We designed this Educational Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology degree and state certification to prepare you as a School Psychologist. We emphasize developing skills in the assessment of learning and behavior problems as well as those needed to serve as an effective consultant with school personnel. This degree is appropriate if you want to be certified by the Arizona Department of Education as a School Psychologist.
This EdS and state certification program is appropriate if you want to be certified by the Arizona Department of Education as a school psychologist.
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) This program is nationally recognized by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
Obtaining an educational specialist degree (EdS) in school psychology allows for an individual to practice school psychology in school systems in the United States. Northern Arizona University’s School Psychology Program provides a comprehensive curriculum based on the NASP Practice Model. The training experience is integrated with practical experiences to prepare students to become Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP). Northern Arizona University offers students the opportunity to obtain an EdS degree at two locations, Flagstaff Main Campus and Phoenix, Arizona at our North Valley Campus. Our program is recognized by local school districts as providing a rigorous and outstanding training experience for school psychologists.
From preschool through high school, psychologists are in demand. In this program you'll master how to assess learning and behavior problems and understand proper approaches to prevention and intervention in the educational system. You'll know how to use scientific knowledge to guide practice to be an effective consultant in school and you'll take on training opportunities in the classroom, field, and internships to get there.
In addition to developing the skills needed to serve as an effective consultant with school personnel, you will learn in a diverse, rigorous, and collaborative atmosphere
Note: A minimum of three years of full-time academic study beyond the baccalaureate degree is required. This includes a one academic year internship consisting of a minimum of 1,200 clock hours, at least 600 hours of which must be in a school setting.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 72 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
| Licensure | This program may lead to licensure. |
Purpose Statement
The School Psychology graduate program has been designed to prepare school psychologists through the scientist-practitioner model. Integration of science and practice is accomplished through a carefully orchestrated program of study that emphasizes didactic presentation and practical applications. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in the assessment of learning and behavior problems and on developing the skills necessary to serve as an effective consultant with school personnel. Scientific knowledge is used to improve practice in the field of school psychology.
In keeping with the mission statement of the College of Education, the School Psychology Program is committed to the preparation of professionals who are capable of helping create the schools of tomorrow. Recruitment of minority students is emphasized as well as the preparation of students who are prepared to work in rural settings and with culturally diverse populations.
The programs of study for the EdS in School Psychology include a comprehensive array of courses that encompass the areas of: psychological foundations, educational foundations, professional ethics and standards, assessment, interventions, and research. This preparation provides the student with a broad array of skills to deliver psychological services in diverse educational settings.
The graduates of the School Psychology Programs are expected to integrate theoretical information from the fields of psychology and education to administer appropriate interventions with children, parents, and school personnel in a variety of educational settings. Students are expected to effectively evaluate the systems they work within as well as their own impact on the system.”
Student Learning Outcomes
Outcomes align with Standards from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC).
School Psychology Program Context/ Structure: Graduate education in school psychology is delivered within the context of a comprehensive program framework based on clear goals and objectives and a sequential, integrated course of study in which human diversity is emphasized. Graduate education develops candidates’ strong affiliation with school psychology, is delivered by qualified faculty, and includes substantial coursework and supervised field experiences necessary for the preparation of competent school psychologists whose services positively impact children, families, schools, and other consumers. In addition to specialist- and/or doctoral-level programs of study, a school psychology program that offers opportunities for respecialization, retraining, and other alternative approaches to credentialing as a school psychologist ensures that program requirements are consistent with NASP graduate preparation standards.
Data Based Decision Making and Accountability:
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
For those applying for fall 2025 and beyond, the following will also be required:
This Master’s degree requires 72 units distributed as follows:
Educational Foundations (3 units)
Specialization and Intervention (54 units)
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee has been approved for this program. See program fee details. Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.