College of Education and Human Development

School Psychology

FAQs

What is a school psychologist?

School psychologists are professionals with specialized training in the application of psychology methods in school settings.  School psychology professionals must complete advanced training beyond a bachelor's degree.  Some school psychology professionals have a master's degree, some a specialist degree, and some a doctorate.  While the specific duties of each professional vary according to the school setting, the major focus of school psychology work includes assessment, interventions, and consultation for academic and emotional/behavioral difficulties.

Do I need a bachelor's degree in psychology or another advanced degree to apply to the School Psychology program?

No. Individuals may apply to the Psy.D. program with any earned bachelor's degree.  Applicants do not need to have majored in psychology.  Students with a prior master's degree in school psychology or a closely related field may be able to take some different classes than those students who enter the program with a bachelor's degree.  For more information on degree requirements see the program summaries.

If I already have a Master's degree in counseling or social work, can I count the classes I took in that program toward the M.S. in School Psychology to become certified or licensed in school psychology?

No. Most universities, including USM, prohibit using credit earned toward one degree for another degree. In addition, the certification and licensing rules in Maine and most other states require more than a Master's degree to practice school psychology. The USM M.S. in School Psychology requires 72 credit hours of study.  The Psy.D. in School Psychology requires between 60-69 credits beyond the master's and culminating in a 1500 internship in school psychology. School Psychology matriculants who have a prior graduate degree which included coursework that overlaps with School Psychology program requirements, may be able to obtain a waiver of that course requirement and take another elective in its place. While specific courses can be waived due to previous training, the total number of credits for the degree cannot be waived. Those matriculants who have previously taken graduate courses not used for a degree, including USM graduate courses may be able to use those classes toward the M.S. in School Psychology. USM allows up to 2 classes or 6 credits of graduate work to be transferred into a graduate program.

May I take certain School Psychology Program classes before I apply or am admitted to the program so I can see if I like the program or while I await an admissions decision?

Yes, non-matriculants may take only up to 2 classes prior to applying to any of the School Psychology programs. The following courses may be taken prior to admission and without being a matriculated student:

Once an application for admission to the Psy.D. or CABA program is submitted and complete in the Office of Graduate Admissions, individuals who are seeking admission to one of the programs may request to take up to two (2) more School Psychology or CABA courses prior to being admitted as a matriculated students.  Such applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  Successful completion of any School Psychology course does not guarantee that an applicant will be admitted to any of the programs. 

Applications to take up to two additional classes while admissions decisions are pending should be sent to:

Dr. Michael Brady, Professor and Chair
Department of Human Resource Development
College of Education and Human Development
400 Bailey Hall
Gorham, ME 04038
or via email to: mbrady@usm.maine.edu

Are internships paid?

It depends. The number of paid internships in school psychology has increased over the years.  There are more paid internships for doctoral students than master's/specialist students.  In Maine, some, but not all, school districts offer paid internships; in other places in the U.S. there are many paid internships available.  Program faculty assist students in finding an internship that is matched to the student's needs and interests.

Must the internship be done in Maine?

No. Students can complete their internships in other states, pending approval by program faculty.

What credentials are needed to practice school psychology in Maine?

There are three credentials which allow school psychology practice privileges in Maine. These are:Certified School Psychological Service Provider (CSPSP): Granted by the Maine Department of Education to those with a specialist or doctoral degree from a school psychology training program approved by the National Association of School Psychologists or the American Psychological Association. A provisional certificate is awarded upon verification of receipt of the school psychology degree. The provisional certificate is good for two years and requires the holder to have regular supervision by a credentialed CSPSP or Licensed Psychologist during the first two years of practice. The CSPSP can be renewed after two years by obtaining National Certification as School Psychologist (NCSP) or by becoming a Licensed Psychological Examiner or Licensed Psychologist.Licensed Psychologist (LP): Granted by the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists and open only to those with a doctorate in psychology from an APA approved training program. Grants public and private practice privileges for all areas of psychology in which the licensee is properly trained. Requires a 1500 pre-doctoral internship and 1500 supervised post-doctoral experience in approved settings. Applicants must pass the EPPP exam and stand for oral examination before the Board of Examiners of Psychologists.Licensed Psychological Examiner (LPE): Granted by the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists and open to those with a Master's degree in psychology of at least 48 credit hours plus 1500 hours of supervised practice in an approved setting and which has been supervised by a Licensed Psychologist. Grants limited public and private practice privileges for psycho-educational assessment only. LPE's are barred from other areas of psychology practice, including psychotherapy, interventions, and other forms of treatment except when directly supervised by a Licensed Psychologist. Applicants must pass the EPPP exam and stand for oral examination before the Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

Note: Only those with a doctorate and licensure in psychology may call themselves "psychologist" in Maine. All others are barred from use of this term.

Are there any jobs for school psychology practitioners in Maine and elsewhere?

Yes. Although often unadvertised, there is usually a shortage of school psychology practitioners in Maine. Most of the shortages are in rural areas, but there are annual part and full-time openings in Southern Maine and elsewhere. Nationally, there is a shortage of school psychologists.

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