get a PhD (surprisingly many people go this route for this reason).

Unfortunately, most EdS programs do not fund their students. Then again, there are some PhD programs in School Psych that do not fully fund their students. I have heard good things about the programs you mentioned; however, I can't speak much about their funding situation. If you want more information about their program, I would try to contact a student rep.

A 4.0 GPA is obviously going to help your case, especially if it is from a reputable school. As for the GRE, most programs will have a minimum (1100 usually). If you get a 1200 + you will be in good shape for an interview at least. I would shoot for a 1300 + to make yourself very competitive.

You seem like you are on the right track. The last 2 years of undergrad are more important than your first two years (especially since you will likely be taking your major requisites) so you want to keep your grades up. Continue with research in areas related to school psych. Work with underserved and diverse populations. Shadow a school psychologist. Take advanced statistics courses. And if you really want to shine, get your name published in a journal!

Good luck!

Hello! I am junior psychology major (with a minor is sociology) attending a small private school in the midwest. I have been interested in school psychology for quite some time but still have a few questions.

First of all, what are the advantages of pursuing a PhD over an EdS? It seems like most of the posts about school psychology here suggest it is best to get a PhD for more job flexibility and licensure possibilities. Funding will be a huge factor in my choice of school and program. What are the chances of getting funding as an EdS student?

Currently, I'm expecting to apply to Indiana University, University of Florida, Michigan State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of Minnesota. Has anyone attended any of these programs or heard anything about them (specifically funding?) All of these schools claim to be fairly competitive in terms of acceptance rates. I'll take the GRE this spring, so I'm not sure what my scores will look like, but I have a 4.0 GPA that I have worked extremely hard to maintain... How much will this be taken into account?

Also, what kinds of experiences (jobs, internships, volunteering, etc.) would be helpful on my application? This coming fall, I will be doing research with one of my professors and will also be taking a class in special ed assessment that includes a practicum. What additional experiences would be helpful?

Thank you for your help!

 

[aagman01]

I suggest you look more carefully at the programs you are planning to apply to, if you are planning to apply to those programs for an EDS/specialist degree. I know for a certainty that Wisconsin does NOT have a masters/EDS program. Some EDS programs do fund, but they are a minority among programs. And often times it requires persistence/initiative (e.g. taking an assistantship in a student affairs program, from folks I know that have gone that route).