Best School Psychology Masters Programs in Indiana

The Indiana University-Bloomington provides Ed.S. in School Psychology, which is a 2-year full-time program, where students learn psychological evaluation, academic and behavioural interventions, counselling, and consultation skills in addition to gaining a strong foundation in the legal, ethical, and professional problems linked to school psychology. This 65-credit-hour curriculum is designed to provide training and preparation for the practice of school psychology consistent with the NASP domains below.

• Data-Based Decision Making
• Consultation and Collaboration
• Academic Interventions and Instructional Supports
• Mental and Behavioral Health Services and Interventions
• School-Wide Practices to Promote Learning
• Services to Promote Safe and Supportive Schools
• Family, School, and Community Collaboration
• Equitable Practices for Diverse Student Populations
• Research and Evidence-Based Practice
• Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice

Students are prepared to complete an internship once their education is over and they have passed their oral exam. Both a site supervisor and a university-based supervisor are in charge of the internship. A minimum of 1200 hours, or the equivalent of a full academic year (nine months), must be spent on the internship. Under the guidelines specified by the internship site, students are expected to finish their internships. Graduation takes place once the internship has been satisfactorily completed. Official graduation usually occurs in June of the third year because of the internship timeframe, and graduates should be able to apply for a license to work in the schools the following year.  

Students will acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to offer psychological services in educational settings through practicum and internship opportunities. The National Association of School Psychologists has endorsed the program. Completion of the program leads to licensure as a school psychologist in Indiana and eligibility for licensure in other states.

Ball State University offers a 69 credit EdS degree that normally requires 3 years of full time study. It is two years of full-time study on campus for completion of coursework and practica, plus a full-time internship during the third year. This degree helps in developing competencies in culturally relevant and responsive intervention, assessment, consultation, and prevention through course work, clinic- and field-based practica, and an internship through Specialist in Education in School Psychology Program. It is a community-focused program where students gain extensive, direct, and supervised experience with diverse populations. Benefits of studying EdS in School Psychology include:

• Scientist-practitioner-advocate model: The program's training model is based on the scientist-practitioner-advocate model, which emphasizes the importance of research, practice, and advocacy in school psychology.
• Focus on educational leadership: The program specifically trains students to be educational leaders who can assist their schools in improving student outcomes.
• Culturally sustaining and culturally relevant methods: The program teaches students how to use culturally sustaining and culturally relevant methods in their work. This is essential for working effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Expertise in specific areas of student need: Students have the opportunity to develop expertise in specific areas of student need, such as learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral concerns, and neuropsychological disorders.

The course sequence also includes the study of human development, individual differences, learning, curriculum, research methods, and statistics to prepare you to be a scientist-practitioner-advocate. EdS in school psychology program educates students in accordance with Indiana school psychology licensure requirements and National Association of School Psychologists standards. 

Our three doctoral degree programs are highly competitive.

As you navigate your degree requirements and make important decisions, academic advising is essential to your success.

Prepare for a rewarding, in-demand career as a Licensed School Psychologist with an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree in School Psychology from Indiana State University.

The School Psychology EdS is a hybrid, on-campus program offered on the Indiana State University campus in Terre Haute, Indiana. The program is open to U.S. and international applicants who satisfy admission requirements.

Our School Psychology EdS program began in 1968 and enjoys the rich history of being one of the first such programs in the state of Indiana. The program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Our graduates are prepared for school-based practice as successful, licensed school psychologists.

This blending of academics and fieldwork ensures you will gain the theory, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills needed for success as a licensed school psychologist.

This 63-credit-hour program may be completed on a full-time (3-year) or part-time (4-year) basis.

Field experiences are critical learning opportunities that provide the foundation needed to become a successful school psychologist.

After the completion of coursework, you will complete a full-time internship of 1,200 hours (one academic year), with a minimum of 600 hours in a school setting. This requirement is consistent with Indiana guidelines for licensure and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) guidelines for internship training.

Students are eligible to apply for their school psychologist certification through the Indiana Education following the successful completion of all program requirements, including the internship and the internship portfolio.

Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP): Students are eligible to apply for their NCSP, granted by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), once the EdS degree has been posted on the official transcript.

Their commitment to excellence is evident throughout their teaching, service, and research activities. Their work often emphasizes collaboration with students and community engagement. Most importantly, our graduate students are bright, dedicated, and emergent practitioners and scholars in their own right. Their work greatly enriches our department, university, and surrounding communities.

As a graduate student in the School Psychology program, you will have opportunities to become a student affiliate or member of a variety of professional organizations, including the ISU chapter of Student Affiliates in School Psychology (SASP), the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and the Indiana Association of School Psychologists. In addition, you will have opportunities to attend and participate in state and national professional conferences.

Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are offered on a competitive basis. GAs allow graduate students the opportunity to work on campus for up to 20 hours a week. GAs come with a stipend and partial tuition waiver. In addition, travel and research awards are offered on a competitive basis for graduate student travel to conferences, particularly to support students with accepted conference presentations.

Graduate students may also be eligible for loans and grants.

The objectives of the School Psychology program are to produce school psychologists who demonstrate the following:.

The ability to consult and collaborate with educators, school administrators, family members, and other professionals.

Knowledge and skills pertaining to the measurement of program and intervention effectiveness identification and application of empirically based principles and effective communication of research findings.

Students may be able to transfer previous graduate coursework or substitute alternative coursework to fill a particular course requirement. Applicants should be aware that the CGPS guidelines for transfer credit include limitations on the content, age, and number of course credits that can be applied to a graduate degree at Indiana State University.

Demand for school psychologists is exceptionally strong and on the rise. School psychology has consistently been rated among the 100 Best Jobs in U.S. News World Report.

As a graduate student in our School Psychology program, you may benefit from opportunities to work with clients in the Porter School Psychology Center, a training clinic for school psychology graduate students located on the Indiana State University campus.

The School Psychology EdS program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Applications are accepted for Summer or Fall admission. Full consideration is given to applications completed by the end of the first full week in January. Rolling admissions are available for applications completed through May 1, as space allows.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is not required for this program.

The following are application instructions and deadlines for the School Psychology EdS program.

Submit the following as part of the online application process.

A 2-3-page written statement personal statement describing why the applicant believes they are a strong candidate for admission and how they believe the program aligns with their professional interests and goals.