Are you passionate about helping children reach their full potential? As a school psychologist, you’ll have the opportunity to do just that — supporting students’ academic, social and emotional well-being in meaningful, lasting ways.
UCF’s School Psychology graduate program will prepare you for this in-demand career by providing a hands-on, highly practical approach to the profession that’s designed to ensure you succeed in today’s schools. Built around a cohort model, you’ll advance through the program with a supportive group of peers who share your passion to make a difference. Together, you’ll form lasting connections, cheer on each other’s wins and build a strong professional network.
From day one, you’ll step into real-world experiences in local schools, learning how to assess student needs, collaborate with families and educators, and design interventions that truly make an impact. You’ll gain the tools to help students overcome challenges, thrive in the classroom and develop skills they’ll use for life.
Like you, our faculty are grounded in a deep belief in the power of education and the worth of every child. They know the challenges and rewards of the profession because they’ve worked in schools themselves. Their firsthand experience ensures you’re learning the most current, evidence-based practices to function effectively and credibly as a practicing school psychologist in Florida, across the nation and around the world.
If you’re ready to be a force for good in schools and communities, UCF’s Education Specialist (EdS) in School Psychology program is the place to start.
At a Glance
- In Person (Plus Hybrid)
- Full Time
- Evening Classes (after 4:30 p.m.)
- 32 Months to Complete
- 1 Core Course
- 15 Specialization Courses
- 2 Applied Research Courses
- 2 Practicum Experiences
- 1 Nine-month Internship Experience
- 1 Comprehensive Exam
School psychologist was ranked among the Best Jobs
(U.S. News & World Report, 2025)
First-attempt FTCE Exam Passing Rate in 2022-24
(Download Assessment Data)
No GRE Required
Not all of our internship experiences are paid, but many are funded by the school district, anywhere from $15,000 to $45,000.
Years of practice before graduates can be licensed to practice on their own.
School districts in Central Florida where students complete internships, though you can complete your internship in any of Florida’s 67 school districts — or even in another state.
“In my opinion, school psychology is one of the best fields in education. There are so many skills you are trained in from social skills to evaluations. Besides testing due dates, you have the flexibility to make this job your own. Do you want to focus more on interventions? Testing? Whole group lessons? You have the ability to really do what you are best at and what you enjoy doing the most.”
Jennifer Utsey ’18EdS, NCSP
School Psychologist, the Galileo School for Gifted Learning, and a private practitioner
Info Sessions
It’s not necessary to attend an info session, but nearly 95% of accepted students do.
Unable to make one of our in-person sessions? Not a problem. Email staff member Hendreck Joseph and request a recorded version.
Accreditation
UCF’s graduate program in school psychology is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
A nationally recognized accrediting body, NASP ensures quality training for students, advances rigorous and uniform standards for professionals, and indicates competency for employers. It also serves as a benchmark for federal agencies, state licensing boards, national certification agencies, students, and employers, and is required in the state of Florida.
“The EdS in School Psychology program at UCF appealed to me because it allowed me to continue working as a teacher while going back to school full-time. As a student, I learned from great professors, some of whom are still in the field, who guided and prepared me for my role; and from my cohort, who brought in various perspectives, experiences, knowledge — and a sense of unity and connectedness. Today, I am proud of the work we do as school psychologists because we solve a puzzle to help students, teachers and parents alike understand what each child needs in order to be successful.”
Suath Penagos ’22EdS
Bilingual School Psychologist for the School District of Osceola County
Applying for Certification
Applying for NCSP
UCF examinees should indicate UCF as the graduating university by using our institution’s program code (5233) when registering for The Praxis Series assessments. Seek NASP certification (NCSP) via National Association of School Psychologists.
Recommended Study Guides
- Praxis in School Psychology ETS Study Guide Brochure 5402
- The School Psychology Licensure Exam
- PASS: Prepare, Assist, Survive, and Succeed: A Guide to PASSing the Praxis Exam in School Psychology
- Praxis II School Psychologist (0401) Exam Secrets Study Guide: Praxis II Test Review for the Praxis II: Subject Assessments
- Praxis II School Psychologist (0401) Exam Flashcard Study System: Praxis II Test Practice Questions & Review for the Praxis II: Subject Assessments Cards
Steps to take to prepare your NCSP documents:
- Have your site-based internship supervisor sign the form.
- Email all documents (pdfs only) including the results of the Praxis II Exam (with area scores) to the UCF School Psychology Program Coordinator.
- The Program Coordinator will complete and email the documents back to you.
Mailing Address
University of Central Florida
College of Community Innovation and Education
School Psychology Program
P.O. Box 161250
Orlando, FL 32816-1250
Applying for State Certification
Visit the Florida Department of Education’s website for more information.