The Ed.S. in School Psychology is a degree between a master's degree and a doctorate. The Ed.S. degree will allow you to be credentialed in Illinois as a certified school psychologist through the State Board of Education. This credential allows you to practice as a school psychologist in the public schools. The Ph.D. program in school psychology is designed for individuals who are interested in the scientist practitioner model or who are considering an academic career.

Ed.S.: In Illinois the Ed.S. degree qualifies you to become certified as a school psychologist by the Illinois State Board of Education in order to work in the schools. The degree does not qualify you to be licensed as a clinical psychologist for private practice under the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations. Each state has its own credentialing requirements and individuals need to check with the state in which they want to practice school psychology for the particular state's credentialing requirements.

Ph.D.: In Illinois the Ph.D. degree qualifies you to become certified as a school psychologist by the Illinois State Board of Education in order to work in the schools. The issue of licensure through the Illinois Department of Regulations (DPR) is up to the DPR review. Each state has its own credentialing requirements and individuals need to check with the state in which they want to practice school psychology for the particular state's credentialing requirements.

Yes, all candidates are required to pass the ICTS exam during the first year in the program. All candidates must successfully pass the Illinois State School Psychology Content Examination prior to beginning internship. All candidates must also pass the PRAXIS School Psychology Examination to obtain NCSP (National Certified School Psychologits).

Read and follow the procedures for state certification here.

Because of the rapid changes in the field of education and school psychology, courses will only be transferred to Loyola if they have been taken during the five years prior to your admittance to the school psychology program. If you do not have a master's degree then six semester hours may be transferred. If you have a master's degree, six semester hours may be transferred to an Ed.S. degree and up to 36 semester hours may be transferred into the Ph.D. program at Loyola.

M.Ed./Ed.S.: Full-time students (9 semester hours per semester) can complete the program in three years by taking courses during the summer. A full-time internship must be completed during the last year of study.

Ph.D.: Full-time students can complete the coursework and field placements in a minimum of four years by taking courses during the summer. A full-time 12-month internship must be completed during the last year of study. All coursework and dissertation proposal must be completed prior to beginning an internship.

The program is full-time only and requires attendance during the summer.

All students, both Ed.S. and Ph.D. are full-time and automatically satisfy the residency requirements.