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The Master of Arts in School Psychology is a 72-credit program that can be completed in three years of full-time study, or four years of part-time study, with some attendance during summer sessions. The majority of courses are in either assessment or school practice preparation. Classes are scheduled for late afternoon and evenings, which allows candidates to earn a master's degree while employed.
The program’s core courses are in psychology and education, with 12 credits in assessment and a 30-credit core of school practice preparation, which includes the internship. In addition to the internship there are various field placements and practica within the 30-credit core of school practice preparation. Field placements provide an opportunity for students to practice beginning skills in conjunction with a didactic course. Practica provide students with a more intensive opportunity to use integrated skills, such as providing comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations and school consultation.
The school practice core culminates with a full-time internship in a public school, working under the supervision of a certified school psychologist.
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Graduation Requirements
Students are required to earn grades of B or better in all courses in order to remain in the program. If a grade less than B is earned in any course, the student must meet with the program director and will be placed on academic probation.
Grades below B will not count toward graduation. Core courses must be retaken. If it is an elective, another elective may be substituted.
Students are required to take the Praxis Exam (given by the Educational Testing Service), as their Comprehensive Exam. This will also permit students to become Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP), which increases mobility when moving from one jurisdiction to another. Requirements for certification as a school psychologist differ across states; however, some states accept the NCSP credential as the basis for certification.
Information about the Praxis Exam may be obtained at the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) website. Students are advised to retain their textbooks, such as Best Practices in School Psychology, and School Psychology: Past, Present and Future, among others, so as to have the materials necessary to prepare for the examination.
Individuals with an M.A. in school psychology will meet the requirements for provisional certification as a school psychologist in New York State. Employment may be obtained in public schools; currently there is a shortage of school psychologists. Other employment opportunities may exist in state-run agencies, such as the Office of Developmental Disabilities. The choice of employment is somewhat more limited than that for individuals with a doctoral-level degree. Students should note that the title psychologist is protected by law, and that this program does not provide one with the necessary credential to work in independent practice.
More Information
Go to the following websites for more information on school psychology in New York State and nationally:
New York Association of School Psychologists
National Association of School Psychologists
American Psychological Association, Division of School Psychology
Contact
For additional information, please contact:
Michelle Baker
Administrative Assistant
p - 516.877.4802
e - mbaker@adelphi.edu
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