NY State Program Code: 27525
HEGIS Code: 0826.02
CIP Code: 42.2805
(72 credits)
The master’s in school psychology is a 72-credit program that can be completed in three years of full-time study, or five years of part-time study, with some attendance during summer sessions. The majority of courses are in either assessment or school practice preparation. Classes are scheduled for late afternoon and evenings, which allows candidates to earn a master’s degree while employed.
The MA program in School Psychology has received full accreditation from the National Association of School Psychologists through September 2023. Full information pertaining to the accreditation status of the school psychology program of Adelphi University is available at NASP’s website.
The program’s core courses are in psychology and education, with 15 credits in assessment and a 36-credit core of school practice preparation which includes the internship. In addition to the internship there are various field placements and practica within the 36-credit core of school practice preparation. Field placements provide an opportunity for students to practice beginning skills in conjunction with a didactic course. Practica provide students with a more intensive opportunity to use integrated skills, such as providing comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations and school consultation.
The school practice core culminates with a full-time internship in a public school, working under the supervision of a certified school psychologist.
Students are required to take the Praxis Exam (given by the Educational Testing Service), as their Comprehensive Exam. Information about the Praxis Exam may be obtained at ETS PRAXIS. Students are advised to retain their textbooks, such as Best Practices in School Psychology, and School Psychology: Past, Present and Future, among others, so as to have the materials necessary to prepare for the examination. Individuals with an M.A. in school psychology will meet the requirements for provisional certification as a school psychologist in New York State. Employment may be obtained in public schools; other employment opportunities may exist in state-run agencies, such as the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. The choice of employment is somewhat more limited than that for individuals with a doctoral-level degree. Students should note that the title psychologist is protected by law, and that this program does not provide one with the necessary credential to work in independent practice.
The School Psychology program offers a specialization track in autism for students interested in broadening their knowledge in this area. To obtain the specialization in autism, school psychology students would need to take the following four courses:
EEC 640 Diagnosis of and Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders
EEC 650 Autism I: Students with Severe to Moderate Autism
EEC 660 Autism II: Students with AS, HFA, and Related Disorders
SPY 626 Counseling Students on the Autism Spectrum
The Office for the Master’s Program in School Psychology is housed in Hy Weinberg, Room 326.