Reasons to go into School Psychology:

1. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST ARE IN DEMAND

Our students typically receive multiple job offers upon graduation from the program. They have taken jobs in Kentucky, Virginia, Illinois, New York, Connecticut, and North Carolina, among other states. School Psychology in Kentucky is growing at the rate of about 20 new jobs per year. Our average new graduate earns anywhere from $25,000 to $37,000 a year and gets all of the typical school holidays, including two months off in the summer to travel, teach, pursue graduate work, or whatever. Our graduates have also taken jobs in mental health center, residential institutions, Community Colleges, and other settings. The field of school psychology was ranked as one of US News & World Reports Best Careers in 2008.

2. THE SATISFACTION OF HELPING CHILDREN

Our students enjoy the many opportunities afforded them to foster the educational and psychological development of school age children. They learn to conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations and how to apply the science of psychology as consultants to parents, teachers, and school administrators, and other psychologists. They learn how to intervene with children using short-term family counseling, individual counseling, social skills training, self-instruction training, and other procedures. Our students also learn applied research skills that they can use to evaluate the effectiveness of their work or of particular school programs.

3. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

We are fortunate at EKU to be able to offer the vast majority of our graduate students an assistantship by the second semester of their graduate program. These assistantships allow our students to gain experience in teaching, research, or service and are accompanied by a stipend and waiver of out-of-state tuition.

4. DISTINGUISHED FACULTY

EKU Psychology Department faculty are active scientists and advocates for the profession. They offer students numerous opportunities to become involved in research projects and professional organizations. Students are assisted by faculty in publishing research, presenting papers, and serving on committees for professional organizations. School Psychology faculty have published research in numerous book chapters and journal articles.

For more information on the School Psychology program at EKU or an application packet, write to the address below: