Prospective candidates who already possess a graduate degree in psychology, counseling, or education do not need to obtain an MA degree in Psychology with an area of emphasis in School Psychology. When these individuals apply to the EdS in School Psychology program, they will be considered for advanced standing based upon a review of coursework, grades, and writing samples by the School Psychology faculty. A formal transcript analysis will be conducted. The results of the transcript analysis may indicate that a candidate had comparable courses in statistics, research, typical and atypical development, etc., as part of their prior degree, which can be transferred into their program. At the same time, the transcript analysis will highlight which courses need to be taken because a candidate lacks similar courses at the graduate level.

This means that coursework can largely be accomplished through virtual participation. However, candidates are required to meet in person at the South Charleston campus each semester during their first two years in the program for coursework. During the internship year, candidates meet through virtual Teams class meetings.

To learn more about the in-person requirements and how other candidates living as far away as the Pacific Time Zone have been able to juggle them, please email Dr. Jennings (jenningsknot@marshall.edu) to attend an informational session.

The majority of the classes are synchronous. They typically begin at or after 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Active class participation is required. Candidates will need a working camera and mic for all class sessions.

Marshall Online students are assessed a particular tuition rate based on their Online Program (“E” campus) designation. As such, our out-of-state candidates benefit tremendously through our program’s online-hybrid classification. Rather than paying either out-of-state or metro rates, they pay tuition rates that are only slightly higher than the in-state rates. See the online program tuition and fees link.

You can complete the MA Psychology: School Psychology Emphasis and EdS School Psychology Program in three years if you attend full-time. Part-time options are available; however, coursework must be completed within a seven-year period.

When you begin the program, you’ll receive a recommended Sequence of Courses (SOC) outlining what to take each semester. Some courses serve as prerequisites for others, so it’s essential to consult with your advisor before making any changes to your schedule.

The answer to this question for practicum depends on several variables, including access to a qualified school psychologist field supervisor, access to diverse cases/service delivery types, and the district’s willingness to have candidates placed within the school where they are already employed. However, we have practicum candidates each year who are able to complete the practicum requirements in their home school. The school psychology internship, however, requires greater diversity in case work. As such, interns are often assigned to multiple schools based on the district’s needs and the field supervisor’s caseload. Additionally, not all districts that sponsor practicum candidates have positions available for interns in the subsequent year. Availability for internships is contingent upon the district’s staffing needs and its budget.