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

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Program Overview

Become an expert in school and human service organizations with an advanced degree in counseling and psychology in education. You may pursue an M.A., Ed.S., or Ph.D. in human development and educational 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. 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.

General Application Requirements

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

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs

This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.

USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.

Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.

Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.

For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.

Questions?

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

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu | usd.edu/grad