Part-time & Graduate Enrollment Services
School Psychology MS
Program overview
The master of science degree in school psychology is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and prepares students for provisional New York state certification as school psychologists. Designed to provide students with a strong background in psychological foundations, the program develops professional skills and competencies in assessment, counseling, consultation, and program evaluation.
A school psychologist works with young children (birth to age five); elementary, junior high, and high school students; teachers and administrators; parents; and professionals to offer services that lead to the amelioration of existing student difficulties and attempts to prevent school problems. Through diagnostic testing, counseling, consultation, and intervention, school psychologists help students deal with learning and behavioral difficulties and help improve students’ adjustment to school and their community.
The master of science degree is awarded after students have completed all course work, an internship, and have passed a portfolio review.
Curriculum
School psychology, MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| SPSY-631 | Cognitive Assessment | 3 |
| SPSY-630 | Academic Assessment | 3 |
| SPSY-620 | Interpersonal Intervention Skills | 3 |
| SPSY-610 | Advanced Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| SPSY-600 | Field Experience I: Professional School Psychology Foundations | 3 |
| SPSY-632 | Social-Emotional Assessment | 3 |
| SPSY-721 | Academic Intervention | 3 |
| SPSY-640 | Statistics | 3 |
| SPSY-650 | Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SPSY-601 | Field Experience II: Professional School Psychology Foundations | 3 |
| Second Year | ||
| SPSY-730 | Comprehensive Assessment Integration | 3 |
| SPSY-641 | Research Methods | 3 |
| SPSY-720 | Advanced Consultation | 3 |
| SPSY-710 | Developmental Psychopathology | 3 |
| SPSY-701 | Advanced Practicum I: Issues in Diversity | 3 |
| SPSY-722 | Advanced Counseling | 3 |
| SPSY-723 | Systems and Organizational Interventions | 3 |
| SPSY-611 | Biopsychology | 3 |
| SPSY-603 | Ethical and Legal Issues | 3 |
| SPSY-702 | Advanced Practicum II: Issues in Diversity | 3 |
| Third Year | ||
| SPSY-750 | Internship | 3 |
| SPSY-750 | Internship | 3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 66 | |
Degree requirements
A minimum of 66 semester credit hours are required for completion of the program. Before registering for the internship, students must pass a portfolio review. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above is required.
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission to the MS program in school psychology, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree at an accredited college or university,
- Have a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0,
- Have completed at least 18 semester hours in behavioral sciences with a grade of B (3.0) or above,
- Have completed prerequisite undergraduate courses in general psychology, elementary statistics, child or developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology,
- Submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE),
- Submit letters of reference,
- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
- Submit an essay outlining the candidate's goals and related experience that shows evidence of a professional commitment and the potential for developing effective relationships with children, youth, and adults,
- Complete an individual interview, and
- Complete an application for graduate study.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language. A minimum score of 580 (paper-based) is required. This requirement is waived for native speakers of English and those submitting transcripts from American universities.
All credentials must be submitted and reviewed before the student completes 9 semester credit hours of graduate work in the program. Applications are due by February 1. Later applications will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Career Outcomes
Job TitlesSchool Psychologist
FunctionsK-12 schools, Community Centers, Human Service Agencies
Recent EmployersRochester City School District, Buffalo School District, East Irondequoit School District, Fairport School District, and many out of state school districts, e.g., AZ, VA, FL