PRESS RELEASE

Online graduate degree fills need for school psychologists

KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana has one school psychologist for every 2,607 students — far from the recommended ratio of 1 to every 500 students.  

Indiana University Kokomo is part of an IU effort to address this need, partnering with IU South Bend and IU East to offer a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degree program designed for working adults.

Jennifer McNeany, assistant clinical professor of school psychology, said classes are in the evening, and are mostly online. Students complete their coursework in their own school districts as much as possible.

“We have students who have significant mental health needs in our P-12 schools,” she said. “The more we are able to get people in the profession, the better we’re going to be able to serve our students and our schools.”

School psychologists offer counseling, assess students for intervention needs, respond to crises, launch school-wide initiatives to reduce bullying, and more. With training in psychology, education, and child development, they play a crucial role in identifying mental health needs.

For many children, school is the place their needs are most likely to be recognized. Having those needs met sets them up for academic success.

“The earlier we’re able to provide educational services, the better the outcomes for our students,” McNeany said. “If you have a need that needs to be addressed, you need adults who are able to help you with that at school. We’re trying to make sure our students are ready to learn and have the tools to be successful.”

IU Kokomo’s program is one of four in the state where potential school psychologists may earn their degrees, she said.

“I have students tell me all the time that without this program, they would not have been able to take advantage of such an opportunity,” McNeany said. “A lot of them are educators with families. They are juggling a lot right now, but they want to further their education. Not only will we have more school psychologists, but as they are earning their degrees, they are bettering themselves and their current practice with students and colleagues as they go through the program.”

Students in the four-year program study school psychology, psychological foundations, and research/inquiry methods. They’ll study topics such as assessment and intervention and learn the most effective ways to communicate with students, parents, and school administrators. They complete school-based practica and a 1,200 hour internship. Graduates are eligible for certification as a school psychologist in Indiana.

There are currently 34 students in three cohorts, with the first completing internships and graduating in the next academic year. Four are part of the first cohort of AWS School Psychology Scholars, which provides forgivable loan funding to support their graduate program. Up to 100 percent of the loan is forgiven when the students graduate and commit to working as a school psychologist for at least five years for their sponsoring school district. They represent Fort Wayne Community Schools, East Allen County Schools, and MSD of Wabash County.

For more information go to go.iu.edu/8vNz.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.