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Educational Specialist in School Psychology

Educational Specialist in School Psychology

A diverse group of elementary age children are sitting in circle with a counselor

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.


Is this program right for you?

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Educational Specialist in School Psychology program is a three-year graduate program 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, which typically require a minimum of three years of full-time graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree. You will also be eligible for national certification by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

There are significant shortages of educational psychologists across the United States. Career opportunities are growing at a rate of 20 percent through 2024, which equates to about 30,500 new jobs. Take advantage of growing opportunities and fill the need for experienced, educated school psychologists with a degree from UW.

In the first two years of our program, you will be in the classroom full-time, completing coursework within the School of Education along with corresponding practica. 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.

Our program focuses on two tenets:

  1. improving knowledge of various processes of learning, development, and mental health in diverse populations, and
  2. enhancing learning and mental health in educational and community contexts.

You will learn cutting-edge education theory and methodology; the biological, psychological, technological, and social processes of learning; and how to effectively implement educational interventions and prevention/intervention programs in all types of communities.

Is this program right for you?

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Educational Specialist in School Psychology program is a three-year graduate program 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, which typically require a minimum of three years of full-time graduate study beyond the bachelor’s degree. You will also be eligible for national certification by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

There are significant shortages of educational psychologists across the United States. Career opportunities are growing at a rate of 20 percent through 2024, which equates to about 30,500 new jobs. Take advantage of growing opportunities and fill the need for experienced, educated school psychologists with a degree from UW.

In the first two years of our program, you will be in the classroom full-time, completing coursework within the School of Education along with corresponding practica. 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.

Our program focuses on two tenets:

  1. improving knowledge of various processes of learning, development, and mental health in diverse populations, and
  2. enhancing learning and mental health in educational and community contexts.

You will learn cutting-edge education theory and methodology; the biological, psychological, technological, and social processes of learning; and how to effectively implement educational interventions and prevention/intervention programs in all types of communities.

Admissions requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.

Application materials required:

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

Connect with us

Application Assistance: Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics

April 10
5-5:45 p.m.
Join MS in Educational Psychology: Learning Analytics program staff and learn strategies to make your Committed Scholars Program scholarship application stand out.
Register for Application Assistance: MS in Ed Psych: Learning Analytics

Faculty Spotlight: MS in Ed Psych: Professional Educators

April 10
5-5:30 p.m.
Join a faculty member from the MS in Educational Psychology: Professional Educators program for a talk.
Register for Faculty Spotlight: MS in Ed Psych: Professional Educators

View all events

Program highlights

Because the last year of your study is a full-time internship in a K-12 school setting, you can apply your knowledge and make a difference in schools immediately.

After completing our program, you are eligible for school psychologist licensure by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and for national certification by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

The Department of Educational Psychology is ranked #1 among Departments of Educational Psychology according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Graduate School rankings.

The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked third in U.S. News & World Report's 2023-24 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings — marking the 10th straight year it has been rated among the top five.

How you'll learn

  • 24 months of full-time study on campus plus a 12-month full-time internship in a K-12 school setting.
  • Take lockstep graduate courses within the School of Education.
  • Gain hands-on, practical experience through a practicum at an education institution.
  • Complete a culminating portfolio project at the end of the program.

Sample curriculum

Fall, Year 1

  • Introduction to Professional School Psychology
  • Applied Behavior Analysis in Classrooms
  • Cognitive Assessment of Children in the Schools
  • Beginning Practicum
  • Childhood and Adolescent Psychopathology in Schools

Spring, Year 1

  • Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Assessment
  • Assessment and Intervention for Academic Skill Problems
  • Beginning Practicum
  • Systems of Consultation in School Psychology
  • Evidenced-based Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy

Summer, Year 1

  • Developmental Processes Across the Lifespan
  • Clinical Practicum in School Psychology

Fall, Year 2

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education and Psychology
  • Research Methods
  • Field Practicum
  • Prevention Science

Spring, Year 2

  • School Safety and Crisis Response
  • Research Methods
  • Field Practicum

Fall and Spring, Year 3

  • Internship in School Psychology

Ready to learn more about Educational Specialist in School Psychology?
View the UW-Madison Guide

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Connect with our enrollment coaches

Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:

  • Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
  • Get help with your application
  • Determine if financial aid is available

Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.

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