Program Description
The School Psychology EdS program is designed for students who wish to become certified School Psychologists. This specialist degree has very specific curriculum to meet the respective licensing requirements for school psychologists.
The EdS in School Psychology is a state-approved initial teacher preparation program that is subject to any change in the Florida Administrative Code (State Board of Education Rule 6A-5.066). Students enrolled in this program should remain in close contact with their adviser to keep informed of any program changes implemented to comply with new state requirements.
The School Psychology EdS program has potential ties to professional licensure or certification in the field. For more information on how this program may prepare you in that regard, please visit https://apq.ucf.edu/files/Licensure-Disclosure-CCIE-School-Psychology-EdS-June2020.pdf.
The School Psychology Program is a unique specialization in psychology and education. This program is based on two assumptions. School psychologists can apply relevant knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines to the learning and adjustment problems of preschool and school-age children. Also, relevant knowledge and skills can be transmitted through a variety of services including (a) consultation with teachers and parents, (b) direct and indirect services to children and young adults, and (c) direct and indirect services to school and community organizations. School psychologists may practice in public or private schools, colleges and universities, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, mental health clinics, government agencies, child guidance centers, penal institutions, and may develop private practices. Applicants with backgrounds in education, psychology or other closely related undergraduate majors may qualify for the School Psychology degree program.
The program involves formal preparation and practical experiences focusing on psychological foundations (human development, learning, and motivation), psychoeducational assessment, exceptional students, remediation or intervention techniques, counseling skills, as well as a full-time supervised internship of two semesters in the public school setting.
Prerequisites or Co-requisites (DOE Certification)
Required Courses: 56 Credit Hours
Specialization: 50 Credit Hours
Choose two courses from the following list:
Research Report: 6 Credit Hours
Choose one of the following two sets of courses.
Practicum and Internship: 18 Credit Hours
Additional Program Requirements
- Complete an electronic portfolio that documents reflections on study and learning experiences throughout the program and receive approval by the School Psychology faculty.
- Pass a comprehensive exam.
- Pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE).
UPDATE: In order to demonstrate mastery of general knowledge, Graduate Record Exam test administrations conducted on or after July 1, 2015, may be used as an acceptable means of demonstrating a mastery of general knowledge. A minimum passing score on a GRE subtest in an applicable general knowledge content area, as defined in the table below, will satisfy the requirement of demonstrating a mastery of general knowledge for the applicable general knowledge content area.
| FTCE GKT Subtest |
GRE Subtest |
Minimum GRE Score Requited to Substitute for GK Subtest |
| GK Writing Subtest (Essay) |
GRE Analytical Writing |
A combined score of 4 out of 6 |
| GK English Language Subtest Skills |
GRE Verbal Reasoning |
A scaled score of 151 |
| GK Reading Subtest |
GRE Verbal Reasoning |
A scaled score of 151 |
| GK Mathematics Subtest |
GRE Quantitative Reasoning |
A scaled score of 147 |
NOTE: Effective January 1, 2015, only examination results earned by educators within 10 years prior to the date of application for a new Florida Educator’s Certificate with the Florida Department of Education may be acceptable for certification eligibility requirements (SBR 6A-4.002).
Equipment Fee
Students in the School Psychology EdS program pay a $90 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. A materials fee of $45 is charged for each of four assessment courses.
Independent Learning
A practicum and research report are required as the culminating independent learning experience.
Application Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
Applicants will receive priority consideration for admission by attending an Information Session with program faculty. Call (407) 823-2401 for meeting dates or visit the program website at https://ccie.ucf.edu/cesp/school-psychology/.
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements , applicants to this program must provide:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- A baccalaureate degree in Education, Psychology, or related discipline.
- Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years.
- Three letters of recommendation (one from a faculty member).
- Resumé.
- A one-page goal statement.
- Receive a favorable recommendation for admission by the School Psychology Review Committee.
This program can only accommodate a limited number of students; therefore, there is a possibility of being denied admission even when all criteria are met. Admissions to this program will only occur in the fall term. Information concerning specific admissions policies and procedures can be obtained from the program website: https://ccie.ucf.edu/cesp/school-psychology/. All other questions will be answered during the Information Sessions prospective students are required to attend.
Application Deadlines
| School Psychology EdS |
*Fall Priority |
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
| Domestic Applicants |
Jan 15 |
Mar 1 |
|
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| International Applicants |
Jan 15 |
Jan 15 |
|
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| *Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date. |
Financials
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.
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