Program Overview
The Ed.S. in School Psychology program at National Louis University is a part-time, low-residency program that combines online learning with weekend residencies and hands-on experiences. It prepares students to become effective school psychologists with a focus on evidence-based practices, leadership, and collaboration. Graduates can pursue careers in school settings or other educational environments, including mental health centers and hospitals.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Ed.S. in School Psychology program at National Louis University is a part-time program that combines online learning with weekend residencies, on-site experience-based learning, and practicum experiences culminating in a full-time school psychology internship in a school setting. The program is designed to prepare students to function effectively as school psychologists and emphasizes the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential in the formation of school psychologists who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services.
Objectives:
- To prepare students with evidence-based, functional assessment, and intervention practices with an ecological focus
- To integrate the scientist-practitioner model and prepare students for a career as a school psychologist in a school or other educational setting
- To equip students to assume leadership positions within a school system
- To train students to work with professionals from other disciplines as part of an effectively functioning team within a school district
- To broaden students' scope of practice and employment potential
Description:
The program is offered in a Low Residency format, which provides the convenience of online learning with the opportunity to meet occasionally with classmates, professors, and community members for networking, team building, and high-impact instruction. Residencies are used to help students build their professional identities, expand their networks, and engage in peer-based learning in flexible and creative ways.
Outline:
Key Areas of Study:
- Research-based academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health practices, including assessment, prevention, early intervention, and consultation
- Instructional and behavioral consultation skills to work with teachers, administrators, and families to improve achievement, provide mental health services, enhance school climate, and support the development of healthy families
- How to support the implementation of a Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS)
Program Structure:
The program is part-time, allowing students to work in their profession while attending classes.
Teaching:
Faculty are experts in the field of school psychology who utilize their experience to enhance the theoretical framework of the courses in a pragmatic manner.
Careers:
Career Outlook:
Individuals with an Ed. S. in School Psychology from National Louis University can expect to find employment as a school psychologist in school environments. As students gain experience and additional training opportunities, they may also work in a wide variety of community settings, including mental health centers, hospitals, and sites for at-risk students.
Potential Career Paths:
- School psychologist
- Supervisor
- Specialized district coach
- Director of special education
- Principal
A lot has changed in the past 130 years, but the mission of NLU remains the same: to provide a superior education that makes a difference. We serve more than 8,000 students at seven locations in Illinois and Florida. We work hard to improve schools and businesses through community partnerships and applied research.
Services
Student services
The NLU Student Assembly serves as representative delegation of the student body and provides advice and guidance on policies that improve the student experience. In addition, the Assembly serves as student ambassadors on behalf on National Louis University at community, civic and municipal events, and provides leadership and service on behalf of students it represents.
Housing services
- Located five blocks from campus, the University Center offers residents a unique living experience in a high-rise building located in the heart of Chicago - steps from the best the city has to offer - from summer festivals and year-round entertainment to great restaurants and shopping. Campus housing is located close to many forms of public transportation to get around the city with ease.
- Each resident has a single bedroom within the shared apartment. All bedrooms come with a standard twin size bed (lofting option available), desk, chair and custom closet.
Library services
The University Library provides access to high quality resources and enriches the critical and intellectual inquiry of students, educators, and researchers through engaged teaching and scholarship.
Medical services
National Louis University is committed to the health and welfare of all its students and, consequently, all students in the following programs are required to obtain health insurance:
- International students residing in the United States
- Students enrolled in the Kendall College programs in Culinary Arts or Baking and Pastry enrolled in 6 quarters hours or more
- Students living in on-campus housing
Student Life
Campus life
NLU’s Chicago campus on Michigan Avenue occupies five floors of the historic Peoples Gas Building. This landmark building, across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park, is easily accessible by train, bus and car and is surrounded by restaurants, parking lots/garages and shops.
The second floor, which houses student services and administrative offices, includes a Tiffany ceiling in the large atrium that is used for conferences, workshops and seminars.
The campus includes 36 classrooms, four computer labs with high-speed Internet access, two language labs, conference rooms and a state-of-the-art training center with an auditorium that seats 150.
Sports facilities
- The Commons is perfect for taking a mid-day break or catching up on some homework. The Commons offers two large televisions for staying up to date on current events or playing Mario Cart with friends.
- The Game Room is perfect for a small group of friends looking to shoot some pool or throw it back with some old school board games.
- The Fitness Center offers free weights, treadmills, elliptical trainers, standing weight machine, and stair climber. Mediation, Zumba, Yoga and Red Cross CRP classes are available in throught the NLU Fitness Center.
Student clubs
- ALPFA
- The Black Student Union
- DALE 312
- Educator’s Rising
- International Club
- NLU Counseling Association
- NLU Pride Club
- NLU Science Club
- NLU Entrepreneur Club
- Sigma Gamma Rho
- SPO-School of Psychology Organization
- Student Engagement Club
Accreditation
National Louis University (NLU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional institutional accreditors recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
