Camila Nguyen

Students gather in NBC Room 115 at Texas Wesleyan University on Sept. 4 for a guest lecture with Dr. Kendra Hamilton, director of Baylor’s School Psychology EdS program, who joined the event virtually through Microsoft Teams.

Students at Texas Wesleyan University gained new insight into careers in school psychology during a guest lecture on Thursday, Sept. 4, by Baylor University professor Kendra A. Hamilton who spoke about the variety and importance of the field. 

Hamilton, clinical assistant professor and director of Baylor’s School Psychology EdS program, explained that school psychologists play crucial roles on campuses, from conducting assessments to providing counseling and crisis intervention. 

“As a school psychologist, we just do a little bit of everything,” Hamilton said. “That’s one of the main reasons I went into this field, because I was able to do so many different things with this degree.” 

Hamilton outlined the differences between an education specialist degree (EdS) and a Ph.D. in school psychology, noting that students should consider whether they are more interested in direct work in schools or research and teaching. She also highlighted the nationwide shortage of school psychologists, emphasizing both the career stability and the urgent need for trained professionals. 

“There is a great need for school psychologists,” Hamilton said. “Most of our students already have job offers before they graduate.” 

For psychology majors in attendance, the talk offered clarity about potential career paths. 

“I hadn’t really been able to picture where I’d be in a few years,” said Noah Richardson, a senior psychology major. “But this program might be for me because it sounds like something I’d really be interested in, applying my skills somewhere they’re really needed in schools.”

Liam Ferrel, a junior psychology major, said he valued the exposure to new options. 

“Going to these events can actually inform individuals of not only portions they may not have known about the possible major or future, but different career paths that can actually make a difference directly,” Ferrel said. 

Faculty also saw the event as a way to help students chart their futures. 

“What’s great about this event is it gave a very specific way that students, after they graduate, can build a career helping a population in the education setting,” said Dr. Matthew Hand, associate professor of psychology and chair of the department. “It’s valuable in helping people find their direction.” 

Hand added that the event was part of a broader lecture series designed to showcase different career opportunities in psychology, from counseling to child protective services. The goal, he said, is to show students that their degree can lead to diverse and impactful careers. 

“As far as our department, the psychology program, we structure this as a series of lectures that anyone can come to across campus,” Hand said. “We invite people from different areas of the field to give students a look at what it looks like to work in psychology.” 

Students left the presentation with both inspiration and practical information, including details about graduate programs, career flexibility and even salary expectations. 

“I think events like this can bring people together, inform individuals about the positive effect they can bring to others, and show how psychology can benefit the entire community,” Ferrel said. 

Richardson agreed with Ferrel. 

“It’s already given me more of a direction for my future,” he said. “I hope it does the same for others.”