JoannaLoren

Hello I am a current undergrad student at Florida Atlantic University and I major in Exceptional Student Education. Since I began my bachelor program, I've been thinking a lot about what I wanted to do. I did decide that School Psychology is a path for me because I do want to work with parents and the school with assessments, accommodating, and IEP planning, but also counseling with disability and gifted students. The main goal I really want to do (If everything falls into place!) is open up my own learning center / day care for kids, teens, and young adults with disabilities. I also have interest in Curriculum Design, and Teaching/Managing at a university level. I work with disabilities now and my passion came from me seeing how badly the system is with this population. My stress and confusion is what degrees are the best for this? What I do know is that I love working with disability kids and teens, and college students, and that I plan to get a PhD in whatever I decide because I want a higher salary. Teachers do not make enough for me to be comfortable. I would prefer degrees that would open up plans B and C for me just in case all else fails. I dislike research so one of the options I thought about was: EdS School Psychology and PhD in Higher Education or Curriculum Design. But I have no issue with sucking it up and doing the work so the second option was: PhD in School Psychology first, then Masters in Higher Education or Curriculum Design. Both options would take the same amount of time but option one requires less research. Is it necessary for me to get a PhD in School Psychology? or are both the EdS and PhD the same as far as career duties? (Not opportunities) Any thoughts? Opinions? Thanks in advance.