The Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology offers programs leading to the following degrees: Master of Science in Education (Plans A and B available), the Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Students must apply for admission to both the Graduate School and to the Department. Doctoral applications must be completed by December 1 for summer/fall admission. All other degree applications have a deadline of January 15.
Within the degree programs offered, three specializations are possible: counseling psychology, educational psychology, and school psychology. Specializations are designed to provide students with both a background in behavioral and humanistic components of human learning and behavior, and the competencies to practice the skills designated for these programs. Admission to candidacy in any of these programs includes not only demonstrated skills in the academic area, but a judgment by the faculty of the program that the candidate demonstrates the personal and social characteristics, as well as the professional commitment and ethical standards requisite, for providing the services and demonstrating the skills associated with the program and the advanced degree.
For further information on specific program guidelines first garner information through the departmental website, http://education.uky.edu/EDP/ and if clarification is needed, contact the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology.
The Master of Science in Education degree is offered by the Department for individuals who will not meet state licensure (Licensed Psychological Associate [LPA] or Licensed Professional Counselor [LPC]) requirements in counseling or school psychology immediately upon completion. Individuals who are interested in specializing in educational psychology, human development, measurement, or research in education may obtain this degree.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the M.S. Ed. Degree program leading to certification in school psychology must possess an undergraduate degree in psychology, education, or a closely allied field (e.g., rehabilitation counseling or pediatric nursing). Applicants to the M.S. Ed. Degree program leading to counseling psychology licensure may apply with any undergraduate degree, but an undergraduate degree in psychology, education, or a closely allied field will facilitate movement through the program. Students are selected for these programs based on their undergraduate grade point average, Graduate Record Examination scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement describing their selection of a career in school or counseling psychology, a writing sample, and, in the case of school psychology, a personal interview. These data provide information regarding student diversity, interests, and prior academic accomplishments in relation to program goals. The program faculty uses the Graduate School minimum requirements for undergraduate grade point average for admissions eligibility.
Degree Requirements
The educational psychology program, planned in consultation with an advisor, is flexible and tailored to individual needs. It consists of 36 hours of course work (including a 3-hour paper) or 30 hours of course work plus a 6-hour thesis. The work completed for this degree with an emphasis in either counseling or school psychology is applicable toward licensure in either counseling or school psychology, respectively, but does not fulfill state certification requirements. In these areas no realistic thesis option is available. The counseling program prerequisites include psychological testing and abnormal psychology.