Counseling and Psychology in Education-Human Development and Educational Psychology ( Ed.S.)

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Program Overview

Become an expert in school and human service organizations with an advanced degree in counseling and psychology in education. If you are pursuing a master’s degree you may specialize in counseling, clinical mental health or human development and educational psychology. If you plan to pursue an Ed.S. or Ph.D., you can specialize in counselor education, human development and educational psychology or school psychology. Our small class size allows you to develop one-on-one relationships with faculty as you gain the necessary skills to serve the educational and mental health needs of children or to work as a senior school psychologist. The program has been accredited by CACREP since 1993 and NASP since 2000. Learn more at usd.edu/cpe.

DELIVERY: On campus

Specialist in Education, Human Development and Educational Psychology

The specialist degree requires a minimum of 36 hours beyond the master’s degree in a related field. The requirements can be tailored to the student’s needs and career goals with the approval of their graduate committee.

Master’s Degree
Human Development and Educational Psychology Specialist core 21 credit hours
Research Project 6 credit hours (EDER 888S - Specialist Research Problem/Project (C) or EPSY 898S - Thesis (Ed.S.)
Supporting courses 9 credit hours

Note:

- Master’s degree must include USD’s 15 credit-hour core or its equivalent.

Human Development and Educational Psychology core coursework (Ed.S.): 21 credit hours

EDER 711 - Educational Assessments (C) 3 cr
EDER 763 - Qualitative Methods of Educational Research 3 cr
EDER 860 - Advanced Statistics I 3 cr
ELED 766 - Technology Integration for Effective Instruction 3 cr
Or its equivalent
EPSY 743 - Psychology of Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood 3 cr
EPSY 842 - Research in Motivation 3 cr
Must complete one of the following:
EPSY 721 - Research in Early Childhood Psychology 3 cr
SPSY 768 - Consultation 3 cr
SPSY 850 - Psychopathology in K-12 Children 3 cr

Note:

- As a culminating activity, students complete a six credit-hour research project EDER 888S or EPSY 898S 6 cr hrs. This project will be designed to meet individual interests and needs and is guided by the student’s advisor.

- Upon successful completion of nine credit hours of coursework, students will complete a preliminary examination.

- A final defense of the research project is required before graduation.

Application Requirements

Completed application
$35 application fee
Official transcripts*
Letters of recommendation*
Admission test scores*
Statement of purpose
Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. For specific program requirements and submission deadline, visit: catalog.usd.edu.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?

Division of Counseling and Psychology in Education
605-658-6623 | cpe@usd.edu | usd.edu/cpe

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6200 | gradadmissions@usd.edu | usd.edu/grad