What Is the Difference Between an Ed.S. and a Psy.D. in School Psychology?

For those pursuing a career as a school psychologist, furthering education with advanced degrees is often a vital step toward career growth and specialization. The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) and the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in School Psychology are popular next steps among the various educational pathways available. While both programs provide specialized training, there are key differences to consider when deciding which program is best for you and your education and career goals.

Ed.S. Versus Psy.D. for School Psychology

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree

An Ed.S. in School Psychology is typically a three to four year program (depending on if you’re going to school full time or part time) that is a stepping stone for someone looking to become a licensed school psychologist. With an emphasis on mental health for children and families, students with an Ed.S. degree gain the knowledge they need to pursue the licensing exam.

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) Degree

A Psy.D. in School Psychology can take three to five years depending on your education path before pursuing the Psy.D. If you are going for the Psy.D. right after your undergraduate degree, it would take you five years to complete. If you already have a specialist degree, the Psy.D. would take three years to complete. A Psy.D. in School Psychology prepares future psychologists for the licensing exam and for clinical practice.

FAQs About Ed.S. Degrees

Do Graduates With an Ed.S. Degree Make More Money?

According to the National Association of School Psychologists, the median salary for a school psychologist in the 2019–20 school year was $74,000. Worth noting, however, is that salaries vary considerably in different regions of the country.

Median salaries for school psychologists per U.S. region according to the NASP:

• Western: $80,000
• Northeast: $78,000
• Central: $72,000
• Southeast: $63,000

Is an Ed.S. a Doctorate?

No, this is one of the main differences between an Ed.S. and a Psy.D.. A graduate with an Ed.S. degree is an Education Specialist but is not a doctor of education. A Psy.D. is a doctorate degree.

Should I Get an Ed.S. or a Psy.D. to Become a School Psychologist?

If you are someone looking to work in a school as a licensed psychologist, either the Ed.S. and Psy.D. would prepare you for that career path. If you want to take it one step further and become a licensed clinical psychologist, the Psy.D. in School Psychology is the degree program you should pursue. Also, if you want the doctor distinction after your name you should pursue the Psy.D.

At The Chicago School, the Ed.S. in School Psychology program is NASP-Accredited (National Association of School Psychologists) and the Psy.D. in School Psychology is APA Accredited on Contingency (American Psychological Association). The Ed.S. in School Psychology prepares graduates to take the NASP exam to become a National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). The Psy.D. in School Psychology program prepares graduates to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and pursuit of becoming a licensed psychologist. If you have additional questions about our programs in school psychology please complete the interest form below and a member of our admissions team will contact you.