MS in School Psychology
Admission to the master of science in school psychology has been suspended. USM will maintain the actual M.S. in school psychology, as well as its accreditation, until the last of the students admitted as of May 2007 graduate, transfer to the Psy.D., or meet the statute of limitations (six years). Current students may use the following as a guide.
The master of science in school psychology offers the student comprehensive studies that integrate general psychological content, methodology, and research with educational principles and practitioner skills. The program is based on a data-based problem-solving model. A more detailed listing of program outcomes can be found in the program handbook. Through practicum training, students are introduced to children's cognitive, social, and emotional behavior; instructional models; teaching styles; and the differential effects of teacher-student interactions and classroom climate. Students demonstrate competencies in assessment and interventions through completion of a comprehensive examination and a performance-based portfolio. During the final portion of the program, students participate in a 1,500 clock hour internship in the public schools, working under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or a certified school psychological service provider. The school psychology program requires 72 credit hours of coursework.
Individuals graduating from this program are eligible for certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and for certification by the Maine Department of Education as a School Psychological Service Provider. Some graduates may be eligible to sit for the examination leading to licensure as a psychological examiner by the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists. The program conforms to training standards specified by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the Maine Department of Education, and the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists
Total Required Credits: 72
Psychological Foundations (15 credits)
HRD 668 Human Development
SPY 671 Physical Bases of Behavior
SPY 674 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
SPY 676 Behavioral Principles of Learning
Educational Foundations (9 credits)
HCE 622 Counseling Children and Adolescents
SED 540 Learners Who are Exceptional in General Education
SED 682 Special Education Law
Assessment (15 credits)
HCE 605 Psychological Measurement and Evaluation
SED 653/SPY672 Assessment of Academic Achievement
SPY 675 Indirect Behavioral Assessment
SPY 677 Cognitive Assessment
SPY 678 Functional Behavioral Assessment
Interventions (9 credits)
HCE 626 Group Process and Procedures
SPY 603 Consultation in School Psychology
SPY 673 Social Foundations of Behavior
SPY 684 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
Research (6 credits)
EDU 600 Research Methods and Techniques
SPY 659 Clinical Research Methods
Professional School Psychology (18 credits)
SPY 609 Professional Ethics in Psychology
SPY 688 Internship in School Psychology (9 Credits, 1,500 hours)
SPY 693 School Psychology Practicum I
SPY 694 School Psychology Practicum II
For course descriptions, please click here: http://usm.maine.edu/sehd
Transfer Credit
A maximum of six credit hours may be approved as transfer credit, provided these credits were earned no more than three years prior to matriculation and grades of B or better were received. Additional transfer credit may be approved by the program chair in exceptional circumstances, including certificates of graduate study program courses. Please also see College transfer credit policies in the CEHD Admission and Academic Policies section. Graduate students in master's level school psychology programs at other universities may transfer into the program if they take their final twenty-one hours, including the internship requirement, in USM's school psychology program.
Professional Licensure and Certification Notice
Students who are pursuing degrees leading to application for professional licensure or certification, and/or who will be participating in clinical placements, internships, or practica through their USM program should be aware that their host facility may require a criminal background check, finger printing, or drug screening. In such situations, each student is responsible for obtaining and paying for the background check or other screening process and for delivering required documentation to the facility. Although the University will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. Students should further be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the state certification body. Students may consult the certification body corresponding to their intended occupation for more details. Successful completion of a program of study at USM does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.
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