Master of Arts (MA)/Educational Specialist (EdS) in
Educational Psychology - School Psychometry / Educational Psychology - School Psychology
Hybrid
Program Overview
The University of Alabama’s College of Education offers educators the opportunity to earn an MA in Educational Psychology – School Psychometry / EdS in Educational Psychology – School Psychology in a convenient blended format.
-
Program Format
Hybrid -
Credit Hours
MA: 33 / EdS: 36* *meet with advisor regarding possible prerequisites -
Tuition Per Hour
$440
Fill a Growing Need for School Psychologists
The program is designed to train future school psychologists to work with teachers in improving the classroom learning environment. Courses focus on data-based decision making and accountability, intervention and prevention, instructional and school/system factors, and school psychology practice and development.
Educators who hold master’s-level certification in Special Education or Psychometry may apply directly to the EdS program. Those with bachelor’s level certification or master’s level certification in fields other than Special Education or School Psychometry should apply for admission to the master’s degree program first.
Coursework includes a combination of online and weekend classes. Each fall and spring semester students participate in two intensive 10-hour weekend sessions held on the main campus which provide the opportunity to interact with classmates and faculty. The program can be completed in approximately four years of part-time study. A new cohort of students begins the program every fall.
The MA in Educational Psychology – School Psychometry has been recognized as a leader in online education.
- Application DeadlineApril 1 for fall admission
- Fees$10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour)
- AccreditationCouncil for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Required For EntranceFor the MA, bachelor's-level or master's-level teaching certificate, or master’s level certificate in an instructional support area; for the EdS, master’s level certificate in School Psychometry or Special Education
- PracticumYes
- 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 TimeFor the MA, most students earn their degree in less than two years; for the EdS, most students earn their degree in approximately 2.5 years
Curriculum
The EdS program consists of up to 69 credit hours. Previous coursework may be applied to meet degree requirements. Student transcripts will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine the exact courses required. Please note that courses are subject to change.
Students who do not hold master’s-level certification in Psychometry or Special Education will need to complete the MA in Educational Psychology – School Psychometry program prior to enrolling in the EdS in Educational Psychology – School Psychology program.
- The MA in Educational Psychology – School Psychometry program consists of 33 credit hours.
- Upon completion of all required coursework for the MA, students will be eligible for master’s level certification in School Psychometry
- Students participate in a school psychometry internship consisting of 300 field hours.
Sample Listing of Courses
- BCE 512 Counseling Theory and Process
- BEF 534 Multicultural Education
- BEP 541 Learning and Cognition
- BER 540 Statistical Methods in Education
- BER 558 Introduction to Psychometrics Theory
- BSP 500 Introduction to School Psychology
- BSP 515 Cognitive-Academic Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making
- BSP 516 Social-Behavioral Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making
- BSP 588 Internship in School Psychometry (6 credit hours; 300 field hours required to earn 6 credit hours)
- CRD 569 Introduction to Literacy Education
- SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children/Youth (Students who have completed SPE 300/500 or the equivalent enroll in SPE 591)
Dr. Heather Britnell will assist applicants with transcript evaluations of prior graduate work to determine specific course needs.
Students apply to the EdS in Educational Psychology – School Psychology program after completing the MA in Educational Psychology – School Psychometry program.
View more information about this program through the University’s catalog.
Students who hold master’s-level certification in Special Education or Psychometry are eligible to enroll in the EdS program directly.
- Students with current master’s-level certification in Special Education will need to complete required master’s-level coursework in school psychometry not previously completed.
- Students with current master’s-level certification in School Psychometry typically complete between 36 and 69 credit hours to earn the EdS in Educational Psychology – School Psychology. If approved, previous graduate coursework may be applied to meet degree requirements.
- Upon completion of all required coursework for the EdS and earning the EdS, students will be eligible for Alabama Class AA certification in School Psychology (or equivalent in another state).
- Students participate in a practicum consisting of 150 field hours and a 1200 field-hour internship conducted in a public school setting. Students entering the EdS program with a master’s-level certificate in Special Education will be required to complete an additional 150 field hour practicum in assessment early in the program.
- To graduate from the program, students must obtain the program’s passing score or higher on the National School Psychology Examination, which is offered as a Praxis assessment. For Alabama certification, students must pass the appropriate Praxis assessment.
Sample Listing of Courses
Note: EdS students who have not previously completed the master’s-level coursework (or an approved equivalent) as indicated with an asterisk on the list below must complete these courses prior to earning the EdS degree. Dr. Heather Britnell will assist applicants with transcript evaluations of prior graduate work to determine specific course needs. The courses required for the EdS program include the 33 credits that also apply to the MA in Educational Psychology – School Psychometry program, which are designated with an asterisk.
- BSP 516 Social-Behavioral Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making*
- BSP 515 Cognitive-Academic Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making*
- BCE 512 Counseling Theory and Process*
- BSP 625 Behavioral Consultation and Interventions for School-Based Problems
- BSP 635 Academic and Instructional Consultation and Intervention
- BCE 652 Counseling Strategies for Adult-Child Relationships
- BEP 541 Learning and Cognition*
- BEP 561 Social and Cultural Basis of Behavior
- BEP 565 Personality and Social Development
- BSP 601 Applied Pediatric Neuropsychology
- SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children/Youth (Students who have completed SPE 300/500 or the equivalent enroll in SPE 591)*
- CRD 569 Introduction to Literacy Education*
- BEF 534 Multicultural Education*
- BER 540 Statistical Methods in Education*
- BER 558 Introduction to Psychometrics Theory*
- BER 600 Quantitative Research Methods
- BSP 500 Introduction to School Psychology*
- BSP 586 Assessment Practicum* (150 field hours)
- BSP 588 Internship in School Psychometry* (300 field hours; may be substituted for those eligible for the state-approved program approach to Alabama certification in School Psychometry)*
- BSP 686 Consultation and Intervention Practicum (150 field hours)
- BSP 687 Specialist Internship (1200+ field hours)
Admission
The decision deadline for applications is April 1 with a new cohort of students beginning each fall semester. Completed applications received by this deadline will be decided upon by June 1.
To be considered for admission to the MA in Educational Psychology – School Psychometry blended degree program, applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
- A valid bachelor’s level or master’s level professional educator certificate in a teaching field or a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in another area of instructional support
- Background clearance through the Alabama State Department of Education
- Two full years of full-time, certified P-12 professional educational work experience
- An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or a 3.0 average for the last 60 semester hours in a degree program, or a 3.0 or higher in a completed graduate degree program*
Experience must be verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form. Section III and V should be completed by your current and/or previous school system(s) (usually the HR department), and Section IV is not required. Questions related to acceptable experience or certification should be directed to Dawn Bryant, Graduate Admissions and Certification Coordinator at debryant@ua.edu. The original form should be mailed to:
The University of Alabama College of Education
ATTN: Dawn Bryant
Box 870231
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0231
A completed application package includes unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a Graduate School application.
*Applicants may be considered for conditional admission if their GPA is lower than 3.0 or their GRE score is lower than 300.
The early decision deadline for applications is April 1 with a new cohort of students beginning in the fall semester. Completed applications received by this deadline will be decided upon by June.
To be considered for admission to the EdS in Educational Psychology – School Psychology blended degree program, applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
- A valid master’s level professional educator certificate in School Psychometry, School Psychology, or Special Education
- Two full years of full-time, certified P-12 professional educational work experience
- An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or a 3.0 average for the last 60 semester hours in a degree program, or a 3.0 or higher in a completed graduate degree program*
Experience must be verified on the notarized Supplement EXP form. Section III and V should be completed by your current and/or previous school system(s) (usually the HR department), and Section IV is not required. Questions related to acceptable experience or certification should be directed to Dawn Bryant, Graduate Admissions and Certification Coordinator, at debryant@ua.edu. The original form should be mailed to:
The University of Alabama College of Education
ATTN: Dawn Bryant
Box 870231
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0231
A completed application package includes unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a Graduate School application.
*Applicants may be considered for admission with permission to continue if their GPA is lower than 3.0
Certification and Licensure
Completion of the MA in Educational Psychology – School Psychometry / EdS in Educational Psychology – School Psychology program may lead to state credentials. 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.
Completion of the MA in Educational Psychology – School Psychometry program may lead to state credentials. The program is approved by the Alabama State Department of Education for Alabama Class A certification in School Psychometry if the following prerequisites are met:
- A valid bachelor’s-level or master’s-level professional educator certificate in a teaching field or valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in another area of instructional support in Alabama (or the equivalent in another state)
- Two full years of full-time, acceptable professional educational work experience in P-12 school systems
- Satisfactory completion of a state-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.25 in all courses in the Alabama State Board of Education approved program for School Psychometry
- Competence to perform as a school psychometrist as evidenced through completion of a P-12 internship consisting of at least 300 clock hours supervised by a school psychometrist or school psychologist
- Once students obtain the master’s degree and master’s level certification in School Psychometry, they may apply to begin the EdS program in Educational Psychology – School Psychology
An individual with a valid bachelor’s or master’s level Professional Educator Certificate from another state who seeks Alabama Class A certification after completing an Alabama state-approved program of study that leads to master’s-level certification must hold a valid Alabama Class B Professional Educator Certificate before applying for Alabama Class A certification.
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.
Completion of the EdS in Educational Psychology – School Psychology program may lead to state credentials. The EdS degree is approved for the Alabama AA certification in School Psychology if the following prerequisites are met:
- Two full years of full-time professional educational work experience in a P-12 school system(s) and at least a valid master’s-level Professional Educator Certificate in School Psychometry or Special Education
- Satisfactory completion of a state-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.25 in all courses in the approved program for school psychology as verified on an official transcript
- Competence to perform as a school psychologist in a supervised P-12 school psychology internship supervised by an individual holding valid Alabama certification in school psychology
- A passing score on the appropriate Praxis for School Psychology
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.
Find more information and learn about restrictions related to these degree programs that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.
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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