Master Of Arts In School Psychology

Master of Arts in School Psychology

Role of the School Psychologist: School Psychologists work with children and adolescents experiencing a wide range of academic, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. Common roles and functions of the School Psychologist include psychological assessment, counseling, consultation, crisis intervention, research, and program evaluation. School Psychologists work with students, their families, and school staff in order to help students be as successful as possible in school.

Job Demand for School Psychologists: School Psychology has been identified by the U.S. Department of Labor as a specialization that is likely to have faster than average employment growth. In addition, Texas has been identified as a state that will encounter one of the most serious shortages of School Psychologists in the near future. Thus, the job prospects for School Psychologists are very favorable. Minority and bilingual school psychologists are especially needed given the increasing diversity of public schools.

The School Psychology Program at UTSA: The School Psychology program at UTSA will be located in the Department of Educational Psychology, which is in the College of Education and Human Development. The program is designed to provide the academic and practical training necessary to become licensed as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Graduates also will be eligible to apply for certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, which is a nationally-recognized professional certification granted by the National Association of School Psychologists. The program will include coursework and field-based experiences related to psychological assessment, intervention, development, psychopathology, research, statistics, and professional issues. Students will also complete a full-time internship in a school setting. Due to the clinical nature of this program and number of hours required, the degree will not have a Thesis option.

Learning Objectives of the Program: Consistent with the Standards for Training and Field Placement Programs in School Psychology developed by the National Association of School Psychologists, the School Psychology program at UTSA will address the following domains of competence:

1. Data-Based Decision-Making and Accountability 2. Consultation and Collaboration 3. Effective Instruction and Development of Cognitive/Academic Skills 4. Socialization and Development of Life Skills 5. Student Diversity in Development and Learning 6. School and Systems Organization, Policy Development, and Climate 7. Prevention, Crisis Intervention, and Mental Health 8. Home/School/Community Collaboration 9. Research and Program Evaluation 10. School Psychology Practice and Development 11. Information Technology

Program Curriculum: The National Association of School Psychologists and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists both require master’s- and specialist-level programs in School Psychology to include at least 60 hours of coursework, including practica and internship. These entities also provide very specific courses and domains of competence that must be reflected in the curriculum. Our degree requirements and curriculum reflect these standards, which will facilitate the professional accreditation of the program and the licensure of our graduates. Our requirements also are consistent with those of other School Psychology programs within the state.

Required courses in the 66-hour program include:

Prefix and Required Courses SCH Number EDP xxxx Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in School Psychology 3 EDP 5033 Human Development across the Lifespan 3 EDP xxxx Clinical Neuropsychology 3 SPE 5403 Exceptional Children and Youth in the Schools 3 EDP xxxx Assessment of Intelligence and Achievement 3 EDP 6643 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology 3 EDP 5053 Psychosocial Contexts of Learning 3 SPE 5513 Curriculum and Instructional Applications for Children and 3 Youth in Special Education COU 5213 Counseling Theories 3 EDP 5003 Psychological Learning Theories 3 EDP xxxx Methods and Techniques of Inquiry I 3 EDP xxxx Methods and Techniques of Inquiry II 3 EDP 6323 Advanced Psychological Assessment 3 EDP xxxx Behavioral Assessment and Intervention 3 COU 5253 Child and Adolescent Counseling in a Systemic Context 3 EDP 5303 Principles and Techniques of Evaluation 3 EDP 6733 Multicultural Assessment and Intervention 3 COU 6003 Consultation and Program Evaluation 3 EDP xxxx Practicum in School Psychology 6 EDP xxxx Internship in School Psychology 6

Program Admission Requirements:

 Graduate Studies Application  Department Application  Official Transcripts indicating a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Sociology, or closely related field  GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 semester credit hours of coursework towards the undergraduate degree, as well as in all graduate coursework (if applicable)  GRE Test Scores (including the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing tests)  Two Letters of Recommendation addressing the applicant’s academic and/or professional skills  500 Word Letter of Intent: A statement of purpose which outlines the applicant’s: (1) reasons for pursuing the master’s degree in School Psychology; (2) experiences relevant to the field of psychology or education; and (3) career plans.

To Apply: www.utsa.edu/graduate