Majors & Degrees
KSU OFFERS TWO SEPARATE DEGREE PROGRAMS IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
There are two separate degree programs available within the Kent State University School Psychology Program: the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program and the Doctoral (Ph.D.) program. When applying to either program, it is important to note the following:
- Applicants who possess a recent master’s degree in school psychology from a NASP-approved program may apply directly to the program of their choice (i.e., either the Ed.S. or Ph.D. program).
- Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) applicants who do not possess a recent master’s degree in school psychology from a NASP-approved program should apply to the M.Ed. program. Your application still will be reviewed for admission/acceptance into the Ed.S. program. If admitted, you will be on track to earn an M.Ed. en route to your Ed.S.
- Doctoral (Ph.D.) applicants who do not possess a recent master’s or specialist degree in school psychology from a NASP-approved program should apply to the M.Ed. program. Your application still will be reviewed for admission/acceptance into the Ph.D. program. If admitted, you will be on track to earn an M.Ed. en route to your Ph.D.
Overview of the Ed.S. Program
The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Program in School Psychology at Kent State University is committed to a scientist-practitioner model of training, which conceptualizes school psychologists as data-oriented problem solvers. The program operates from a eco-behavioral orientation and emphasizes the delivery of school psychological services from a consultative framework to prevent and remediate learning, behavioral, and social-emotional problems in individuals from birth to 22 years. That is, emphasis in training is placed on the provision of services through research-based practice and data-based decision making. Students in the program gain competencies not only in the provision of services to individual children in schools, but also in the promotion and implementation of systemic educational reform. Graduates of the Ed.S. program are highly prepared to be leaders and innovators of comprehensive support services in a variety of educational settings.
Overview of the Ph.D. Program
The Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program in School Psychology at Kent State University is committed to a scientist-practitioner model of training, which conceptualizes school psychologists as data-oriented problem solvers and transmitters of psychological knowledge and skill. As such, students draw upon the scientific literature as a primary basis for professional practice and focus their research agendas so as to have meaningful implications for practice. In addition, functioning as a scientist-practitioner means that professional practice is conducted in ways that are consistent with the scientific method. Emphasis in training is placed on the provision of services through research-based practice and data-based decision making. Students in the program gain competencies not only in the provision of school psychological services to individual children and youth, but also in the promotion and implementation of systemic, preventative educational and mental health systems. Since the program's emphasis is on the application of psychology in applied educational and mental health settings, students are required to demonstrate competence in the substantive content areas of psychological and educational theory; the scientific, methodological, and theoretical foundations of practice in school psychology; data-based decision making; intervention design and evaluation; and cultural and individual diversity. The Ph.D. Program in School Psychology is oriented to prepare students to work as leaders in applied practice in educational and mental health settings.
For additional information regarding the application and admission process click Prospective Students.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.