Embark on a rewarding career with Rider University’s nationally ranked, NASP-accredited Educational Specialist in School Psychology program. Led by expert faculty who are active in the field, you'll develop the skills and expertise to help children with emotional, behavioral and academic challenges across diverse backgrounds. Students have traveled from across the nation to complete our school psychology program. While coursework must be completed on campus, students have the option to pursue internship opportunities close to home.
View the handbook (PDF)
Across the country, there is a growing need for specially trained school psychologists who can work with students, teachers, families and other professionals to promote safe and supportive learning environments. This program is designed for students seeking national certification as a school psychologist.
NASP
accredited and top-ranked by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
100%
pass rate on the Praxis. In the past 20 years, nearly everyone in the school psychology program has passed the test.
100%
job placement rate within three months of graduation for the past 10 years
Members from diverse backgrounds, creeds and orientations are encouraged to apply as the school psychology program maintains a strong commitment to diversity and the improvement of human well-being. Students from all academic majors are welcome. More information about the program may be found at this link: Program Annual Report and Student Outcomes Data
One-on-one attention is a hallmark of a Rider education. You will receive personalized attention from caring faculty within a collaborative cohort-based learning community.
Earn 400-hours of practicum before stepping into a full-time internship. The fieldwork you complete will help you develop and apply skills learned in the classroom.
Rider's School Psychology ambassadors are here to answer your questions about Rider, the application process, admission process and the curriculum.
Diversity is examined as a subject and is embedded as a topic across coursework in the program. Students develop the dispositions, knowledge, and skills to work effectively with individuals of diverse needs.
Develop professional knowledge and skills across the 10 domains of training and practice established by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) to best meet the needs of students, families and the school community.
The program meets requirements for certification in New Jersey and other states, including Pennsylvania and New York. Graduates are eligible for national certification as a school psychologist after earning a passing score on the School Psychology Praxis.
Using a highly structured, developmental curriculum, our 64-credit program builds upon preceding coursework and experience and uses a variety of theoretical, conceptual and experiential pedagogical activities, to train students to provide a range of evidence-based services including consultation, psychological assessment, behavioral and academic intervention, prevention, counseling, and program planning/evaluation.
Complementing our program philosophy are the following fundamental goals of the program to provide each graduate with the required skills, professionalism and knowledge base to become a productive member of the school psychology community.
Rider’s School Psychology program is a great program that I would recommend to any aspiring professional. The director and co-director are fantastic mentors and I treasured my time in the program.
Our undergraduate accelerated option makes it possible to earn both your bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree in less time. Rider students pursuing the accelerated option work closely with an academic advisor to develop a personal education plan for completing their degrees. Contact your faculty advisor to learn more about this accelerated learning opportunity.
