knowledge of the operation of schools and the role of the school psychologist within the school setting.
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competence in psychological and psychoeducational assessment as well as competence in direct/indirect interventions.
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knowledge of the ethical and legal issues related to school psychology.
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knowledge of issues, research, and best practices in the profession of school psychology.
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competence in interpersonal relations with pupils, parents, peers.
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competence in gathering and presenting research information in the field of school psychology.
Select:
GETTING STARTED:
Students are admitted each spring to begin the following fall. Applicants must have a 2.75 Undergraduate GPA with the last two years GPA of 3.0. The GRE must also be taken, with preference given to applicants who score at or above the 50% percentile on both the verbal and quantitative scores on the GRE. The admission process begins with applications submitted to the Graduate College and to the Department of Educational Psychology. Click here to download the application forms.
The department application must include three references from former instructors, employers, or other professionals who can evaluate the potential to complete graduate study and a one-page career goals statement which also serves as a sample of the applicant's writing skills.
Specific instructions are included in the application materials. Admission applications are reviewed in the spring semester. Applications must be received by February 1.
Previous coursework for students who hold a Master's degree in a related field (e.g. educational psychology, psychology, special education, counseling) will be considered toward meeting Ed.S. requirements, contingent on when the courses were completed and their relevance for the program.
A maximum of 15 credits completed at UNLV in a non-degree status may be applied toward the Ed.S. degree. If this limit may be exceeded prior to the annual admission period, contact the school psychology program director for information about requesting a waiver.
PLANNING YOUR PROGRAM:
The Ed.S. degree in School Psychology requires two years of full-time coursework, followed by a one-year internship in a school setting. The first year of the program is typically focused on completion of courses in core domains identified by American Psychological Association.
Following the first year of the prescribed Ed.S. program (minimum of 34 credits) and successful completion of the comprehensive examination, students are eligible to receive an M.S. degree in Educational Psychology. The minimum entry level degree in school psychology is the Ed.S., so the M.S. degree does not meet requirements for licensing, endorsement, or professional practice as a school psychologist. Award of the M.S. provides a graduate degree acknowledging successful completion of the first year of the three-year Education Specialist degree in School Psychology.
School psychology students are strongly encouraged to join the National Association of School Psychologists. A student membership rate is available, and there are many benefits, including professional publications, networking within the profession, and affordable professional liability insurance options. Click here for more information about joining NASP.
Maintaining regular contact with your advisor is a critical element in your success in graduate studies in school psychology at UNLV. Course substitutions may be allowed, when appropriate, to facilitate your movement through the Ed.S. program.
Your program of study for the degree should be filed during your first semester of graduate study. The two forms required by the graduate college are available online for you to complete, print, and then distribute for signatures.
» Recommended Sequence for Full-Time Students
» Recommended Sequence for Part-Time Students
» Required Courses by Content Area
PROGRAM FACULTY:
During your program you will take courses from faculty in at least two different academic departments with primary guidance for your work provided by the faculty members listed below. Click here for the school psychology faculty page.
Joe Crank, Ph.D., Ed.S. Program Director, e-mail address is: crank@unlv.nevada.edu
Paul Jones, Ed.D. Doctoral Program Director, e-mail address is: jones@unlv.nevada.edu
Kathleen Krach, Ph.D., e-mail address is: Kathleen.Krach@unlv.edu
Scott Loe, Ph.D., e-mail address is: Scott.Loe@unlv.edu
Pamela Staples, Ed.D., e-mail address is: pamelastaples@msn.com