MA and EdS Degree

This program is offered collaboratively with the College of Education and coursework from both areas is required. Students entering the program must complete both the MA and the EdS degrees, including an internship of one school year, in order to obtain an endorsement for licensure. The EdS degree is an advanced sequence in the specialty and is to be pursued only by persons who have completed the MA degree or comparable degree with a concentration in school psychology, or who already hold school psychology credentials. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and holds full approval from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)/CAEP. It is also formally approved by the Tennessee State Department of Education and leads to that agency’s license in school psychology.

The overall goal of the MA/EdS program is that students will successfully complete the content domain-related requirements of the program, obtain credentialing for school-based practice from the Tennessee State Board of Education or comparable authority in other states, and become Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP).

Program objectives are: (1) understanding of the nature of educational settings and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with parents, school personnel, and other professionals; (2) broad expertise in assessment and intervention at the individual, group, and system level; and (3) development of research and evaluation skills, including data analysis and oral and written communication of research.

Program Admission and Prerequisites

Enrollment in the program is limited. All application information must have been received by June 15 for an applicant to be considered for admission to the MA and EdS program in School Psychology. Applications will be reviewed as they are completed and applicants are encouraged to complete the application well in advance of the deadline. The following items are required for consideration for admission:

1. An undergraduate overall grade point average of 3.00/4.00. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below this minimal level are admitted only if other supporting data are exceptional.
2. GRE scores (Verbal, Quantitative, and Written Analytical).
3. Letters of recommendation from at least three persons (professional educators, psychologists, and/or employers) familiar with the applicant’s academic background, aptitude for graduate work in school psychology, and interest in working with school-age children in school settings.
4. Undergraduate preparation in Psychology and/or Education. It is strongly recommended that applicants have at least 18 undergraduate hours in Psychology and/or Education, with preparation in the psychology of learning, psychological appraisal/measurement, human growth and development, and foundations of education.
5. The program is pursued on a full-time basis and students enroll for 12 hours each semester. Enrolling for fewer hours is done with the permission of the program director. 

Program Requirements—MA Degree (30 hours)

Program Requirements—EdS Degree (minimum 30 hours)