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Master of Science & Specialist Degree in School Psychology

Program Coordinator: Margaret (Peg) Potter, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology
Bridges Hall 360N (218) 477-2805
potter@mnstate.edu or schpsych@mnstate.edu

School psychologists are an integral part of the support team available in America's schools. School psychologists use their knowledge of psychology and education to help students of all ages succeed academically and socially. Through their skills in consultation, assessment, intervention, and program evaluation, school psychologists work closely with teachers, administrations, parents, and community agencies to identify and treat student's problems.

MSUM's School Psychology Program meets training standards established by the National Association of School Psychologists and has been NASP/CAEP approved for over 30 years. MSU Moorhead was one of the first programs in the country to receive NASP/CAEP approval.

Master of Science and Specialist Degrees in School Psychology

Description
School psychologists provide a variety of psychological services primarily in public school settings. Through their skills in consultation, assessment, intervention and program evaluation, school psychologists work closely with teachers, administrators, parents, and community agencies to identify and treat students' problems. Specialist degree level school psychologists are in demand regionally and nationally. Our program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), CAEP, and the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Graduates meet the requirements for certification as school psychologists in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and most other states.

Admission Requirements

Information on admission requirements can be found on the Graduate Studies webpage.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Master of Science and Specialist in School Psychology will show evidence of knowledge and skills in:

  • Data-based decision-making and accountability
  • Consultation and collaboration
  • Effective instruction and development of cognitive skills
  • Socialization and development of life skills
  • Student diversity in development and learning
  • School and systems organization, policy development and climate
  • Prevention, crisis intervention, and mental health
  • Home/school/community collaboration
  • Research and program evaluation
  • School psychology practice and development
  • Information resources

Program Delivery Mode
Land plus: face-to-face where some online courses may be available or required

Core Requirements

PSY 517 Developmental Psychopathology (3)
PSY 601 Foundations of School Psychology (2)
PSY 611 Children's Thinking (2)
PSY 613 Biopsychology (2)
PSY 620 Measurement Theory (3)
PSY 621 Assessment/Intervention I: Basic Processes (4)
PSY 622 Assessment/Intervention II: Special Populations (4)
PSY 633 Statistics/Methods for School Psychologists (2)
PSY 634 Methods for Evidence Based Practice (2)
PSY 635 Research Seminar in School Psychology I (1)
PSY 636 Research Seminar in School Psychology II (1-2)
PSY 641 Practicum in School Psychology I (1)
PSY 642 Practicum in School Psychology II (1)
PSY 696 Project/Action Research (Plan B) (3) OR
PSY 699 Thesis (4)

PSY 701 Issues in the Practice of School Psychology (2)
PSY 723 Assessment/Intervention III: Early Childhood (3)
PSY 724 Assessment/Intervention IV: Psychosocial Problems (4)
PSY 728 Systems Intervention (2)
PSY 744 Practicum in School Psychology III (1)
PSY 769 Internship in School Psychology (6) *was PSY 760
PSY 795 Specialist Portfolio in School Psychology (2) *was PSY 796
COUN 520 Basic Counseling Skills (3)
SPED 664 Theory and Process of Consultation (3)
SPED 606 Research & Application in Behavior Analysis (3)
SPED 620 Perspectives and Policies in Special Education (3)
Sped Elective Course (2)

Program Requirements

The School Psychology program requires 65 semester credits taken over three years. The program consists of two years of full-time on-campus course work and a one-year internship. A non-terminal Master's degree is awarded after the first 30 semester credits with the terminal Specialist degree awarded after the remaining 35 credits. It is expected that students will earn both the Master's and the Specialist degrees. Continuous registration from enrollment to completion of Specialist degree (excluding summers) in coursework at MSUM or PSY 698/PSY 798: Continuing Registration is required. Students are admitted only on a full-time basis with attendance beginning in the fall semester. Admission is limited and competitive. The application deadline is February 1 for both degree programs. Late applications will be considered if space is available.

The Master's degree is completed under Plan A or Plan B.

  • Minimum of 30 credits.
  • Students who wish to transfer credits from other institutions or have taken courses before admission to the graduate program should refer to the "Residence and Transfer of Credit" section in the Graduate Bulletin for further information.
  • 3.0 grade point average required for courses submitted for the degree. A grade of "B-" is the minimum allowed in core school psychology classes and a "C-" is the minimum grade allowed in non-core classes.
  • Written comprehensive examination.
  • Thesis or Project.
  • Oral examination in defense of the thesis or Plan B Project.

The Specialist degree is completed under Plan B.

  • Minimum of 35 credits (to total 65 for combined Master's and Specialist Program).
  • National School Psychology Exam.
  • 3.0 grade point average required for courses submitted for the degree. A grade of "B-" is the minimum allowed in core school psychology classes and a "C-" is the minimum grade allowed in non-core classes.
  • Portfolio demonstrating mastery of program objectives.
  • Final oral examination based on portfolio materials.