Masters
Full-Time Only
Fall
On-Campus
About the MEd/EdS in School Psychology at Loyola
Develop the competencies necessary to practice as a school psychologist through the MEd/EdS in School Psychology at Loyola University Chicago. Learn to advocate for the academic, behavioral, and mental health needs of students and their families within the education system.
The education specialist degree in school psychology prepares students to become nationally certified school psychologists. You will develop competencies in all ten domains of the National Association of School Psychology (NASP) domains of practice. Our program emphasizes the role of school psychologists in promoting equity and social justice and prepares students to work in urban environments.
As a student in our program, you will have the opportunity to work alongside Loyola faculty on topics including discipline disproportionality, school mental health, student identity development, and you will learn how to provide fair, just, and equitable distribution of service for all students.
You will also learn to collaborate with educators, parents, and community members and to provide high-quality and effective academic, behavioral, and mental health support to PK-12 students.
Program Structure
The MEd/EdS in School Psychology can be completed in 3 years full-time. Classes are held during the day at Loyola's Water Tower Campus. Additionally, students participate in a school-based practicum one day per week during year one, two days during year two, and have a full-time internship during year three. The Water Tower Campus is conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago.
A bachelor's degree is required for admission into the combined MEd/EdS program. You may also transfer in a maximum of six graduate semester hours. After your first year of study at Loyola University Chicago, you will earn a Master of Education and gain entry into the EdS in School Psychology portion of the program.
To earn this school psychologist degree, you must complete 66 semester hours, including a full-time internship and two comprehensive portfolio examinations. No thesis is required.
Why Choose Loyola for the MEd/EdS in School Psychology?
Through this school psychology degree at Loyola University Chicago, you will be prepared to support PK-12 students' academic, behavioral, and mental health development so they can thrive in school.
- Emphasis on equity and social justice
- Led by experts in school psychology
- Research that is focused on equity
- Hands-on experiences in Chicago-area schools
- Approved by NASP & aligned with ISBE
- Preparation for leadership in the education field
- Support and mentorship from your peers
You will prepare to become a school psychologist who can bring about transformative educational experiences through a program that emphasizes equity and social justice.
You will learn from dedicated faculty with a range of clinical and research expertise. Our faculty includes licensed school psychologists and clinical psychologists.
Faculty in this program conduct research that is focused on equity in mental health, discipline policy, early childhood development, family collaboration, school consultation, and other scholarship that advances social justice in education.
You will benefit from our location in Chicago, where you can gain real-world experience through practicum and internship field experiences in public and Catholic schools in the area.
The school psychology specialist degree at Loyola is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). It also aligns with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) School Psychology Standards.
You will be prepared to become a leader in the educational community with the knowledge and ability to recognize social inequities and promote change within the education system.
Through the Loyola Association of School Psychologists, you will be mentored by students who are more advanced in the school psychology program. This student organization also offers events, including fundraising for charitable organizations.
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 WebsiteMeet 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 MEd/EdS program.
FacultySchool Psychology: Career Connections
Positions as school psychologists are in very high demand. There's currently a shortage of school psychologists, and all of our graduates have multiple job offers after graduation. There are also job options outside of the traditional school psychologist position.
Specific job options include:
- School psychologist (public or private schools)
- School multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) coordinator
- Positions at an education non-profit or "think tank"
- Positions at education technology companies and assessment/test development companies
- Educational researcher
- Consultant
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Loyola Stories
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the School Psychology MEd/EdS 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 MEd/EdS 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 CatalogMEd/EdS in School Psychology Results and Skills
With the MEd/EdS degree in School Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, you will be prepared to work as a licensed school psychologist. You will build knowledge, professional values, and the ability to:
- Conduct psychological and educational assessments, including a special focus on issues related to nonbiased assessment of students
- Develop individual and group counseling skills and preventive mental health consultative procedures
- Conduct individual and team-based consultation in school-based settings
- Lead systems change in schools and districts
- Interpret educational-psychological research and apply research findings and procedures to instructional programming and mental health service delivery
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.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the School Psychology MEd/EdS totals $67650.00, or 66 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 AppointmentThe 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.
View all EventsVisit 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.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the School Psychology MEd/EdS are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall: November 15
Please note that applications are not reviewed until the deadline passes. Decisions are made about interviews in early December, interviews are conducted in January, and offers are made shortly after.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the School Psychology MEd/EdS include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
2 Letters of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Interview for Admission
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Please request two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic, professional, and interpersonal abilities. Please do not submit more than 2 letters, as they will not be reviewed. We highly recommend that at least one of the letters be from a professor or other individual who can speak to your academic abilities. If you have not taken an undergraduate or graduate-level course in over 5 years, then an alternative recommender may be appropriate.
Statement of Purpose Details
Please prepare a personal statement that is no more than 3 pages double spaced. The statement should answer the following questions:
- What relevant experiences have you had that have informed your decision and prepared you to pursue a specialist degree in school psychology with an emphasis on social justice?
- Why are you applying to Loyola?
- What are your career goals following completion of your EdS?
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.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the School Psychology MEd/EdS 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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