Through research and practice, school psychologists help children develop positive relationships, build skills, and achieve academic success as well as overcome social, behavioral, and academic difficulties. Depending on training, school psychologists can work in schools, clinics, universities, research centers, juvenile justice facilities, medical centers, and private practice offices. The Educational Specialist (EdS) program is typically completed in three years, including an internship during the final year. This is the minimum degree required to practice in schools or educational settings.
Degree At-A-Glance
Commitment: 3 years, year -round instruction and practicum experience
Program Type: Educational Specialist in School Psychology (Ed.S)
Credits: 66 graduate credits
Tuition: $800 per credit (resident and non-resident) additional fees may apply
Application Deadline: December 1 for admission the following Fall semester
Format: In-person instruction
Degree Conferred
Educational Specialist in School Psychology
Offered By:
School of Education
Department of Educational Psychology
Funding Opportunities: Students may accept graduate assistantships at UW-Madison; however, they will not receive the tuition remission that is typically a part of the compensation package. The hiring department or organization may elect to provide money towards tuition via a third-party deferral but this is not guaranteed.
Additional Training Opportunities
Training Grants
The School Psychology Program is fortunate to have training grants supported by the Office of Special Education Programs through the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. The training grants provide financial support for EdS students with scholarship funding that can be used to offset tuition costs. Training grant opportunities often provide for cross-collaboration and interdisciplinary training with other graduate programs.
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SPACE Training Grant
Project SPACE (School Psychologists Advocating for Culturally-responsive & Equitable mental health) (S184X230088) is a UW-Madison partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Its goal is to increase the number of school psychologists in MMSD, with an explicit focus on recruitment and training of graduate students from diverse backgrounds. The program looks to expand culturally responsive mental health services in Madison schools to better reflect the identities of Madison students and families.
Each student will:
- Complete all practicum and internship training in MMSD
- Participate in a seminar twice a month on school mental health
- Engage in culturally relevant mental health services during training
- Commit to work in a high-needs school for three years following graduation
In recognition of their service and commitment to culturally responsive mental health services, each scholar will receive:
- A scholarship to cover EdS program tuition
- An annual stipend during years 1 & 2 to help offset living expenses
- Additional funds for various expenses, including relocation fees to Madison, professional conference attendance, travel costs, etc.
Project contacts: Dr. Katie Eklund (PI; katie.eklund@wisc.edu), Lydia Wells (Project Manager; Lydia.wells@wisc.edu)
Prospective students must apply for admission to the UW-Madison School Psychology Program by December 1. If you are invited to interview, more information will be provided about Project SPACE at that time.
