Educational Specialist in School Psychology

The deadline for our Fall 2022 cohort has passed. The application for our Fall 2023 cohort will likely open this August.

Help every child learn and thrive

A school psychologist makes a difference in children’s lives by supporting students’ academic success and mental health. Working closely with teachers, administrators and families, you’ll assess students’ needs and provide evidence-based interventions so that every child can learn and thrive. This interdisciplinary graduate degree blends education and psychology so you have the tools to help students who are struggling academically, socially, behaviorally or emotionally.

Alverno's three-year program includes two degrees in one: You will first complete a 30-credit Master of Science in Educational Psychology, which counts toward the more advanced 60-credit Educational Specialist degree. Once you complete the Educational Specialist degree, you will be eligible to become a licensed school psychologist in Wisconsin.

“Alverno has been very supportive and gives us the tools that we need to succeed in the program. Our instructors give us feedback and the opportunity to try again, which helps us grow. And as a working mom, I appreciated that our classes met every other weekend.”

—Maritza, MS ’19, EdS ’21

Learn from the best

Educators from around the world continue to study and emulate Alverno’s approach to learning and assessment, and as more school districts adopt this educational model, you’ll have the advantage of experiencing it firsthand. You’ll learn from educators who are leaders in their field and who are on the forefront of the latest trends and changes in education and school psychology.

On-the-ground training

You’ll gain experience applying your skills and knowledge in a school setting under supervision by a practicing school psychologist. During the second year of the program, you’ll spend 20 hours a week at a school for practicum courses, and you’ll spend your third year working full time as a school psychology intern.

School psychologist vs. school counselor

It’s common to confuse school psychologists and school counselors, but there are some important distinctions. School psychologists, who are required to have more education and training, work primarily with special education students to improve academic and behavioral outcomes, though they’re also involved in prevention and intervention efforts. School counselors work with the general school population on social/emotional issues and college/career guidance.

Get involved

Get connected with fellow students by joining the Alverno chapter of the School Psychology Student Association. You can also get involved in the National Association of School Psychologists and Wisconsin School Psychologists Association.

Internships for the School Psychology student

Alverno offers a wide network of placements for students who are interested in becoming school psychologists. We’re connected to more than 150 private and public schools throughout the metro Milwaukee area and beyond, and our students do their practica and internships at a variety of urban and suburban schools.

How you can use your degree

This degree allows you to make a difference and make a living. School psychologists are in such demand that many Wisconsin school districts can’t fill all their openings. Plus, U.S. News & World Report ranks this profession as No. 1 in the best social service jobs category, with a national median salary of $70,580. Most school psychologists work in public K-12 school districts, though some work in private schools, charter schools, juvenile justice programs, universities and private practice. Some school psychologists eventually take on related administrative roles.

Click here to view the current School Psychology graduate program handbook.

Published on June 18, 2020 | Categories: Programs