School Psychology
(Education Specialist)
Lead innovation in education: Earn a Master's in School Psychology!
Prepare to make an impact and lead innovation in education by earning a master's in School Psychology! The University of Cincinnati’s School Psychology master’s program prepares students to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families through up-to-date and research-based professional practices. Our comprehensive master's in School Psychology gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on knowledge through established partnerships with professional school psychologists in the field. Dive deep into the latest research and theories, expanding your intellectual horizons and developing a nuanced understanding of the complexities as a school psychologist.
Over three years of full-time study, students undergo comprehensive training, culminating in a 10-month supervised internship in a school setting. The program awards a master's degree (M.Ed. in Foundations in Behavior Analysis) at the end of the first year. Graduates emerge equipped with the latest research-based practices, child and family advocacy skills, and leadership abilities to implement best practices in the field.
These core principles serve as the foundation for the Program philosophy and approach, and are translated into several interrelated training themes that together form the basis for the Program training model and activities. These Program training themes are:
Scientist-practitioner model
- Developing and adhering to a defensible personal model of practice aligned with the Program model
- Adhering to legal and ethical foundations for practice
- Engaging in data-based practice and accountability
- Using research to inform practice
- Making meaningful contributions to practice and the profession
Ecological/behavioral orientation, integrating key theoretical approaches and psychological foundations
- Using applied behavior analysis as a foundation for practice
- Considering various interconnected systems as contexts for case conceptualization and behavior change
- Conceptualizing student challenges as resulting from mismatches with their environment(s) rather than within-student problems
- Individualizing interventions and supports to align with students and contexts
Social Justice Advocacy
- Intentionally advocating to dismantle systems of oppression and marginalization
- Establishing and maintaining awareness of own identities, working to mitigate biases, and engaging in a meaningful approach to diversity in all its forms
- Promoting positive outcomes for all students (systems-level) and each student (individual-level)
- Ensuring access to equitable, affirming, accessible, inclusive, and safe services for all students and clients
- Using data to make equity-focused decisions
- Centering clients and families via culturally relevant service delivery and empowering them as valued partners in educational decision-making
Problem-solving approach for prevention and intervention
- Centering consultation as a primary framework for service delivery
- Engaging in data-based decision making by linking assessment, intervention, and evaluation
- Engaging in data-based problem solving across universal, targeted, and intensive tiers of evidence-based service delivery
- Respecting the expertise of other professionals and working on interdisciplinary teams to best support students and clients
Leadership/Initiative role
- Maintaining responsibility for one’s own continued professional learning and competency development and promotion of professional learning in others
- Advocating for and taking initiative in promoting evidence-based services in self and others
+10.6%
Projected Job Growth
No GRE
Required
3 yr
Completion Time
The School Psychology program prepares future school psychologists in evidence-based practices to promote positive outcomes for children, families, and schools
Why pursue a Specialization in School Psychology?
The need for skilled school psychologists is on the rise. Schools and educational institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health support and interventions for students. As a school psychologist, you can play a pivotal role in assessing and addressing students' social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs. Collaboration with teachers, administrators, and other professionals is integral, contributing to the holistic development of students. By participating in a multidisciplinary team, you can harness varied perspectives and expertise to formulate comprehensive intervention strategies, effectively addressing the intricate needs of students.
School Psychology allows me to utilize the skills and training I received from my undergraduate psychology degree in the education field. This includes to improve school culture and maximizing the learning environment.
Trey Savage
Real World Experiences
The program provides future school psychologists with a robust professional and academic foundation, cultivating a deep understanding of both psychology and education. We foster a heightened sensitivity to social foundations and cultural diversity, instilling respect for the uniqueness and human dignity of everyone. Self-awareness, positive regard for others, and respect for cultural and individual differences are actively cultivated and expected of all students.
Top Research Institution
At the University of Cincinnati, we take pride in our faculty's commitment to developing policies, techniques, and training that bridge the gap between research and practice. As a research-intensive university, the University of Cincinnati supports and encourages an active research agenda for faculty. Thus, Students are invited to engage in research with faculty at numerous levels. Most faculty have research teams that include Masters and Doctoral students. Learn more about the types of research opportunities for students in the Master's program.
Research Faculty
UC provides students with access to leading experts in school psychology who conduct cutting-edge research, boast a nationwide network of practitioners, and actively engage in community events. The faculty's commitment to impactful education and research opportunities is evident through their achievements, addressing practical issues faced by industry practitioners and securing nationally recognized grants.
Apply to our Master of School Psychology
The University of Cincinnati’s School Psychology master’s program features an industry-leading experience through a proven curriculum. Interested in learning more? Request more information today!
Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid). To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.