School Psychology (EdSp)

This degree is a EdSp with certification in the Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in School Psychology.

This degree is part of the school psychology program, housed in the Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology.

Graduates of the education specialist program in school psychology are prepared to work with children, youth, families and educators to promote effective functioning in the areas of learning, behavior and mental health in schools. Operating from a problem-solving framework, our focus is on preparing data-based decision-makers capable of intervening to address both individual- and systems-level challenges. Students develop professional competencies in assessment, intervention, consultation, and research and evaluation.

Degree Requirements

The master of education (MEd) degree program in school psychology is completed concurrently with the education specialist (EdSp) program in school psychology.  The master’s program itself is not a terminal degree program. Students admitted to the educational specialist degree program will complete degree requirements (course work and comprehensive examination) for the master of education by the end of the winter semester of their second year in the program. No thesis is required from the master of education school psychology degree program. Graduates of the education specialist program are eligible for state certification as a school psychologist in Missouri. For a sample plan of study and a course listing, visit the course catalog.

Apply

Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission:

How to Apply

Apply online by submitting the following documents using the MU Office of Graduate Studies application by Dec. 1 for the next fall cohort:

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/resume
  • Unofficial academic transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work
    • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 from an accredited institution in psychology, education or a related major.
  • Statement of purpose addressing the following:
    • Describe interests and experiences with working with people from diverse backgrounds (e.g. ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, religious, ability status, sexual orientation). How have these experiences influenced you? (250-word limit)
    • Describe experiences that demonstrate your potential for leadership that you believe distinguish you as a candidate for graduate study. (250-word limit)
    • Describe (1) your research interests that you hope to pursue in graduate school and (2) how these interests match those of specific faculty. (500-word limit)
    • Describe (1) your career objectives, (2) how these career objectives have developed and (3) how being accepted into MU’s program will benefit your career aspirations and help you act upon your beliefs, goals and philosophy. (500-word limit)
  • TOEFL for international students (preferred score of 580 for paper test, 92 iBT, IELTS 7 or higher)
    • Institution code: 6875