ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Central Washington University has received approval to begin granting degrees beyond the master’s level. A new degree, an educational specialist degree, will be the first beyond the master’s level the school has ever awarded, according to a news release.
The National Association of School Psychologists considers it to be a specialist level degree, which is midway 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 in the release.
It’s an entry-level degree in the profession of school psychology, and requires a graduate program in the profession consisting of no fewer than 90 quarter hours.
Until now, Central’s program has only been able to offer a master’s degree for the same amount of coursework.
Central will award the first degrees to seven graduates from the school psychology program during June 8 commencement exercises: Heidi Bostwick, Lynnwood; Rochelle Cikauskas, Selah; Vanessa Englehart, Ellensburg; Melissa Hoang, Tacoma; Kayla Johanson, Pateros; Annie Keegan, Kanoehi, Hawaii; and Rani Lewis, Burien.
The degree will replace the master of education in school psychology, and will meet or exceed all its requirements as stipulated by NASP and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The master’s was typically a 45-hour degree at Central. However, CWU school psychology students must complete more than 100 quarter hours to earn their degree. The three-year program also includes an intensive, yearlong internship.