Program overview

Embark on a rewarding career with Rider University’s nationally ranked, NASP-accredited Educational Specialist in School Psychology program. Led by expert faculty who are active in the field, you'll develop the skills and expertise to help children with emotional, behavioral and academic challenges across diverse backgrounds. Students have traveled from across the nation to complete our school psychology program. While coursework must be completed on campus, students have the option to pursue internship opportunities close to home. 

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Facts and figures

Across the country, there is a growing need for specially trained school psychologists who can work with students, teachers, families and other professionals to promote safe and supportive learning environments. This program is designed for students seeking national certification as a school psychologist.

NASP

accredited and top-ranked by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

100%

pass rate on the Praxis. In the past 20 years, nearly everyone in the school psychology program has passed the test.

100%

job placement rate within three months of graduation for the past 10 years

Program features

Members from diverse backgrounds, creeds and orientations are encouraged to apply as the school psychology program maintains a strong commitment to diversity and the improvement of human well-being. Students from all academic majors are welcome.

Education building with flowers in front of it.

Program requirements

Using a highly structured, developmental curriculum, our 64-credit program builds upon preceding coursework and experience and uses a variety of theoretical, conceptual and experiential pedagogical activities, to train students to provide a range of evidence-based services including consultation, psychological assessment, behavioral and academic intervention, prevention, counseling, and program planning/evaluation. 

Program learning goals

Complementing our program philosophy are the following fundamental goals of the program to provide each graduate with the required skills, professionalism and knowledge base to become a productive member of the school psychology community. 

Goals include:

  • Ability to implement a problem-solving model supported by a solid understanding of the knowledge base and empirical literature of school psychology as well as legal, ethical and professional standards of practice.
  • Capacity to provide psychological services and educational consultation within diverse contexts where individual differences in ethnicity, socioeconomic status, culture, gender, sexual orientation and abilities are appreciated.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with educators, administrators, school counselors, families, and the community to provide a comprehensive range of educational and mental health services to children and adolescents.
  • Capacity to utilize data-based decision making and empirically supported prevention, assessment, and intervention strategies that result in a positive impact on youth, families and the communities/schools that they serve.
Daniel Rosa headshot
Rider’s School Psychology program is a great program that I would recommend to any aspiring professional. The director and co-director are fantastic mentors and I treasured my time in the program.
Daniel Rosa '20
School Psychology (Ed.S.)
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Accelerate your master's degree

Our undergraduate accelerated option makes it possible to earn both your bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree in less time. Rider students pursuing the accelerated option work closely with an academic advisor to develop a personal education plan for completing their degrees. Contact your faculty advisor to learn more about this accelerated learning opportunity.