Location:

Worcester, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

School Psychology

Program Overview

Program Description:

The M.Ed./CAGS in School Psychology Program is an integrated 69 credit program of full-time study leading to the M.Ed. and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies-Specialist in School Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Child Counseling, leading to an endorsement for credentialing as a Certified School Psychologist. The CAGS is awarded upon successful completion of 69 credits combined planned program of study including full-time practicum (600+ hours) and supervised full-time internship (total 1200+ hours), completion of an acceptable professional portfolio, and successful performance on a comprehensive examination. Candidates must satisfy all other graduate and degree requirements. University endorsement for professional certification as a school psychologist requires a passing score on the Praxis I and Praxis II exams and successful completion of all CAGS components. The School Psychology Program adheres to the principle that professional training consistent with uncompromising standards requires graduate student immersion in supervised, pre-professional performance based activities that include the acquisition of knowledge, the application of emergent competency skills through service delivery and engaging in valid and meaningful research thus contributing to the professional knowledge base of school psychology practices. The Program strives to cultivate practitioner/clinicians with distinctive sensitivities to and competencies in 1) Assessment, 2) Counseling and Psychotherapy, and 3) Consultation with Family and the Community. Worcester State University's School Psychology Program is a graduate program within the Department of Education. The program, which reflects an ecologically oriented scientist-practitioner training model, prepares students to engage in professional School Psychology practices that reflect sensitivity to diversity and context of multi-systems in which they live. Graduates are prepared to be thoughtful and responsive professionals, committed to meeting the needs of those served in diverse environments. Students are grounded in the values of social and educational equality, sensitivity and empathy for others. The ecological framework focuses on prevention, as well as treatment. Collaboration is a cornerstone activity when working as part of a team in delivering services. The Department of Education has a rich history and current practice of collaborative efforts with a variety of departments of the college as well as surrounding school districts. The School Psychology program endeavors to provide opportunities to increase the graduate student’s understanding of such resources in related disciplines and develop appropriately professional collaborative skills on behalf of children, their families and school systems. The School Psychology program offers a graduate program majoring in School Psychology that leads to the awarding of a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study upon successful completion of all requirements.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Currently, the WSU program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education. The National Association of School Psychologists requires data accumulated for initial approval. New programs have a five year window to acquire required data. We anticipate submitting for an initial program approval to the National Association of School Psychologists in the Fall of 2012.

Requirements:

The School Psychology Program utilizes multiple criteria for consideration for admission: 1. A completed transcript of all past educational experiences and documentation of the award of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. 2. an overall undergraduate grade average of B 3. An undergraduate major or concentration in Psychology*. *Students may be admitted to the program from a variety of academic backgrounds. However, it is expected that an appropriate number of courses in psychology may be required in the initial phases of training. The program director reserves the right to determine those courses to be taken. This preparatory coursework will not directly apply to the Course requirements for the M.Ed. /C.A.G.S. in School Psychology.