School Psychology

Department Co-Chairs: Mark Derby, Ph.D., Vincent Alfonso, Ph.D. 

Education Specialist in School Psychology

Our Education Specialist in School Psychology (Ed.S.) prepares candidates to become practicing School Psychologists in the state of Washington and across the nation as the program aims to prepare candidates who meet criteria as nationally certified school psychologists. Graduate preparation in school psychology educates and trains individuals to apply principles in psychology and education to support school-wide academic and social-emotional programs, collaborate with teams to identify student learning and behavioral problems, and develop evidence-based intervention plans.

In Washington State, school psychologists obtain a Residency Certificate as an Educational Staff Associate (ESA) through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) also provides national certification for the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential, and this certificate often assists with interstate recognition of training. In Washington, the NCSP provides a pathway to a Tier 2 Professional Certificate after 5 years of practice as a school psychologist.

Our program adheres to the standards of training set forth by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) and NASP and culminates with a full-time or part-time, 1200-hour internship.

School psychology education and training builds on foundations in multiple disciplines. In that light, our program includes adapted courses from several School of Education (SOE) departments including Counselor Education and Educational Leadership & Administration. Additional courses specific to the field fulfill any outstanding requirements.

The curriculum is supported by regular coursework with departmental faculty, enhanced by field experiences in the schools, and the development of a professional portfolio. The scientist-practitioner orientation guides preparation for candidates to master and employ empirically validated methods of assessment, consultation, and intervention within NASP Practice Model Domains.

Admissions

Each applicant must submit the following materials to the Graduate Student Services (GSS) office:

1. A completed application form (see the SOE website: http://www.gonzaga.edu/soe/grad) and non-refundable fee.
2. A written statement of purpose addressing the applicant’s interest in graduate studies that relates to some area in the field, assessing the applicant’s current strengths, and describing what the applicant hopes to gain from an advanced graduate degree program.
3. Three letters of recommendation sent directly from the recommending persons to the Graduate Enrollment Management office using the Confidential Recommendation form (see the School of Education website).
4. A resume.
5. An official transcript from each college or university attended (international applicants must submit foreign transcripts in the original language and an English copy), final transcripts must bear a posted bachelor's degree. Only degrees and courses from a regionally accredited institution will be accepted.
6. Submission of an official TOEFL score of at least 550 (minimum score of 80 if taken via internet) by each international applicant who graduated from a foreign college or university and whose native language is not English.
7. Submission of a financial declaration form and supporting documentation by each international applicant.
   
   

Prerequisites

1. An appropriate bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.
2. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0.
3. A minimum graduate grade point average of 3.5 (if applicable).
4. Successful completion of the following courses or equivalent at either the undergraduate or graduate level is recommended: introductory psychology, child development, research methods, statistics, and abnormal psychology. Candidates who lack prerequisites may still be admitted to the program.
5. Acceptance of admission in the program carries with it the responsibility to uphold the published ethical standards of the NASP, the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Violation of ethical standards may result in termination from the program.

Program Outline: 68 credits

Certification requirements for the state of Washington frequently change. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the certification officer in the School of Education for the most current information regarding state certification.