This program will prepare you to enhance the learning and mental health of all children and youth. There is currently a nationwide shortage of school psychologists and you can help fill a much-needed role in a child's life.
University of Findlay's online Doctor of Education in School Psychology Program is accepting applications for the 2025 cohort - application opens June 1, 2024.
Early Review Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
Final Application Review Deadline: February 1, 2025
Highlights of the program
Accreditation
The program is approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission. The College of Education is accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The program will seek accreditation through the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). This program was founded in 2020 and new programs can become accredited upon the graduation of their first class.
Demand for School Psychologists
“There is a significant national shortage for school psychologists," explained Dr. Julie McIntosh, dean of the College of Education at Findlay. “The mental health of our youth is a top priority for schools but there aren't enough individuals who have the training needed to be a school psychologist. Our new program will help fill that need, especially for the schools in our region."
The National Association of School Psychologists recommends that there is one school psychologist for every 500-700 students. According to a study released in 2018, the current ratio of school psychologists to students is estimated to be 1 for every 1,442 students. It is predicted that there will be a national shortage of 15,000 school psychologists by the end of 2020.
In addition, there are other financial aid and loan options available to graduate students at the University of Findlay
As a graduate student at UF, you are eligible to apply for loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. Through the federal program, you can obtain federal funds directly from the U.S. Department of Education. See below to learn more about Federal and private loan programs.
Federal Loan Programs
Stafford Loan Program - If you file a FAFSA and are enrolled at least half-time, you may qualify for a Stafford Loan, which is a long-term, low-interest loan.
As a graduate student, you may borrow up to $20,500 in Federal Direct Loans each year. The FAFSA and your cost of education will determine how much you can borrow. Your enrollment level also plays a role in your loan eligibility, but you must be enrolled at least half-time, which is at least four and one-half (4.5) hours of credit in a term.
Graduate PLUS Loans - You may also have the option of applying for a Graduate PLUS loan if your unsubsidized loan does not cover all of your educational costs.
Check on
current interest rates for Federal Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS loan funds. You can complete the Master Promissory Note and entrance counseling for the Federal Unsubsidized loans and apply for a Graduate PLUS loan at
Student LoansPrivate Loan Options
You may wish to consider one of the alternative loans that are available to graduate students in lieu of the Direct GradPLUS Loan. As the borrower, you must initiate the loan, which must subsequently be certified by the Office of Financial Aid. Generally, you must be creditworthy, and a cosigner must be creditworthy as well. While you may be able to borrow without a cosigner, having a cosigner may reduce the fees and/or the interest rate on the loan. A careful review of interest rates and their trends may be of value as you decide whether the Direct Grad PLUS or the alternative loan is the right choice for you. Please visit
FASTChoice to explore some private loan options.
Employer Reimbursement
For many graduate students, employer reimbursement is a good option to help cover the cost of your education. If your company offers employer reimbursement, you must contact the University's
Business Office to complete the
University's Company Reimbursement Form prior to each session you enroll in.