Have a profound impact on students' learning and development.
School psychologists help meet the academic, social-emotional,
and mental health needs of children and families in Illinois and across the nation. Governors
State’s Specialist in School Psychology program
equips you to deliver a continuum of direct and indirect services to children,
families, educators, and administrators as you enhance student learning and
promote safe, healthy school climates. You will learn to meet the needs of
children, from early childhood through young adulthood.
The
School Psychology program is grounded in the scientist-practitioner model—a
training model that provides graduate students with a strong research
foundation—and emphasizes school-based service delivery that is empirically
supported, data driven, and culturally competent.
Reach Your Career
Goals
As a graduate of the School Psychology program, you will have
achieved both a Psychology M.A. and a School Psychology Ed.S. Upon program
completion, you will be eligible to apply for practice in Illinois.
Why become a School Psychologist?
The median national salary for full-time School Psychologists was $74,000 during the 2019-2020 school year.
(Goforth, Farmer, Kim, Affrunti, Naser, & Lockwood, 2021 as cited on https://nasponline.org)
(Image Source: National Association of School Psychologists)
Delivery Format
Achieve your Ed.S. in four years. Governors State’s 68 credit-hour School Psychology Training Program is a part-time, cohort-based, dual degree
program. Upon completion, students will earn both a Master of Arts (M.A.) and
an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Psychology.
Now Accepting a Second Round of Applications for Fall 2024!
You may still have time to apply. Additional applications for the Fall 2024 cohort will be accepted until all slots are full. For more information, contact Dr. Shaalein Lopez (slopez5@govst.edu) or Professor Bonnie Dickey (bdickey@govst.edu), or start your application here https://apply.govst.edu/apply/.
Information Sessions
Virtual Information Sessions are held periodically prior to the priority application deadline. Though this season's scheduled information sessions have passed, we welcome you to contact Dr. Shaalein Lopez (slopez5@govst.edu) or Professor Bonnie Dickey (bdickey@govst.edu) for more information about our School Psychology program.
Make a difference, become a school psychologist!
School psychologists are in high demand! In its 2023 listing, U.S. News & World Report ranked "School Psychologist" as the 3rd best Social Service Job in the United States.
Program Coordinators
Shaalein Carroll Lopez, Ph.D., NCSP
Co-coordinator, School Psychology Program
Assistant Professor
708-534-4991
Office: G313
Bonnie M. Dickey, Ed.S.
Co-coordinator, School Psychology Program
University Lecturer, Senior Status
708-235-7442
Office: G323
Student Testimonials
Being a part of GovState's School Psych program means so much to me! Since being here, I have been able to learn from the best professors, work alongside supportive classmates, and explore educational opportunities. I know that the knowledge and the connections I have made here will set me up for success in the future. I am happy that I chose GovState for my graduate school experience!
Regina Brock
My learning experience in the program has been Amazing! I am grateful for the lasting connections I’ve made in my cohort. The professors and staff at GovState truly care about equipping students with the tools they need to be successful in the program and field.
Tatimah Cheatom
I appreciate the time and effort that GovState professors, administrators, and staff dedicate to preparing competent, conscious, and skillful specialists in the field of school psychology. GovState’s School Psychology program transformed my liking for this profession into a passion for becoming an exceptional and distinguished school psychologist.
Yadira Bustamante