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Educational Psychology

Certificate of Graduate Study in Response to Intervention: Academic

The two separate certificates of graduate study in Response to Intervention (RTI) are offered through the Educational Psychology and Exceptionalities department. They are designed for practicing teachers in general and special education who seek to learn how to design, implement, and evaluate RTI methods in schools.

There are two certificates of graduate study in RTI:

Response to Intervention: Academic

Response to Intervention: Behavior

Certificate students in both programs will learn the core features of RTI as a multi-tier system to support all students. There are three courses which are common to both certificates, and then three individual courses required for the Academic and the Behavior certificates. There is an optional course in consultation for those seeking to serve in a consulting role. Both RTI: Academic and RTI: Behavior certificates prepare educators to design and implement systems of support which focus on establishing Tier I (core) curriculum practices as the foundations. Students interested in earning both certificates should consult an advisor in the program.

Total Required Credits: 81 credits

RTI: Academic
     SED 615 Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
     SPY 620 Introduction to Multitier Systems of Student Support for General and Special Education
     SPY 625 Multi-Tier Mathematics Instruction for General and Special Education
     SPY 627 Multi-Tier Reading Instruction for General and Special Education
     SPY 672 Assessment of Academic Achievement
     SPY 676 Behavioral Principles of Learning
     SPY 603 Consultation in School Psychology (optional)

RTI: Behavior
     SPY 610 Developing a School-wide System of Behavior Support
     SPY 615 Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
     SPY 620 Introduction to Multitier Systems of Student Support for General and Special Education
     SPY 659 Clinical Research methods
     SPY 676 Behavioral Principles of Learning

Elective in special education, school psychology, or as approved by advisor
     SPY 603 Consultation in School Psychology (optional)

For course descriptions, please click here: http://usm.maine.edu/sehd

Criteria for admission include successful completion of a bachelor's degree, from a regionally accredited college or university. To earn a certificate, students must complete 75 percent of the required coursework at USM, and earn a grade of B (3.0) or better in each course.

Application Deadline

Rolling with priority deadlines for spring by October 1, summer by March 15, and fall by May 1

  • Candidates should submit all application materials to the USM Office of Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300 by the application deadline.
Application must include:
  • Application for Certificate Program, including a $25.00 nonrefundable application fee;
  • Official transcripts or copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities from which you received a degree;
  • Current resume; and
  • Personal statement.

Applicants who wish to pursue both certificates must complete a separate application for each.

Acceptance to a certificate program does not constitute acceptance to a master's or post-master's certificate of advanced study program. Applications for degree status must be made under separate cover.