School psychologists provide a variety of psychological services primarily in public school settings. Through their skills in consultation, assessment, intervention and program evaluation, school psychologists work closely with teachers, administrators, parents, and community agencies to identify and treat students' problems. Specialist degree level school psychologists are in demand regionally and nationally. Our program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), NCATE, and the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Graduates meet the requirements for certification as school psychologists in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and most other states.

The School Psychology program requires 65 semester credits taken over three years. The program consists of two years of full-time on-campus course work and a one-year internship. A non-terminal, thesis-based Master's degree is awarded after the first 30 semester credits with the terminal Specialist degree awarded after the remaining 35 credits. It is expected that students will earn both the Master's and the Specialist degrees. Continuous registration from enrollment to completion of Specialist degree (excluding summers) in coursework at MSUM or PSY 698/798: Continuing Registration is required. Students are admitted only on a full-time basis with attendance beginning in the fall semester. Admission is limited and competitive. The application deadline is February 15 for both degree programs. Late applications will be considered if space is available.

Students who complete the Master of Science and Specialist in School Psychology will show evidence of knowledge and skills in:

1. Data-based decision-making and accountability
2. Consultation and collaboration
3. Effective instruction and development of cognitive skills
4. Socialization and development of life skills
5. Student diversity in development and learning
6. School and systems organization, policy development and climate
7. Prevention, crisis intervention, and mental health
8. Home/school/community collaboration
9. Research and program evaluation
10. School psychology practice and development
11. Information resources

Application Priority Deadlines: February 15

1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. No specific undergraduate major required, however, preparation must include a minimum of 12 semester hours of course work in psychology including one developmental psychology course. At least one course should be at an upper-level. One statistics course also is required. A research methods course is highly recommended.
2. 3.0 grade point average or at least 3.25 grade point average for the last 30 semester credits of graded course work.
3. Completed "Application for Admission to Graduate Study" form.
4. Undergraduate and other transcripts sent directly from the institution to the Graduate Studies Office.
5. Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended.
6. Combined score of 1,000 on the Verbal and Quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Only official scores are accepted; no more than five years old.
7. Letter of intent specifying career goals and research interests.
8. Three letters of recommendation. At least one letter should be from someone who can speak to the candidate's academic skills (use forms provided). A minimum of two letters from academic sources (including someone from the candidate's major) is highly recommended.
9. A personal or telephone interview is highly recommended. Interviews are to be done as part of the application process before the application deadline. It is up to the applicant to schedule the interview by contacting the Program Director.

The program must be completed under Plan A with a thesis required. 

1. Minimum of 30 credits.
2. Students who wish to transfer credits from other institutions or have taken courses before admission to the graduate program should refer to the "Residence and Transfer of Credit" section in the Graduate Bulletin for further information.
3. 3.0 grade point average required for courses submitted for the degree. A grade of "B-" is the minimum allowed in core school psychology classes and a "C-" is the minimum grade allowed in non-core classes.
4. Written comprehensive examination.
5. Thesis.
6. Oral examination in defense of the thesis.

Detailed information on these requirements and department policies and procedures may be obtained from the School Psychology Graduate Program Coordinator. Further information on degree requirements may be found in "General Degree Requirements" at the front of the Graduate Bulletin.

Master's and Specialist Degrees combined (65 semester credits). Courses not completed as part of the Master's degree are completed for the Specialist Degree.

Students may substitute an equivalent special education methods course of a minimum of two credits approved by the Program Coordinator for SPED 545 or SPED 570.