School Psychology (MSE, EdS)
Make a Difference in the Lives of Children
As a UD School Psychology student, you'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to enter into diverse settings to create positive environments and make a difference in the lives of children. Courses reflect the most current advances in the field of school psychology and education, with a commitment to the implementation and integration of the most current technology applications.
Students can choose from our full-time program or part-time option to earn their degree:
- Full-time program: Comprehensive, integrated and sequential. Includes two years of study followed by a full-time internship.
- Part-time option: Ideal for the working professional. Requires three years of part-time study followed by a full-time internship.
To receive your license, you're required to complete both the master's degree program (MSE) and specialist-level training (EdS).
nasp-approved program
The UD School Psychology program has full Specialist Level (SL) approval from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). NASP is the premier source of knowledge, professional development, and resources, empowering school psychologists to ensure that all children and youth attain optimal learning and mental health. The program is also approved by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for meeting requirements leading to a School Psychologist License.
A High-Quality Education
Our students receive first-hand experience from their very first semester in the program, and benefit from professors who have real-world experience.
Explore Program FAQCommunity Engagement & Multicultural Development
UD and the School Psychology program affirm that diversity, equity, and inclusion are inextricably linked with excellence, these core values align with our mission of building community in the world and working for justice for all people. As a Catholic and Marianist institution, UD embraces diversity and is committed to honoring the intrinsic value and dignity of all people, no matter their race, religion, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, (dis)ability, ideology, and other expressions of human difference. UD and the School Psychology program commit to eliminating discriminatory or hateful words and actions, pursuing equity, and becoming known as a fully inclusive and welcoming environment for learning, discovery, and community engagement.
Explore UD's Steps Toward Becoming an Anti-Racist UniversityUD, in line with the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and the promotion of equal opportunity, fairness, justice, and respect for all persons. UD and NASP works to ensure that the association, graduate education programs, and settings in which school psychologists work are safe and welcoming and provide equal opportunity to all persons regardless of actual or perceived characteristics, including race, ethnicity, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, language, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, cognitive capabilities, social–emotional skills, developmental level, chronic illness, or any other personal identity or distinguishing characteristic. Discrimination is defined as acting toward people in a manner that results in adverse impact because they share similar characteristics or because they are from specific groups.
Read the Full Policy-
25
partnering districts & educational service centers
-
100%
current full-time students with an assistantship
-
100%
job placement rate for graduates
Student Research
Students work alongside faculty to conduct and publish research in respected journals. Students also participate in UD's annual Stander Symposium, a campus-wide event that allows students from all disciplines to showcase their intellectual accomplishments.
Supporting Underserved Regions in Ohio
The University of Dayton’s School Psychology program was awarded a $921,000 Mental Health Services Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant to train graduate students from southern Ohio to provide school-based mental health services in their communities. The grant will create new opportunities to train future school psychologists from Adams, Brown, Highland, Ross, Pike, and/or Scioto counties and remove barriers to graduate education.
Graduate Assistantships
Students must apply and must be full time in the School Psychology program to receive graduate assistantships. GAs are typically employed for 20 hours per week on a 9-month contract, and they receive partial tuition remission and a monthly stipend. School Psychology students can be placed in on- and off-campus assistantships, including academic departments within the UD School of Education and Health Sciences, on-campus partners, and local school districts.
School Psychologists of the University of Dayton (SPUD)
Provides opportunities for leadership, service, fundraising, professional development, and social activities. SPUD was the first officially recognized graduate student organization on campus. Students can participate in events like Walk for Autism, Walk for Independence, UD's Christmas on Campus, and intramural sports.

Experiential Learning
Real-World Experience
Practicum experiences begin during your first semester, so that you start to hone the skills needed for professional practice. Students also participate in a 9-month, hands-on-internship where they are supervised by qualified school psychologists. Stipends have traditionally been provided by the Ohio Department of Education. All of the program's full-time students have received Graduate Assistantships, which help provides an additional high-quality educational experience.
Opportunity for Interested Students
The Future School Psychologists of Ohio club is aimed at helping undergraduate students learn more about the field of school psychology and to gain access to quality resume-building, real-life experiences and opportunities to work with children. Additionally, the club will offer valuable related opportunities for service and engagement at the university, school and community level.
Interested? Click here to learn more
Request information
Want more information about School Psychology?