School Psychology PsyS

MS School Psychology

The program of study leading to the Master of Science in School Psychology (MS) program is designed to provide the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to continue into the specialist level degree program in School Psychology. The specialist level degree is required for licensure as a School Psychologists in a P-12 education setting.

PsyS School Psychology

The program of study leading to the Specialist in School Psychology (PsyS) program is designed to prepare persons to function as licensed School Psychologists in a P-12 education setting. School psychology candidates demonstrate the knowledge and skills delineated in professional standards. Specifically, the School Psychology program is aligned to the standards set forth by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Accreditation

The USF School Psychology program is approved by the Indiana Department of Education. It will seek accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and program approval by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Saint Francis graduate programs in Psychology and Counseling is to prepare culturally competent professionals who utilize evidence-based practices through a lifespan approach to work with diverse client populations. Our programs emphasize strength-based helping strategies and community outreach with a specialized focus on social justice in the Franciscan tradition.

Student Learning Outcomes

To successfully complete the Specialist in School Psychology, candidates will:

• Establish an identity as a licensed psychologist who is able to apply ethical principles, Franciscan values, and professional standards into professional practice.
• Demonstrate practical skills for intervention and prevention when working with individual, group, and life skills/career counseling through evidence-based theories and practices.
• Demonstrate knowledge, self-awareness, and skills when working with individuals and groups with diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Understand and apply concepts of normal and abnormal behavior to case formulation, diagnosis, and treatment planning across the lifespan.
• Incorporate knowledge of assessment measures including the selection, administration, interpretation, and application to appropriate setting with regard to strengths, limitations, and individual characteristics.
• Demonstrate application of scientific methods to evaluate professional sources, clinical practices, interventions, and programs.
• Apply knowledge of biological, cultural, developmental, social, organizational, and environmental bases of behavior, cognition, and learning.
• Understand the use of and respond appropriately to supervision by engaging in reflective practices and self-care strategies.
• Provide competent leadership in P-12 school settings through the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs as well as responsive and preventative services.
• Provide varied methods of consultation, collaboration, and communication applicable to individuals, families, groups, and systems to promote effective implementation of services.
• Use preventative, developmental, and remedial assessments and interventions that facilitate the academic, social, and emotional functioning of P-12 students and their families.

Licensure or Certification Eligibility

The School Psychology program at the University of Saint Francis provides the educational requirements, including academic coursework and related field experiences, to be recommended to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) for licensure in the state of Indiana within a P-12 school setting. It should be noted that the PsyS in School Psychology is the IDOE approved program for licensure.

Students interested in obtaining a license in another state as a School Psychologist are required to contact the licensing board in that state to determine state regulations as licensure requirements vary by state.

PsyS Degree Requirements

The School Psychology program requires 36 credit hours:

• 24 hours in major courses
• 12 hours in fieldwork

PsyS School Psychology Program of Study

School Psychology Clinical Instruction

PSYC 705 Practicum in Therapeutic Interventions, PSYC 710 Practicum in Personality and Behavioral Assessment, and PSYC 715 Practicum in Psychological Assessment require 200 hours each in an approved school or community mental health setting. PSYC 720 Internship in School Psychology requires 1,200 hours over two semesters; at least 600 hours must be in an approved school setting. Candidates must have on file proof of professional liability insurance as well as a current background check with a valid Department of Child Services Index Search. Additional information is available from the Director of the School Psychology program. Six months advanced planning is recommended for the practicum and internship courses.

Admission Requirements

MS, School Psychology candidates seeking to enter the PsyS, School Psychology program must maintain a minimum 3.7 GPA through their second Fall semester of study. The candidate’s academic performance and professional dispositions across settings will be evaluated by the faculty in the Department of Psychology and Counseling to determine eligibility for progression into the PsyS, School Psychology program. Students must submit an application letter, a quality graduate level writing sample, and an updated vita/resume to be reviewed by the Psychology and Counseling Graduate Admissions Committee. The review process will occur during the candidate’s second semester in the MS program. Candidates will be notified of the admission status to the PsyS program by the end of the first Spring semester in the MS program. Admission to the PsyS program is not guaranteed.

Applicants seeking direct entry into the PsyS, School Psychology program with a Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., School Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, etc) will be evaluated on an individual basis and must at minimum:

• Submit three letters of recommendation and, where appropriate, one from a former college professor and one from an employer or supervisor who has observed the applicant in a professional setting.
• Submit a concise, typed, two-page statement of professional goals, including why he/she wishes to respecialize with a degree in School Psychology, consistent with the purpose and focus of the program. One could also include specific training objectives and long-term career goals following graduation.
• Demonstrate proficiency regarding academic performance. Applicants must have a minimum 3.7 GPA in graduate coursework, as recorded on official transcripts.
• Indicate sufficient emotional maturity and stability to complete the rigors of graduate study as well as maintain ethical practice regarding client/student welfare. This includes, but is not limited to, openness and introspective ability regarding how applicant’s own issues impact his/her work as a professional in the field of Psychology.
• Candidates will have an interview with the School Psychology Program Director and/or Psychology and Counseling Admissions Committee.

Admission Decisions

Following the completed application process, the Office of Admissions will inform the applicant in writing of the recommendation of the Admissions Committee. This recommendation may take one of four forms:

• Accept: Registration for courses will be permitted and applicant will contact the Director of the School Psychology for an advising appointment.
• Deny: Application has been denied at this time.
• Conditional: Candidate’s full acceptance is contingent on submission of all admission requirements.
• Provisional: Out of commitment to see the applicant succeed and because certain areas of perceived deficiency exist, the applicant is provisionally accepted. These provisions may include additional coursework, assignments or restrictions being successfully met before full admission is granted. The applicant will meet with the Director of School Psychology for advisement and to contract any provisions.

Applicants have one year (12 months) from the date of notification of acceptance or provisional acceptance to register for classes; failure to do so invalidates admission and the applicant must reapply, without guarantee of acceptance.