The School and Educational Psychology programs are designed to help students integrate theory, research and practice in psychology and education. The programs focus on better understanding the nature of individuals’ learning and the conditions and contexts that maximize learning and development. Students examine educational/psychological theory and research on effective classroom practices and engage in experiences that help them integrate theory, research, and practice to design powerful learning environments.
The School and Educational Psychology Department offers programs leading to the Master of Education degree (M.Ed.), the Master of Science in Education degree (M.S.Ed.), the Certificate of Advanced Studies degree (C.A.S.), the Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.), and the Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.).
Educational Psychology (M.Ed., M.S.Ed., and C.A.S.)
The M.Ed., M.S.Ed., and C.A.S. programs in Educational Psychology are designed for practicing teachers interested in graduate studies in educational psychology for the purpose of applying this knowledge to their classroom practices and participating effectively in school or district-wide problem solving efforts. The program core provides students the opportunity to critically examine theory and research in human learning and development, and to explore current research on evidence-based practices that can enhance classroom teaching and learning. An emphasis is placed upon designing powerful learning environments and differentiating instruction to meet diverse learner needs; developing and using meaningful assessment data to inform teaching; forging effective homeschool collaborations; and problem solving within the school and the community to ensure success for all. Beyond the core requirements, students take electives designed to meet their own learning goals.
School Psychology Certification Program
The School Psychology Certification Program offers one of only two nationally accredited programs in the immediate Chicago area and is one of seven accredited programs in the state of Illinois. Graduates of the NLU program are eligible for certification as a School Psychologist in the State of Illinois
with the Type 73 License upon successful completion of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) examination. NLU school psychology graduates also can be certified as Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP) by completing our NASP-approved program and passing the National School
Psychology Examination.
At National Louis, we prepare school psychologists who can increase student achievement and social-emotional health by “learning about what works” and ensuring that schools and families have access to, and apply, this knowledge. We prepare school psychologists to meet the needs of children, students,
and families for the 21st century based on the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Blueprint ( 2006). The NASP Blueprint drives school psychologists to contribute to multi-tiered, coordinated early intervening services, or what in many states has been referred to as Response to Intervention (RTI).
Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet NLU's general admission requirements. Refer to the appropriate application checklist available online at www.nl.edu/applyonline.
In addition to NLU’s general admission requirements, applicants must also satisfy the following:
1. Completed application and non-refundable application fee
2. Scores from the General Aptitude Section of the Graduate Record
Examination (GRE) taken within the last 5 years
3. Passing scores on the Illinois Test of Basic Skills (less than 10 years old at
the time of admission) is required for admission to the Ed.S.
4. Letters of recommendation (4), at least 2 of which are academic in nature,
regarding the applicants capacity for graduate work
5. A written statement of academic and professional goals and how the NLU
School Psychology Program can contribute
6. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from every institution from
which degrees were earned
7. Professional resume or curriculum vita describing relevant background and
work experiences
8. Although applicants may apply to the terminal degree at the time they
apply to the M.Ed., formal acceptance to either the Ed.S. or the Ed.D. will
occur only after successful completion of the masters’ degree. In addition,
using a combination of portfolio assessment, field competency and
professional dispositions assessment, and course grades, program faculty
review each student’s progress prior to admission to the terminal degree to
ensure they are prepared for the next phase of the program. Candidates’
successful completion of M.Ed. benchmark assessments will be
communicated to the Office of Admissions prior to formal entry into the
terminal degree program that the candidate seeks. Applicants who already
hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, may apply
to the Ed.S. or the Ed.D. per required admission criteria.
Application files will not be reviewed until they are complete. Completed applications are reviewed by faculty 1 time per year following the January 15th submission deadline.
