School Psychology EdD

About the EdD in School Psychology Program at Loyola

School psychologists and district administrators can have a significant impact on the lives of students. As more and more students grapple with mental health concerns and academic challenges, school psychologists play a crucial role in supporting students' mental health and addressing social inequities in education.

If you want to make positive change and advance in your career as a school psychologist, Loyola University Chicago's EdD in School Psychology offers a comprehensive program that focuses on social action through education. With Loyola's nationally esteemed School of Education, ranked in the top 3 education graduate schools in Chicago (2025), you will develop as a scholar, researcher, and practitioner who can address systemic injustice and lead within your institution while making a difference in the lives of individual students.

Program Structure

The EdD in School Psychology is a part-time, online program designed to be completed within two years. Courses are offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Before entering the program you must have a minimum of two years of experience as a licensed school psychologist.

The EdD program requires the completion of at least 36 credit hours (12 courses) over a two- year period. Up to 36 credit hours are additionally transferred in from the student’s NASP- approved Master's and/or Educational Specialist program, for a combined total of 72 credit hours.

In addition to the required courses, students must also complete the Capstone Project. The Capstone is a research-based implementation plan focused on a social justice issue that students complete as the culminating program requirement. Upon successfully completing all coursework (i.e., earn a grade of B or better) and successfully defending the Capstone, students can graduate and earn their EdD in School Psychology with an LPC/LCPC and/or Director of Special Education endorsement in Illinois. Students located outside of Illinois are responsible for exploring how to transfer these credentials to their state regulating body.

Program Tracks

The online school psychology program offers three tracks that lead to various licensure/endorsements: Advanced Practitioner (36 credit hours, 12 courses), District Administrator (36 credit hours, 12 courses), or Combined (42 credit hours, 12 courses).

Advanced Practitioner Track

The Advanced Practitioner Track prepares you to reach a higher level in therapeutic practice, which includes the opportunity to obtain licensure as a licensed professional counselor (LCP) in Illinois after completing a supervised internship after completing your EdD.

The District Administrator Track prepares you to become a district-level administrator and includes the endorsement for the Director of Special Education on your professional educator license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

You also have the option of the Combined Track, which includes the coursework across both tracks for a total of 78 credit hours.

Why Choose Loyola for Your EdD in School Psychology Degree?

At Loyola, you will join a distinguished online school psychology program that prepares you to become a change agent and advance in your education career.

A commitment to engaging online learning

Learn in a convenient, yet individualized format. Featuring both live sessions and asynchronous coursework, our online school psychology program helps accommodate your schedule while offering opportunities to connect with classmates. Our faculty are well-practiced in teaching adult learners and creating active learning environments.

Gain licensure or endorsement you need in your career. Our program offers three tracks that prepare you for advanced practice, administration, or both. In our program, you will have the opportunity to complete courses to get credentialed as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), after completing a supervised internship after graduation, or become endorsed in Illinois as a director of Special Education through ISBE.

Build close relationships with your peers and faculty. You will join a cohort of other school psychology students and move through your courses in a planned sequence. This format creates a cohesive, structured, and shared experience that helps you master course content and connect with others in the program.

Examine and propose a solution to an actual issue facing your district in a final capstone project. To receive your EdD you will work with an advisor to select a topic relevant to your district and practice. Then you will produce a robust research project that offers evidence-based recommendations for addressing the issue.

Become an advocate for students in your school, district, and community. Our program focuses on preparing school psychologists to address inequities in schools and advance social justice. In addition to our Jesuit values, our commitment to social justice comes to life in course themes, faculty research, and continuous examination of power structures.

Learn from expert research-practitioners who bring a wealth of experience to the classroom. Many of our faculty have held or currently hold positions as school psychologists and actively research current issues and best practices in the field.

School Psychology Department

The Department of School Psychology fosters a close-knit community where future school psychologists are trained to collaborate with educators, parents, and community members. Students gain the skills to provide high-quality academic, behavioral, and mental health support to PK-12 students, all while focusing on social justice. Aligned with Loyola’s mission, the program emphasizes research and evidence-based practices to create equitable school experiences for historically underserved populations. Through collaboration and a commitment to justice, we prepare school psychologists to drive transformative change in education. Learn more about the department and discover stories featuring current students and graduates from the School of Education. 

Department Website

Meet the Faculty

Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Education faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the School Psychology EdD program.

Faculty

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Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the School Psychology EdD program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.

Additionally, this resource will provide School Psychology EdD learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.

2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic Catalog

Costs, Scholarships, and Aid

Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.

Tuition and Costs

The estimated tuition and fees for the School Psychology EdD totals $73800.00, or 72 credit hours at a cost of $1,025.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.

For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.

School of Education Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.

More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.

Appointments and Events

Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.

Schedule an Appointment

The School of Education offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.

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Visit and Connect With Us

With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.

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Application Process

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the School Psychology EdD are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.

Fall: April 1

Please note that applications are not reviewed until the deadline passes, and decisions are typically made by May.

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the School Psychology EdD include:

  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

  • 3.0 Minimum GPA

  • Licensure

  • Resume/CV

  • Statement of Purpose

Prerequisite Standing Requirements

Applicants will not be considered for admission to this program if they have not met the following requirements:

  • Completed a NASAP approved school psychology program

  • Have two years of experience working as a licensed school psychologist post-internship

Statement of Purpose Details

Your statement should be 2-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice.

Official Documents

Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.

International Applicant Requirements

An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.

Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.

International Applicant Requirements
Start Your Application

Applying online to the School Psychology EdD program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.

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