Developmental, Educational, or School Psychology?

[LiveLaughLove772]

Hey everyone! I have been researching grad programs since I will be graduating with my undergraduate degrees in biology pre-medical and psychology in the Spring 2014. I'm currently torn between three fields: Educational Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and School Psychology. I really like developmental, but I'm not sure if I can get any type of job that is not academia or research-related. I also like educational psychology, and I really like the applied aspect of school psychology. If anyone could give me the pros and cons of each field, and any other relevant information, it would be much appreciated! Thanks everyone

[Lisa44201]

It would help to know what you want to do with your degree.

[schpsy92]

If you want to work in the schools, school psychology is the only "applied" one that would allow you to do so (at least without jumping through numerous hoops). The other two are more research-focused and would allow you to work in academia for the most part. Also, school psychology only requires a masters (you can get a doctorate in it though), while educational and developmental psychology pretty much require a Ph.D to get a job with it. 

[LiveLaughLove772]

I'm still quite unsure what exactly I want to do. I definitely want to work in the field; research is something I'm not too interested in. With school psychology, I I have been researching grad programs, and I know some schools offer the Ed.S degree in school psychology. Would you guys have any information regarding that kind of program? I was able to find some info online, but not too much. 

[BeingThere]

For a list of school psychology programs for graduate study, try here:

http://www.nasponline.org/certification/naspapproved.aspx

[juilletmercredi]

If you're not interested in research, I think you should avoid developmental and most educational psychology programs.  They are research focused.  You should probably also avoid a PhD in school psychology, as although you will be prepared to do work in the schools, you will also be expected to do research.

An Ed.S program is a specialist's level program in school psychology, which will allow you to be licensed as a school psychologist, earn national certification, and work in the schools.  The confusing thing is that NASP also calls some master's programs "specialist level programs."  So you can get an MA or an MEd or an EdS and be at the same level ("specialist level").  The NASP website linked above discusses the differences and similarities.