Counseling Psychology: Specialist (EdS) Degree

The Educational Specialist degree program is a post-Master’s degree program for counseling psychologists that provides an opportunity for knowledge and experience to students who intend to sit for an examination offered either by (a) the Kentucky Board of Examiners for Psychology (KRS 319) or (b) the Kentucky Board of Certification for Professional Counselors (KRS 335). The degree requires 30 credit hours beyond the completed Master’s degree.

Students are only eligible to apply to the Specialist degree program for admission after successfully completing all Master’s degree requirements.  Admission is not guaranteed but is highly likely if the student is judged to have an appropriate and acceptable academic/professional record at the Master’s level and is judged to have the high standards of professional and ethical behavior necessary for working with vulnerable clients and populations.

The scope of practice under the two types of certifications available in Kentucky is different. Accordingly, the specific course work leading to completion of the Educational Specialist degree and recommendation to the appropriate state board is different and is depicted in the Comparison of Course Requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor (KRS 335) and Psychological Associate (KRS 319).

In addition to traditional classes, the Specialist program includes the completion of a scholarly project under the direction of a faculty member (3 credit hours) and a post-Master’s degree internship (minimum 600 contact hours for a total of 6 credit hours). Confirmation of program selection is established either in the Educational Specialist Decision Form for Psychological Associate or the Educational Specialist Decision Form for Professional Counselor. The Decision form is signed in the first semester of EdS enrollment.

In order to prepare incoming students and remind current students of Graduate School and Program Academic policies, a full description of the requirements for the EdS in Counseling Psychology are fully described in the program Handbook (listed by topic below and in the menu on right).  current handbook.
 Fall 2010.