The University of Northern
Iowa School Psychology Program is a fulltime program which consists
of two degrees: a 35 credit hour Master of Arts in Education (MAE) degree,
with a Context and Techniques of Assessment Emphasis, and an Educational
Specialist (Ed.S.) degree that requires an additional 36 hours beyond
the MAE. A minimum of 68 to 71 semester hours beyond the bachelor’s
degree is required for completing the program. The combined program
(MAE and Ed.S.) has been designed in alignment with the training standards
of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and is fully
approved by NASP. Completion of the Ed.S. degree satisfies the State
of Iowa Department of Education licensure requirements for school psychologists.
The program has been in existence
since the late 1960s when the institution was first authorized to offer
graduate programs. The initial program was a 33-hour master’s
degree program. In 1978, the program was expanded to a 67-hour specialist
in education (Ed.S.) program. This change was consistent with accrediting
standards in the profession at that time. From the outset, the program
has been approved by the Iowa Department of Education as meeting state
standards for certification and licensure of school psychologists. Since
1995, the program has been fully approved by the National Association
of School Psychologists (NASP).
The UNI School Psychology
Program is a major contributor to school psychology in Area Education
Agencies (AEAs) throughout Iowa. Currently, it is the only program in
Iowa emphasizing preparation of specialist-level school psychologists
to work in school settings. Approximately one out of four school psychologists
in Iowa is a UNI graduate.
Program Mission and Philosophy
Program Goals and Objectives
Course
Sequence
