School Psychology, Ed.S.
This program is designed for applicants who seek to be school psychologists, endorsed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The purpose is to provide more advanced knowledge and skills in evidence-based practices in schools and with families to promote positive outcomes.
Faculty review student progress annually to provide formative evaluation and prepare for the next phase of the program. Students are evaluated using a combination of course grades, portfolio assessments, field-based competencies, and professional dispositions assessment.
Students who successfully complete the School Psychology, Ed.S. coursework are eligible for an endorsement in school psychology from the State of Illinois and certification by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) as Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP).
In addition to National College of Education Graduate Admissions Requirements, applicants must:
- Submit a personal statement describing their interest in school psychology as a profession and how the NLU School Psychology program helps them accomplish their career goals
- Submit at least two letters of recommendation, which are academic in nature, regarding the applicants capacity for graduate work
- Submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae describing relevant background and work experiences
- Note: Students without the evidence of passing the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or ISBE approved alternative may be admitted but must pass the TAP within the first year of the program
Program Details:
- Requires 67 SH for completion
- Students who receive two or more “C” or lower grades will be dropped from the program
- Requires a one-day per week unpaid practicum in schools in Year 1
- Requires a two-day per week unpaid practicum in schools in Year 2
- Requires a full-school year, partially paid internship in public schools in Year 3
Required Courses
Year 2 - 30 SH
| SPY 525 | Methods of Research-Based Intervention for Tiered Services | 3 |
| SPY 540 | Professional Issues in School Psychology | 1 |
| SPY 544 | Theory and Practice of Consultation | 3 |
| SPY 548 | Social-Emotional and Behavioral Assessment | 3 |
| SPY 550 | Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy Approaches I | 3 |
| SPY 551 | Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy Approaches II | 3 |
| SPY 554 | System Level Consultation and Collaboration | 3 |
| SPY 565 | School Psychology Practicum II | 1 TO 3 |
Note: SPY 540 must be taken for 3 SH. SPY 565 must be taken for a total of 9 SH.
Year 1 - 31 SH
| SPY 506 | Interventions in Schools with Multicultural Students | 3 |
| SPY 508 | Practices and Principles of School Psychology | 2 |
| SPY 510 | School-Family-Community Partnerships | 3 |
| SPY 514 | Tests and Measurement | 2 |
| SPY 518 | Universal Prevention and Promotion for Behavioral Health | 3 |
| SPY 520 | Educational Assessment for Tiered Services | 2 |
| SPY 524 | Methods of Research-Based Instruction for All Students | 3 |
| SPY 528 | Linking Students to Mental Health and Behavioral Supports | 3 |
| SPY 530 | Applied Research Methods for School Psychologists | 2 |
| SPY 534 | Cognitive Assessment in Contemporary School Practice | 3 |
| SPY 538 | Applied Behavior Analysis | 2 |
| SPY 560 | School Psychology Practices and Principles Practicum | 1 |
| SPY 561 | Educational Assessment for Tiered Services Practicum | 1 |
| SPY 562 | Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum | 1 |
Year 3 - 6 SH
| SPY 590 | Internship in School Psychology | 3 |
Note: SPY 590 must be taken for a total of 6 SH.