School Psychology, M.S.Ed.

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Introduction

Master of Science in Education The school psychology program provides students with specialized training in both psychology and education. School psychologists use their knowledge, training and skills to team with educators, parents and other mental health professionals. They work to maximize the learning of students and to promote the development of safe, healthy and enriching school environments.

The Master of Science in Education degree (M.S.Ed.) course work occupies the first year of study, and the Education Specialist degree in school psychology (Ed.S.) is completed after the second year of study and a third year of internship. Following successful completion of both degrees, students are eligible for full certification by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the corresponding agency in most other states. Additionally, after completing both degrees, students are eligible for national certification by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

The M.S.Ed. degree in school psychology is a 30-credit degree program. Students complete course work in psychometrics, counseling, assessment, diagnosis and psychoeducational disabilities. After satisfactorily completing 30 credit hours and a thesis, students are awarded the degree.

Degree Program Admission

To be admitted with full status to the program, the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and have an overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better. A limited number of applicants may be admitted on probationary status if their overall grade point average is at least a 2.75.

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree with a major emphasis in one of the behavioral sciences or a closely related field. As part of the preparation for entry, a minimum of 15 credits in psychology and/or education are recommended. Course work necessary for sufficient preparation includes developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, personality, learning and statistics. An applicant with insufficient background may be required to take specific undergraduate courses in these areas in addition to those required within the graduate program.

The Graduate School Application form (obtainable online at www.uwstout.edu/grad/prospect/apply.cfm), the Program Application form (obtainable online at www.uwstout.edu/programs/edssp/apply.cfm), and their respective documents must be submitted by each applicant. Applicants must have presented and filed all required admission documents by January 15 prior to enrollment. After committee review, selected applicants will be invited for personal interviews. Following the committee’s review, applicants will be notified of their status prior to April 15. If openings occur after this date, the program director and the committee may consider late applications.

Students will be admitted on the basis of academic performance, the recommendation of the Graduate School, and the rankings of the admission’s committee. These rankings are based on:

1. Letters of recommendation from employers, faculty, and persons knowledgeable regarding the qualifications of the applicant.
2. The applicant’s previous grade point average.
3. An interview in person (or by telephone when restriction prohibits a personal interview).
4. An autobiographical statement in which the applicant has outlined areas of interest, intent and professional goals.
5. A spontaneous writing sample completed by the applicant on the interview date.
6. Work or volunteer experience in the helping professions.

Education Specialist Degree Admission

Admission to the M.S. Ed. program in school psychology does not ensure admission to the Ed.S. program. Admission to the Ed.S. program requires an application to the Graduate School and the Ed.S. program.

Applicants to the Ed.S. program must have maintained at least a 3.25 graduate grade point average, and attained a grade of “B” or better in the following courses: Counseling Process Labratory, Learning Disabilities Laboratory, and Supervised Counseling Practicum. Further, an applicant must be considered a student in good standing, have demonstrated appropriate professional conduct as a graduate student, and have passed a background check conducted by the appropriate state or federal agency.

Practicing professionals who already possess a related master’s degree may also wish to seek school psychology certification. Such individuals also must apply for admission to the Ed.S. degree in school psychology program.

Primary Evaluation Processes

The primary process used to evaluate a student’s performance is a regularly scheduled review by the program committee of a student’s course grades, research activities, practicum evaluations, and professional ethical/legal conduct. Program faculty convene once a semester to evaluate each student’s progress. Degree candidacy is awarded to students who are in good standing, have fulfilled all Graduate School requirements for degree candidacy, and have fulfilled all school psychology program requirements for degree candidacy.

Requirements

The program outlined here includes all requirements for the M.S.Ed. degree in School Psychology. Completion of the M.S.Ed. degree will require a minimum of 30 credits and Plan B thesis. Credits earned toward the degree must meet a grade point average of 3.0 or better. A minimum of 15 credits must be at the 700 level. Application for degree candidacy must also be approved at the appropriate time.

All of the following courses are required for full certification as a school psychologist. The first 30 credits can be applied toward the M.S.Ed. degree.

Degree Without Certification

Students who do not intend to work in the schools as a school psychologist but are interested in a related field (where preparation emphasizing assessment, counseling, consultation, and disabilities is desirable) may elect to complete the M.S.Ed. degree only.

Provisional Certificate or Licensure

A provisional certificate or licensure will be awarded to a student who has completed a master’s degree and all remaining course work (except the Internship and Specialist Thesis requirements of the Ed.S. degree) by the Department of Public Instruction in Wisconsin or a corresponding agency in most states.