School Psychology, Ed.S.

Overview

Schools today face a critical shortage of dedicated experts who understand the complex intersection of mental health, learning, and behavior. Launching in Fall 2027, Western Michigan University's new 60-credit hour Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Psychology equips you with the advanced clinical skills and practical experience needed to advocate for children and transform educational environments.

Backed by a landmark grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, this program is purposefully designed to address practitioner shortages and champion student mental health particularly in rural and urban districts across the state.

Graphic with the large yellow text 'RANKED 2'. Below it, text reads 'Ranked No. 2 in the state of Michigan for best online master's in education programs'

The goal in developing this Ed.S. program is to prepare practitioners so they can make an impact in their schools and communities across the state.

— Dr. Kristal Ehrhardt, senior associate dean of the College of Education and Human Development

Why choose WMU for your Ed.S.?

HyFlex Learning Format: Train without uprooting your life. Our hybrid-flexible approach allows you to attend courses in-person or access them concurrently through synchronous online learning. This keeps costs down and empowers you to make an impact in the community where you already have deep roots.
Comprehensive, Interdisciplinary Training: Go beyond standard curriculum. Build mastery across multiple disciplines, from advanced behavior analysis to specialized counseling techniques tailored for children and adolescents.
Extensive Field Experience: We prioritize heavy practicum and internship hours in diverse school settings, ensuring you graduate confident, credentialed, and career-ready.

What you will learn

The 60-credit hour curriculum prepares practitioners to deliver actionable, high-impact strategies, focusing on:

Data-based decision-making and school-wide accountability.
Consultation and collaborative problem-solving.
Targeted interventions and mental health services.
Preventive and responsive services, including crisis management.

Request information

Please provide your contact information if you would like WMU to contact you as information becomes available about the program, including when applications open.