The Central Washington University has been granted approval from the state legislature to award degrees beyond the master's level. The university has introduced a new degree called 'Educational Specialist (EdS) degree', which will be above the master's level, at the request of the School of Psychology Program.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) refers to this degree as a specialist level degree, which is halfway between a master's degree and a doctorate.
"Educational specialist is a practical degree that helps educators advance in their careers and prepares them for academic or administrative leadership," Gene Johnson, director of CWU's school psychology program, said.
The 'Educational specialist degree' is an entry-level degree and is applicable to psychology graduates who have completed about 90 quarter hours.
Until now, the university has offered only a master's degree in psychology.
"The Educational Specialist degree results in a great depth of expertise in one academic area," said Johnson. "Many school districts will consider it the highest degree in the field."
The PhD consists of more coursework and a dissertation and allows graduates to serve as professionals in public schools or as professors at universities, where they teach classes and conduct research. On the other hand, the EdS is more specifically valid to certain career fields in education.
This new degree is set to replace the master of education in school psychology and will include all the elements featured in the Med. Generally, the master's is a 45-hour degree. CWU school psychology students must complete more than 100 quarter hours to earn their degree over a three-year duration which also includes an intensive and yearlong internship.
