School Psychology (MA)

CIP Code

42.2805.00

Overview

The Master of Arts in School Psychology program prepares professionals to work effectively with children, adolescents, and families from diverse sociocultural and linguistic backgrounds. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing the integration of empirical research into practice. Training includes comprehensive preparation in mental health and educational interventions, child development, learning and behavior, motivation, curriculum and instruction, assessment, consultation, collaboration, school law, and educational systems.

A year-long supervised internship provides practical experience in applying these competencies within school settings. School Psychologists are equipped to help students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally by collaborating with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and community.

In Texas, individuals providing school psychological services in public schools must hold a School Psychologist License credential, issued by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP).

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the graduate program in school psychology, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:

1. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field preferred.
2. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
3. Three letters of recommendation from individuals in a position to judge the professional and academic potential of the applicant. At least one should be from a university professor in the applicant’s major area of study.
4. Letter of intent indicating reasons for pursuing the degree.
5. Cleared Criminal Background Check.
6. Personal interview (Upon completing application).

Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.

Program admission is not based on any single criterion; multiple criteria are considered.

Progression Requirements

Three "C" Rule

A student may earn two grades of C. However, upon earning a third C, he/she will be dismissed from the MA in School Psychology Program. The student may appeal the suspension to the School Psychology Program Coordinator.

"F" Rule

A student who receives a grade of F will be automatically dismissed from the MA in School Psychology Program. The student may appeal the dismissal from the MA in School Psychology Program to the School Psychology Program Coordinator.

Academic Standing

1. A student must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or greater.
2. Students must comply with the program Fitness to Practice policy in order to continue in the program and be recommended as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP). This Fitness to Practice Policy applies to all students upon enrollment in the School Psychology Program, and remains in effect until completion of the program. Satisfying the curricular requirements is not sufficient for completion of the School Psychology Program. In addition to satisfactory completion of the academic requirements and standards of the UTRGV Graduate School (delineated in the Graduate Catalog), all candidates are expected to demonstrate skills sufficient to provide psychological and educational services to children, families, and schools. Progress in the Program is a result of successful completion of university coursework and the demonstration of important characteristics and dispositions identified below as Fitness to Practice Standards. These Standards are guided by the School Psychology Program Principles, which are based on the profession’s values and reflect goals for those graduating from the Program. The Fitness to Practice Standards are especially critical given the nature of the services provided by school psychologists, and program faculty reserve the right to recommend or not recommend students’ continuation in the Program on the basis of whether students demonstrate Fitness to Practice as outlined in the full text of the Fitness to Practice policy located on the program website.

Note: This program leads to a profession which requires an occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001. This requires that all applicants seeking to become licensed must undergo a criminal background check prior to licensure.

Program Requirements

Students in the MA School Psychology program complete 69 hours for the degree. The program requires a Praxis exam.

Required Courses

Core Courses - 69 hours

Course	Course Name
EPSY 6350	Introduction to Statistics
EPSY 6358	Introduction to Research
SPSY 6301	Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
SPSY 6305	Sociocultural Foundations of Education
SPSY 6310	Legal, Ethical, & Professional Issues in School Psychology
SPSY 6314	Curriculum Based Assessment and Academic Intervention
SPSY 6315	Behavior Assessment & Intervention
SPSY 6319	Clinical Neuropsychology
SPSY 6320	Consultation Theory & Techniques
SPSY 6325	Psychological Learning Theories
SPSY 6327	School-Based Counseling Theories
SPSY 6328	School-Based Counseling Methods & Techniques
SPSY 6329	Human Development Across the Lifespan
SPSY 6331	Leadership in the Instruction of Diverse Learners
SPSY 6340	Mental Health Services in the Schools
SPSY 6370	Psychological Measurement
SPSY 6380	Cognitive Theory and Assessment in School Psychology
SPSY 6381	Academic Assessment & Application in School Psychology
SPSY 6382	Bilingual & Multicultural Psychoeducational Assessment in School Psychology
SPSY 6383	Personality and Behavior Assessment of Children & Adolescents
SPSY 7340	Practicum in School Psychology
SPSY 7350	Internship in School Psychology I
SPSY 7351	Internship in School Psychology II

Capstone Requirement

Praxis Exam – School Psychology

Total Credit Hours: 69