Ed.D. in School Psychology

Program Description

The Chicago Campus' Ed.D. program is unique among school psychology doctoral programs in Illinois in that it takes a neuropsychology approach to the discipline and allows Ed.S. level school psychologists to continue their work while obtaining their doctorate.  Many students will use this degree to increase their skills and their pay in their work in the schools-- others will use the degree to change careers to pursue options as professors, in hospitals, or in private practice. 

Ed.D. students—who are expected to be specialist-level certified school psychologists upon entry to the program—benefit from an expanding knowledge base in this emerging subfield, gaining a thorough understanding of the brain and how its activity impacts behavior and cognitive processes.  Graduates are prepared to apply neuropsychology principles in the areas of assessment, evaluation, and intervention within the educational system, working with students with learning disabilities and with a wide range of genetic and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Students may choose from a 48-credit, non-licensure track or a 60-credit, licensure track, which will include a year-long internship in a school setting and will prepare graduates for licensure as a clinical psychologist in the state of Illinois. This program is offered in a cohort format, beginning in the summer.

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Department

Concentrations

Licensure

Total Credits

Fieldwork Requirements

Degree

• Educational Specialist degree or the equivalent in School Psychology from a regionally accredited institution

Coursework

All students who are offered admissions will be subject to a competency exam to determine competence in the areas of Brain & Behavior and Statistics. Depending on the exam results, additional pre-requisite courses may need to be taken.

Additional

• Certification as a school psychologist

Admissions Requirements

GRE Requirements

Sample Courses

Pediatric Functional Neuroanatomy and Pathology
Students will learn about theories of neuropsychological functioning, organization of the central nervous system, cortical organization, cortical functions, higher cortical processes, principles of plasticity, and pathology associated with pediatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Pediatric Imaging Methods
This course focuses on the methodologies and application of neuroimaging for pediatric neuropsychologists as practitioners. The course will cover imaging and scanning principles, current technologies, application of imaging results, and the integration of different imaging modalities. Finally, students will learn how to relate imaging results to assessment information.

Supervision of Psychological Services
Systems analysis of the school setting regarding prevention and treatment of neurocognitive disorders is the emphasis of this course. Students will evaluate their school system's policies and procedures regarding early identification of chronic illness, disabilities and neurodevelopmental issues; create staff development and training programs for the optimal management of neuropsychological disorders; and create strategic plans with school personnel for systems innovation.

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