The MSU School Psychology Ed.S. program’s overall mission is to equip school psychologists with the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to provide quality psychological services to students in school settings. It includes a planned sequence of coursework in school psychology and supporting disciplines, complemented by practica and internship experiences. The Ed.S. program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and the scope and sequence of the program is aligned with NASP standards. Students in the program receive the training necessary to become both a Certified School Psychologist in Michigan, as well as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). Read more details about the Ed.S. program here.

Our vision for training and practice in school psychology is informed by the Blueprint for School Psychology published by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Our vision emanates from a set of four goals that define our Ed.S. program:

1. Foundational Knowledge: Prepare school psychologists with foundational knowledge in multi-tiered systems of supports, social justice, and a problem-solving model
2. Professional Practice: Prepare school psychologists with the skills necessary for competent delivery of mental health services in school settings.
3. Research and Inquiry: Prepare school psychologists who effectively consume and disseminate research applicable in school settings.
4. Professional Conduct: Prepare school psychologists who effectively collaborate with others in the delivery of services within school settings according to ethical and legal guidelines.

Program Approval

The MSU Ed.S. program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and the Michigan Department of Education.

Students are expected to abide by the ethical principles of the National Association of School Psychologists. Graduates of the program are eligible for certification in Michigan as a school psychologist. To be eligible for employment in states other than Michigan, a greater number of courses and internship hours may be required (read more here). To learn more about where our alumni are currently practicing, you can visit our student accomplishments page and student organization’s website.

Defining Features of MSU’s School Psychology Program

The MSU School Psychology Ed.S. program brings a developmental and systems approach to learning that focuses on the developmental needs of learners in the context of families and schools. We view the science and practice of school psychology as grounded in the knowledge of psychological development as well as an understanding of the social contexts in which development occurs. A developmental perspective provides an understanding of the limits and the potential of individuals, as well as the risks and opportunities in development.

We view research and practice in school psychology as being inextricably related. We consider these to be reciprocal processes where research serves as the basis for practice and practice informs research. The program is committed to preparing school psychologists whose practices are empirically supported. We strive to develop future leaders committed to equitable and just schools that promote the development and well-being of all children and their families.

The School Psychology Program is one of several graduate programs in the department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education (CEPSE) in the College of Education.

Hybrid Program Format

The program involves ONLINE and FACE to FACE classes. The online classes are synchronous or asynchronous (self paced) OR synchronous (nearly always on TUESDAYS) on the East Lansing campus. Over the past two years, students have had face to face classes for 3 semesters (Y1 spring, Y2 fall, and Y2 spring). Summer classes are typically online.

Funding and Training Opportunity 2025-2026

The fellowship—Hybrid Interdisciplinary Training to Address High Intensity Needs for Students with Learning Disabilities, or Project Hi2LD—offers funding to help with tuition and some conference travel and technology support for individuals to earn their M.A. and Ed.S. degrees in school psychology.

Read about the new Project FOCCUS³ fellowship opportunity, which will provide funding for selected graduate students to pursue an educational specialist degree in School Psychology or a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Michigan State University.