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image 1Gordon F. Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies___
Master's Programs M.A. in School Psychology Plan of Study

The Master's of Arts in school psychology combines academic studies with internships, field work, and practica to give candidates a broad base of knowledge in the fundamentals of psychology and the practical experience of working with diverse student populations. The program is committed to the ethical standards of the National Association of School Psychologists and the American Psychological Association.

The master's program is a 72-credit program consisting of

  • core courses in psychology and education
  • 12 credits in assessment
  • 30-credit core of school practice preparation, including an internship, practica, and field placements.

The school practice core culminates with a full-time internship in a public school working under the supervision of a certified school psychologist. Field placements and practica offer intensive training to hone integrated skills through comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations and consultations.

The program can be completed in three years of full-time or four years of part-time study, with some attendance during summer sessions. Classes are scheduled for late afternoon and in the evenings to allow candidates to earn a master's degree while employed.

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Plan of Study View curriculum details and degree requirements
Apply Now Apply to the Gordon F. Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies online today
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Admission Requirements
All application materials must be received by March 1 for fall admission.

The GRE is not required. Applicants are required to have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and 15 credits in psychology, which must include:

  • general psychology
  • developmental child or adolescence psychology
  • abnormal personality or social psychology
  • tests and measurements
  • statistics.

Applications are due to Admissions by March 1st.  There is an interview process in which we follow.  Students are accepted for the Fall semester only. 

Students may be admitted to the program conditionally, providing they complete any missing undergraduate courses with grades of B or better.

Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation from former teachers or employers, plus an essay or professional statement that addresses the following:

Why have you chosen to student at Adelphi University?
Why do you want to become a school psychologist?
What are your long-term professional goals?

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Transfer Credits
Students who have taken master's level psychology courses at another university may apply for written permission by the dean and program director to transfer up to a maximum of 6 credits. Transfers are considered only for those courses in which the student received a minimum grade of B.

Under no circumstances will more than 6 credits be transferred.

Students must provide a university bulletin containing the course descriptions and a syllabus for those courses for which the student is requesting a transfer of credit.

Please note: Students admitted to the M.A. in general psychology must re-apply for admission to the M.A. in school psychology program. Students will not be permitted to change programs without having completed the entire application procedure.

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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.

In addition to the required courses, students must 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 (NCSPs), which gives them a greater chance of obtaining certification in other states. Requirements for certification as a school psychologist vary by state; 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) Web site. Students are advised to retain their textbooks, such as Best Practices in School Psychology and School Psychology: Past, Present, and Future, in order 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. Students should be aware that the title psychologist is protected by law, and that this program does not provide one with the necessary credentials to work in independent practice.

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More Information
Go to the following Web sites 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
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Contact
For additional information, please contact:

Danielle Erker
Administrative Assistant
p - 516.877.4739
e - erker@adelphi.edu
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