Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Psychology
(Formerly the MA in Counseling with a specialization in School Psychology)
Our Education Specialist in School Psychology candidates acquire the knowledge and skills to become competent school psychologists and social justice advocates in PreK-12 schools. Our program of study is aligned with the National Association of School Psychologists’ (NASP) Model for Comprehensive and Integrated Psychological Services which focuses on data-based decision making and accountability, consultation and collaboration, and direct and indirect academic and mental health services for children, families, and schools. Our candidates learn about the history, theories, and research behind the field of counseling and specifically school psychology, and gain a variety of tools to support the success of all students with respect for human diversity and social justice; these tools include consultation, collaboration, counseling, and assessment at individual, group, classroom, and school-wide levels to support the academic, social, and emotional success of all students. In keeping with CCTC requirements, our program gives primary emphasis in helping public school pupils achieve academic success by emphasizing the importance of student support services.
Successful completion of a program of study of the Education Specialist in School Psychology program at Saint Mary’s College of California, leading to a specialist degree* and Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology, involves a combination of coursework, fieldwork, and a culminating project, as well as meeting the PPS standards and registering for the credential.
* "An education specialist degree, an Ed.S., is a terminal professional degree that is higher than a master's degree but below a doctorate degree." (courtesy of chron.com)
2024 Fall Term Deadline - June 1st*
Due to increased interest in our program, we have extended our deadline for Fall 2024 applicants.
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Program Duration
Students complete Education Specialist coursework in 3 to 4 years. This is a program designed to help you grow and succeed.
Learning Environment
Fall and Spring semester courses meet in person Monday - Thursday in the late afternoon / evenings & alternate Saturdays
Average Class Size
Small class sizes. Cohort members in the program form a learning community. Your success starts with connections.
School Psychologists are eligible to become Licensed Education Psychologists (LEPs) through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) after completing 2 years of full-time work as a credentialed School Psychologist. LEPs’ scope of practice includes providing diagnoses of psychological disorders related to academic learning processes; providing psychological counseling for individuals, groups and families; developing treatment programs and strategies to address problems of adjustment; coordinating intervention strategies for management of individual crises; and consulting with other educators and parents on issues of social development and behavioral and academic difficulties (California Board of Behavioral Sciences, 2011).