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Educational Specialist (EdS) in

Educational Psychology (School Psychology)

Hybrid

Program Overview

The EdS in Educational Psychology (School Psychology) program follows a scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing the integration of scientific inquiry with effective practice, and prepares students to become both skilled practitioners and dedicated researchers. Through comprehensive coursework, field experiences and research, the program equips students with the tools to contribute to the field of school psychology. Upon completion of all requirements, eligible students will be able to earn an Alabama Class AA School Psychology certification.

*Meet with advisor regarding possible prerequisites

Hybrid Program Format

36* Credit Hours

$480 Tuition Per Hour

Fill a Growing Need for School Psychologists

Throughout the program, students will gain expertise in personality and social development, with a focus on multicultural approaches to counseling. The program fosters a learning environment that encourages intellectual freedom, critical debate and student-faculty interactions, helping students develop creativity and professionalism. They will develop advanced skills in behavioral and academic consultation, participating in hands-on learning through a counseling strategies course and a practicum in consultation and intervention. The curriculum also emphasizes foundational knowledge in educational research, preparing students to analyze and apply data effectively.

Graduates are equipped to deliver both direct and indirect interventions, addressing mental health and educational challenges while upholding inclusive and ethical practices. Their expertise is enhanced through extensive internship experiences, where they integrate their skills in practical, real-world contexts. Additionally, graduates demonstrate proficiency in crisis response, family-school collaboration and program evaluation, ensuring they can effectively support individual, group and systems-level needs with professionalism and expertise.

Application DeadlineMarch 1 for fall admission
Application Priority DeadlineJanuary 1 for fall admission
Fees$10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour)
Scholarships and Grants AvailableDiscover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey
Teacher Salary ScheduleAccess the Alabama State Department of Education Salary Schedule to understand earning potential for educators
Completion TimeMost students earn their degree in approximately 2.5 years
Why Working Teachers and Education Professionals Choose UA OnlineLearn how UA Online provides pathways for others like you to pursue excellence through flexible, affordable graduate programs

Curriculum

The online EdS in Educational Psychology consists of 39-69 credit hours dependent upon a student’s previous graduate coursework and in consultation with their advisor and department. Please note that courses are subject to change.

The programs listed in the current UA Graduate Catalog that lead to Alabama Class A and Class AA professional certificates for service in the public schools may be altered to meet certification standards adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education. Check with the appropriate department head for information about current requirements.

Required Courses
  • BSP 601 Applied Pediatric Neuropsychology
  • BEP 565 Personality and Social Development
  • BCE 611 Multicultural Approaches to Counseling
  • BER 600 Survey of Educational Research
  • BSP 625 Behavioral Consultation and Interventions for School-Based Problems
    • Note: Beginning Fall 2025, BSP 625 will be replaced with BSP 632.
  • BSP 635 Academic and Instructional Consultation and Intervention
    • Note: Beginning Fall 2025, BSP 635 will be replaced with BSP 633.
  • BCE 652 Counseling Strategies for Adults and Children
  • BSP 686 Consultation and Intervention Practicum
  • BSP 687 Specialist Internship in School Psychology (12 credit hours)
Additional Requirements (must be taken if not fulfilled in a previous graduate program)
  • SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth
  • BEF 534 Multicultural Education (or program approved educational foundations substitute)
  • BEP 541 Foundations of the Learning Sciences (or program approved educational psychology substitute)
  • BER 540 Statistical Methods in Education
  • BER 558 Introduction to Psychometrics Theory
  • BSP 500 Introduction to School Psychology
    • Note: Beginning Fall 2025, BSP 500 will be replaced with BSP 501.
  • BCE 512 Counseling Theory Processes
  • BSP 515 Cognitive and Academic Assessment and Decision Making
  • BSP 516 Social Behavioral Assessment and Decision Making
  • BSP 588 Internship in School Psychometry
  • CRD 569 Introduction to Literacy Education (or approved curriculum/instruction substitute)

Admission

Admission to the Educational Specialist in Educational Psychology (School Psychology) degree program requires the following:

  • A master’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • A valid master’s level professional educator certificate in school psychometry, school psychology or special education
  • Two years of acceptable, professional P-12 educational experience
  • Statement of purpose
  • Current curriculum vitae or resume
  • Completed UA Graduate School application
  • Completed requirements for fingerprinting/background clearance
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • Recommendation letters must be from current and former professors and/or supervisory personnel knowledgeable of the applicant’s academic and professional capabilities for all College of Education programs that lead to professional certification

Students may begin the program in the fall.

Requirements for certification and licensure in school psychology vary from state to state. Students are expected to determine the requirements in the state or states in which they are interested in practicing before beginning the program. If you reside or intend to seek professional licensure outside of the state of Alabama, please review the requirements for that state prior to applying to this program.

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Program Information

Hannah Homan
Admissions Representative
800-467-0227
hannahh.bama@ua.edu

Admissions Information

UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu

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