About the Ed.S. in School Psychology: Illinois
Are you interested in psychology and education? Do you want to work in schools to support and advocate for all students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth? Do you want to partner with families to support their children?
The Education Specialist degree is for those looking to help students and schools thrive through the use of evidence-based academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health assessment, prevention, intervention, and consultative practice. Prospective candidates build upon their Bachelor’s degree to support students and acquire leadership opportunities. Our candidates are passionate about advocating for social justice and equity.
The program prepares candidates to model the use of evidence-based practices delivered in a Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS). Candidates spend extensive time learning instructional and behavior consultation skills to work with teachers, administrators, and families to improve achievement and social-emotional learning, enhance schools, and support the development of healthy families. They also learn to provide evidence-based academic interventions and mental health services.
Candidates will earn an Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) and be eligible for the Professional Educator License (PEL) for School Psychologist (PreK-21) endorsement for school support personnel from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). As a National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)-approved program, candidates are eligible to become nationally certified school psychologists.
Our graduates, with additional training, have moved into district leadership roles, such as supervisors, specialized district coaches, directors of special education, or principals. In these leadership roles, our graduates advocate for students and social justice. Some graduates have even gone further with their education to receive a doctorate and work in higher education.
To learn more, visit the School Psychology program website.
Questions?
Contact Marci Mazza, Director of Enrollment: MMazza@nl.edu
Student Spotlight
Damien Antwine (Ed.S. '21), School Psychology
"Currently, I am an independent school psychologist who contracts myself to other school districts so they can remain compliant by completing monolingual evaluations due to the critical shortage of school psychologists in the state. My courses at NLU helped me with my profession, particularly with Applied Behavior Analysis and filling this shortage need. Continuing my education has allowed me to apply direct services with at-risk populations and interacting with students has been a profound experience."
