School Psychology, M.S./C.A.S.

[School Psychology-0826.02]

The Master of Science in School Psychology program prepares students to evaluate, diagnose, and treat children and adolescents, in consultation with parents and teachers. Program has expertise in data-based decision making, mental health and clinical issues.

Since the graduate program in School Psychology has as its principle objective the preparation of students for professional practice, the program recognizes its obligation to the profession, colleagues, employing schools, and society to select appropriate students for the graduate program. Admission to the program is based on five criteria: completed application form, academic transcripts, autobiographical/writing sample statement, three written recommendations (one from a personal acquaintance, and two from current or former college professors), and scores on the General Graduate Record Exam (GRE). In addition, a brief interview will be used as an informal assessment of interpersonal presentation.

Admission Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree in a liberal arts discipline (psychology major preferred*)
Accumulated grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a scale of 4.00 preferred
Official GRE Scores
Prerequisite Psychology Coursework:
- 15-18 credit hours recommended

Transfer Credit:
Applicants to the School Psychology program may transfer up to 30 credits from another regionally accredited college or university graduate program in which they were matriculated graduate students in good standing. Academic credit is not given for life experience or previous work experience.

SPECIFICS OF THE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY, M.S. DEGREE

Minimum Total Hours: 78

Minimum Requirements:

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 must be maintained, with no grade less than a C+ (Only 1 is allowed). Any course with a grade less than C+ will need to be repeated. Field experience, practicum, and internship courses which receive grades of less than a C+ or failing grade will be referred to the Psychology Department’s Academic and Professional Evaluation Committee (APEC) for special action, which may include termination from the program. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will be referred to APEC who will act in accordance with the policies identified in the Graduate Student Termination Policy. At a minimum, students with GPAs below 3.0 will be placed on probation. The student's curriculum plan will be reviewed and necessary adjustments made. Students who are on academic probation for two consecutive terms will be terminated. At least one term (excluding summer) must transpire before reapplying. Students who are struggling with coursework should talk with their instructors and advisors when difficulties arise so that remediation may be done as early in the semester as possible.

Credits in the Program:

GPSY 5030 (3) Clinical Foundations of Interventions I
GPSY 5040 (3) Clinical Foundations of Interventions II
GPSY 5130 (3) Profess, Legal & Ethical Practice in School Psychology
GPSY 5160 (2) Practicum I- School Psychology
GPSY 5200 (3) Assessment I-Psychological Measurement
GPSY 5220 (3) Integrative Assessment-Individual Differences
GPSY 5300 (3) Advanced Developmental Psychology
GPSY 5400 (3) Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior
GPSY 5420 (3) Biological Bases of Behavior/Pharmacology
GPSY 5650 (3) Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
GPSY 6010 (3) Research Methods and Statistics I
GPSY 6030 (3) Multicultural Diversity and Professional Practice
GPSY 6040 (3) Evidence-Based Treatments and Interventions
GPSY 6160 (2) Practicum II- School Psychology
GPSY 6210 (3) Integrative Assessment IV-Social/Emotional Concencentration
GPSY 6220 (3) Integrative Assessment V: Neuropsychological Concentration
GPSY 6550 (3) Consultation for Prevention & Intervention
GPSY 6640 (2) Group Dynamics and Group Counseling
GPSY 7160 (3) Exceptionality & Diversity
GPSY 7340 (3) Play Therapy
GPSY 7350 (3) Conflict Management
GPSY 7200 (9) Internship in School Psychology I
GPSY 7210 (9) Internship in School Psychology II