School Psychology

The School Psychology program at the University of Delaware is a comprehensive graduate training program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career as a school psychologist. This program emphasizes the development of professional skills necessary to support the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic success of children and adolescents within diverse educational settings. Students engage in rigorous coursework that covers a wide range of topics, including psychological assessment, intervention strategies, consultation, and evidence-based practices. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience, offering extensive fieldwork placements in local schools and community organizations. These supervised internships allow students to apply their learning in real-world environments, fostering the development of essential skills such as data-based decision making, ethical practice, and collaboration with educators, families, and other stakeholders.

Curriculum components are aligned with national standards for school psychology and prepare candidates for licensure and certification requirements. The program also emphasizes multicultural competence, ensuring that future school psychologists are equipped to serve diverse populations effectively. Faculty members are experienced professionals engaged in research, training, and community service, providing mentorship and guidance throughout students' educational journey. Graduates of the School Psychology program at the University of Delaware are well-equipped to work in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, clinics, and community agencies. They are prepared to advocate for students' needs, implement intervention plans, and contribute to creating positive, supportive learning environments. The program is committed to fostering the next generation of school psychologists who are dedicated to improving educational outcomes and promoting well-being for all students.

The Specialist program requires three years of full-time study. With special permission from the student’s adviser and program coordinator, the equivalent of one year of coursework may be completed part-time.

New students apply to and first enter the Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Psychology program. Upon completion of the first year of coursework (30 credits) and passing of a comprehensive exam, students are awarded an M.A. in School Psychology. All students are expected to continue their studies to earn the Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology, which requires 30 additional credits including a 1,200-hour internship. It is only upon completion of the full 60-hour integrated program that a student is eligible for certification as a school psychologist in Delaware as well as most other states.

Coursework for Specialist Students

First Year (Master’s Level)

During the first year, you complete the following coursework during the fall, spring, and winter or summer session. During the session in which you take your final course, you become eligible to take the comprehensive exam.  Passing this exam qualifies you to receive your Master’s degree.

Fall Semester (12 credits)

• EDUC 618: Introduction to School Psychology
• EDUC 663: Counseling Skills Laboratory
• EDUC 817: Individual Intelligence Testing
• EDUC 744: Educational Measurement and Progress Monitoring

Winter Session (6 credits)

• EDUC 814: Psychological Assessment of Children
• EDUC 623: Applied Human Development

Spring Semester (12 Credits)

• EDUC 671: Practicum in School Psychology
• EDUC 679: Instructing Elementary/Middle Schoolers with Mild Disabilities
• EDUC 830: Consultation and Intervention: School Discipline

• EDUC 870: Child Neuropsychology OR EDUC 842: Assessment of Special Populations

Second Year (Specialist level)

In the second year, students complete the following Specialist coursework, which includes the practica:

Fall Semester (12 credits)

• EDUC 831: Advanced Counseling Techniques
• EDUC 671: Practicum in School Psychology
• EDUC 691: Applied Statistics and Research Design
• EDUC 813: Child Psychopathology

Spring Semester (12 Credits)

• EDUC 671: Practicum in School Psychology
• EDUC 651: School-Based Family Issues and Interventions

• EDUC 841: Consultation and Intervention: Mental Health
• EDUC 870: Child Neuropsychology OR EDUC 842: Assessment of Special Populations

Third Year (Internship)

During the third and final year of the School Psychology Specialist Program, students complete the following requirements:

• Enroll in EDUC 688: Internship in School Psychology, for 3 credits or 6 credits per semester
• Pass the PRAXIS Exam in School Psychology
• Complete the portfolio and have it approved
• Complete the Application for Advanced Degree for conferral of the Specialist Degree

Note: Students who choose to enroll for 3 credits of internship may not be considered “full-time students” for the purpose of deferring student loans. Students are responsible for determining their loan status.

Minimum GPA of 3.5

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 to be eligible for the Master’s and Specialist degree. Students also must obtain a grade of B- or higher in each practica in order advance to the next level of the program. Additionally, a grade of B- or higher is required during each semester of the internship in order to complete the program and receive the Specialist degree. Note that proficiency in oral and written expression in English is among the requirements in practica and the internship. 

Residency Requirement

All students must complete a full-time residency. Minimally, at the Specialist level, students are required to spend one, continuous year (fall semester, spring semester) of full-time course work in the program. This does not include the internship. Full time work is defined as completing nine graduate credit hours per semester. It is strongly recommended that both years of coursework be completed on a full-time basis.

• Transcripts of all previous academic work at the undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) level. Applicants may upload unofficial copies of their transcripts and if admitted, all transcripts will be verified by the Office of Graduate and Professional Education. Applicants who previously attended the University of Delaware still need to upload an unofficial transcript, but do not need to provide official transcripts for verification. Please do not send any transcripts to the School of Education.
• GRE scores are required.
• Three (3) letters of recommendation. Recommendations must be submitted electronically. You may find more information about submitting recommendations online.

• Personal statement. The M.A. in School Psychology program and the Ph.D. in Education both require specific questions for the personal statement or essay.

  • M.A. in School Psychology applicants should answer the following questions:
    • What qualities and experiences do you have that should help make you an excellent graduate student and school psychologist?
    • What are your career objectives and how will obtaining your degree in school psychology from the University of Delaware contribute to them?
    • Are there any special circumstances related to your academic record that you feel we should know about?
• No writing samples or supplemental documents are required.
• Resume. All graduate programs require the submission of a resume.
• Submission of TOEFL scores for foreign student
• Interview

Scholarships

• University Fellowships
• University Tuition Scholarships
• Graduate Student Assistantships
• Residence Hall Assistantships
• UD Press Awards Internship

The School Psychology program at the University of Delaware is designed to prepare students to become highly qualified professionals who support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development of children and adolescents. The program emphasizes a comprehensive, research-based approach grounded in evidence-based practices and ethical standards. Students in the program gain extensive field experience through practicum placements and internships, which are integrated into the curriculum to ensure practical application of theoretical knowledge. The School Psychology program at the University of Delaware is committed to training practitioners who can work effectively in a variety of educational settings, including public schools, special education programs, and community agencies.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including psychological assessment, intervention strategies, consultation, diversity and multicultural competence, and legal and ethical issues in school psychology. The program also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with educators, families, and community members to support student success. Faculty members are recognized experts in the field, and students have access to cutting-edge research and resources at the university.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue certification and licensure requirements in their respective states, and many go on to hold positions as school psychologists, behavioral specialists, or researchers. The program aligns with national standards set by organizations such as the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), ensuring that graduates meet or exceed professional expectations. Overall, the University of Delaware’s School Psychology program provides a rigorous, comprehensive education designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in supporting the mental health and educational achievement of diverse student populations.