OVERVIEW
The University of Alabama has been ranked number oneĀ in the yearās best schools for online degrees inĀ school psychologyĀ by STEPS (Student Training & Education in Public Service, 2022).
The School Psychology Program adheres to a scientist practitioner model which assumes that the effective practice of school psychology is based on knowledge gained from established methods of scientific inquiry. Emphasis is on the preparation of competent practitioners who are also skilled and dedicated researchers who contribute to the knowledge base in school psychology. The program prepares students to integrate theory, research, and established methods of scientific inquiry into effective practice and to engage in research and evaluation activities that contribute to both the science and practice of psychology. The program strongly supports the belief that our science informs our practice and our practice informs our science, and emphasizes the need to provide training in the development and utilization of evidence-based practice.
The program seeks to support the development of scientist practitioners who are actively engaged in the promotion of social justice and equity for all students. Implicit in these aims is the recognition that existing systems result in unequal and disparate access to educational resources and psychological services. The program emphasizes the importance of school psychologists in bridging opportunity gaps and facilitating equal access so that all students can reach their potential.
The faculty are committed to a learning environment that has a well-organized and explicit curriculum with clear expectations. There is also a strong commitment to student-faculty interactions that encourage students to identify with the field and grow professionally. In addition, the program is designed to acquaint students with the diversity of theories and practices of school psychology that allow students sufficient intellectual freedom to experiment with different delivery systems and various theoretical bases.
The atmosphere is intended to foster informal student-faculty interaction, critical debate, and respect for theoretical diversity of practice, thus lending itself to a more intense and exciting learning experience. Such a philosophy encourages and reinforces the studentās creativity and intellectual risk taking that are fundamental in the development of the professional practice of school psychology.
The University of Alabama School Psychology Program is designed to provide exemplary graduate training in research and in the application of practice related to the learning, development, and mental health of children and youth, and their families. The EdS program includes an integrated and sequential program of study with comprehensive coursework and supervised field experiences. Candidates participate in courses and seminars in assessment and data collection, interventions and decision making, prevention and consultation, professional school psychology, sociocultural and educational foundations, psychological foundations, human development, statistics and research, and other areas. Candidates are required to participate in extensive practicum, internship, and research experiences. All graduates are eligible to apply for EdS-level certification through state education agencies.
NOTE: The Educational Psychology, EdS program has two available options:
- Option 1: Students complete the program by attending classes in person on the main UA campus in Tuscaloosa, AL. Students in this option typically take between 9 and 15 credits per semester. This option is designed to be completed over two-years of coursework and a year-long internship (1200 hours). Option 1 is recognized and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and graduates are eligible to apply for the NCSP. For Class AA certification in Alabama, graduates may apply via the National School Psychologist Approach. Please see the Requirements page for admissions, coursework, and additional information for this option.
- Option 2: Students complete the program by attending distance learning/hybrid classes. This option is designed for working professionals, and most students take 6 credits per semester. Typically, students complete 1-3 years of coursework, followed by a year-long internship (1200 hours). Master’s level certification in either School Psychometry or Special Education is required for admission into this program. Option 2 is recognized and approved by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), and graduates are eligible to apply for Class AA certification in School Psychology. Graduates may independently apply for the NCSP through the portfolio submission process with NASP.
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