School Psychology EdS

Educational Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology

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Is this program right for you?

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Educational Specialist in School Psychology program is focused on giving you the practical knowledge to become a leader in your school district. After completing our program, you are eligible for school psychologist licensure by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and other state education agencies.

  • In the first two years of our program, you will be in the classroom full-time, completing coursework within the School of Education
  • Then, in the third and final year of the program, you will complete a full-time internship in a K-12 school setting where you can apply your new classroom knowledge hands-on
  • You will be eligible for national certification by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Education that works for you

The Educational Specialist in School Psychology program at UW–Madison prepares you to earn your license and help children succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.

Program type

Specialist degree

Specialized degree earned after master’s

Explore program types

Degree awarded

Educational Specialist in School Psychology

Commitment

3 years

Tuition

$800 per credit

Format

Evening/weekend

Evening and/or weekend courses

Face-to-face

On-campus, in-person courses

Credits

66 graduate credits

Admission terms

Program admits for Fall term

Offered by

STEM opt eligible

No

Supports F-1 Visa

Application deadlines

Fall 2027

  • Deadline: December 1, 2026

Fall 2028

  • Deadline: December 1, 2027

Fall 2029

  • Deadline: December 1, 2028
View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

Admissions and events

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Have a minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours (approximately two years of work) or a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information

Application materials required

  • Online application
  • Supplemental application
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

September 9, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Program Overview: MS Learning Analytics

Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about the MS in Learning Analytics program, including curriculum, application process, scholarships, and career paths.

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September 21, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Program Overview: Teacher Education Programs

Join Recruitment Coordinator Anthony Baxter to learn more about Teacher Education Programs, including curriculum, application process, and potential career paths.

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September 23, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Program Overview: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation

Join Program Director Tina Salzman to learn more about the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, including curriculum, application process, and potential career paths.

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October 14, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Program Overview: MS Education: Instructional Coaching

Join Program Director Lisa Hebgen to learn about the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program, including curriculum, application process and career paths.

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October 14, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Program Overview: MS in ELPA: Global Higher Education

Join Program Director Weijia Li to learn more about the MS in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Global Higher Education program. We’ll cover curriculum, application process, career paths, and more.

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October 14, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Pathways: MS in ELPA: WIPP & MS in Sports Leadership

Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, and Sara Jimenez Soffa, program director for the MS in Sports Leadership, to learn more about the diverse pathways into K-12 leadership.

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October 21, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Pathways: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation

Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, to learn more about the path to school leadership

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October 28, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Student Panel: MS Education: Instructional Coaching

Join students from the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program to learn about their experiences. You’ll have time to ask questions and see if the program is a good fit for you!

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November 9, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Program Overview: Teacher Education Programs

Join Recruitment Coordinator Anthony Baxter to learn more about Teacher Education Programs, including curriculum, application process, and potential career paths.

Register now →

November 11, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Program Overview: MS Learning Analytics & MS Education: Instructional Coaching

Join Julia Rutledge and Lisa Hebgen, the program directors for the MS in Learning Analytics and the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching for overviews of their programs. You’ll learn more about the curriculum, application process, and career paths, as well as similarities and differences between the two programs.

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November 18, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Application Assistance: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation

Join Program Director Tina Salzman and learn strategies to make your MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation application stand out

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December 2, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Faculty Spotlight: MS Education: Instructional Coaching

Join an instructor from the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching to learn more about the program. You’ll get a preview of the course they teach and be able to ask questions!

Register now →

December 9, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Program Overview: MS Learning Analytics

Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about the MS in Learning Analytics program, including curriculum, application process, scholarships, and career paths.

Register now →

December 14, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Application Assistance: Teacher Education Programs

Join Recruitment Coordinator Anthony Baxter to learn more about Teacher Education Programs, including curriculum, tips for the application process, and more.

Register now →

January 27, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Program Overview: MS Education: Instructional Coaching

Join Program Director Lisa Hebgen to learn about the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program, including curriculum, application process and career paths.

Register now →

January 27, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Program Overview: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation

Join Program Director Tina Salzman to learn more about the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, including curriculum, application process, and potential career paths.

Register now →

February 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Student Panel: MS Education: Instructional Coaching

Join students from the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program to learn about their experiences. You’ll have time to ask questions and see if the program is a good fit for you!

Register now →

February 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Career Outlook: MS Learning Analytics

Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about career options for students in the MS in Learning Analytics program.

Register now →

February 17, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Program Overview: MS in ELPA: Global Higher Education

Join Program Director Weijia Li to learn more about the MS in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Global Higher Education program. We’ll cover curriculum, application process, career paths, and more.

Register now →

February 24, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Pathways: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation

Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, to learn more about the path to school leadership

Register now →

March 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Faculty Spotlight: Education: Instructional Coaching MS

Join an instructor from the Education: Instructional Coaching MS to learn more about the program. You’ll get a preview of the course they teach and be able to ask questions!

Register now →

March 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Student Panel: MS Learning Analytics

Join students from the MS in Learning Analytics program to learn about their experiences. Ask questions and see if the program is a good fit for you!

Register now →

March 17, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Application Assistance: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation

Join Program Director Tina Salzman and learn strategies to make your MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation application stand out.

Register now →

April 7, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Program Overview: Education: Instructional Coaching MS

Learn about the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program, including curriculum, application process and career paths.

Register now →

April 19, 2027 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Application Assistance: Teacher Education Programs

Join Recruitment Coordinator Anthony Baxter to learn more about Teacher Education Programs, including curriculum, tips for the application process, and more.

Register now →

Results that work for you

Educational Psychology: Educational Specialist in School Psychology

#1

The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked first in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings — marking the 13th straight year it has been rated among the top five.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings

What you’ll learn

Become a well-rounded school psychologist with the Educational Psychology: Educational Specialist in School Psychology program. Through a blend of coursework, practice and research, you’ll gain expertise in a variety of areas with a focus on diversity and inclusion in the school environment.

For complete curricular details visit UW-Madison’s Guide →
  • Applied behavior analysis in classrooms
  • Cognitive assessment of children
  • Social, emotional, and behavioral assessment
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and psychology
  • School safety and crisis response
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Video insights

Want a closer look at the program? Check out our official YouTube playlists for a program overview, application tips, and student outcomes.

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Connect with an enrollment coach

Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Connect with us to:

  • Explore your program options
  • Review courses and outcomes
  • Check eligibility requirements
  • Get help with your application
  • Learn about financial aid

Email us: coach@pdc.wisc.edu

Get in touch

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Frequently asked questions