School Psychology (Ed.S.)

School Psychology Program Faculty & Students, Fall 2021 / Why so distant? COVID…”

Program Description

The mission of the 60-hour NASP-approved School Psychology Specialist in Education Program at the University of Central Arkansas is to prepare entry-level school psychology specialists to apply scientifically-based psychological and educational principles and practices in all dimensions of their professional work. Graduates of the program are expected to be reflective and competent professionals committed to the increased understanding of human behavior, continuing professional development, best practices in school psychology, cultural respect and diversity, and ethical standards of professional practice as articulated by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Housed within the Department of Psychology and Counseling in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, the Specialist in Education program emphasizes the professional identity of school psychology specialists within the broader field of psychology, a breadth and depth of professional training that prepares candidates to competently perform a variety of school psychology functions, and an education that values and respects cultural diversity among candidates, faculty, and service recipients.

Highlights of the program include:

60-credit-hour program including 1,200 hour internship (3 years total)
Graduate assistantship positions available – apply through UCA Graduate School
Close working relationships with school psychology faculty members
Opportunities for leadership as student representatives to Arkansas School Psychology Association and National Association of School Psychologists
Typically, 6-8 students admitted each year
Program, including classes, operates during daytime hours only

Prospective Students

Undergraduate Pathway & Mentoring Program (UPMP) for UCA Students

Freshmen and sophomore psychology and education majors are eligible for admission to the School Psychology Undergraduate Pathway and Mentoring Program (UPMP). Admission to the UPMP means that students are on track to be admitted to the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program. UPMP students who maintain the necessary requirements, pass a background check, interview successfully, complete their baccalaureate degree, and complete prerequisites will be admitted to the Ed.S. program. Click here to obtain a more detailed description of the UPMP.

All applicants for the Specialist in Education program in school psychology must meet the general requirements of the Graduate School and specific requirements of the program. In order to be considered for summer and/or fall admission into the program, all completed application materials must be submitted to the UCA Graduate School office by March 1 or July 1. Applicants who apply by March 1 will apply to begin the summer semester of the year that they apply. Applicants who apply by July 1 will begin the fall semester of the year that they apply.

Complete and submit the following by March 1 or July 1:

Materials should be submitted the UCA Graduate school via this site: Graduate School
A UCA Graduate Application (Graduate School Admissions)
Official transcripts of all completed college coursework to the Graduate School Office
Official Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores on the General Test to the Graduate School Office Use UCA’s school code: 6012 – If you already have a graduate degree, you are not required to submit GRE scores.
School Psychology Program application by completing the online application form
Three letters of recommendation from former college professors or individuals otherwise qualified to comment on the applicant’s professional and academic potential
Essay: Statement of Career Path and Aspirations – a 500-word essay focusing on your career aspirations as a school psychology specialist and research interests. This may include: a) significant people or events that have led you to pursue a career in psychology, b) strengthens and limitations and c) impact you would like to make (for others, the field, etc)
Current resume or vita
Before the application can be processed, the applicant must submit a background check at the following link: Background Check.

In addition to the above, please be aware that the following are also required by March 1 or July 1:

Twelve hours of undergraduate prerequisite coursework including:
- General psychology
- Statistics
- 2 other psychology courses

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials are received by the admissions deadline.

Interview Day –

Applicants will be contacted after the deadline to inform them if they have been selected for an interview.
Agenda for interviews

Program Information

Program Costs and Financial Assistance
Diversity
EdS in School Psychology Curriculum
In order to become a licensed professional in school psychology in Arkansas or elsewhere, students must complete the entire 60-hour post-degree certificate program. After 45 hours, students will be awarded a Specialist in Education degree and then they continue for another 15 hours (which includes internship experience) in order to finish the program. In accordance with federal regulations, the following gainful employment information is provided for the graduates of our program.
- Gainful Employment Disclosures
Links to information on Conway, Central Arkansas

College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Internship and Clinical Placement Policy

One or more clinical or internship components are required of most degree programs in CHBS. The majority of clinical and internship components are mandated by licensure boards and accrediting organizations.
Clinical and internship facilities have a variety of requirements that must be met by students, including vaccinations.
Vaccination status of students is not considered when making clinical or internship assignments. (UCA does not require a student to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or to produce any documentation regarding vaccination for COVID-19.)
Exemptions to vaccination requirements must be requested by the student through the clinical or internship facility.
Failure to comply with the requirements of the clinical or internship assignment may result in an indefinite delay of degree completion.

Transfer of Graduate Credit

For students who have completed some graduate work at other universities, the school psychology program may allow the transfer of some graduate credit applicable to the student’s graduate work at UCA. Requests to transfer graduate-level coursework will only be accepted after the student has been accepted into the program. Requests for transfer of credit must be made in writing by the student and his/her faculty advisor to the School Psychology Director of Training. The school psychology committee and Department Chair will consider inquiries regarding transfer of credit on an individual basis, and only those courses that essentially duplicate a UCA course will be considered for transfer. All course transfers must be approved by the school psychology committee and the Department Chair.