Psychology, Pre-Specialist in Education: School Psychology Concentration, M.A.

James O. Rust, Coordinator
(615) 898-2319
James.Rust@mtsu.edu

The Department of Psychology offers programs which lead to two graduate degrees: the Master of Arts with a major in Psychology and concentrations in Clinical, Experimental, Industrial/Organizational, Pre-Specialist in Education: School Psychology, and Quantitative Psychology and the Specialist in Education with a major in Curriculum and Instruction and concentration in School Psychology. The department also offers a minor at the graduate level.

The School Psychology program includes two degrees. Program completion and endorsement for a State Department of Education license require successful completion of both degrees. The M.A. portion of the program comes first. The Ed.S. is an advanced degree. It is only available to students who have master's degrees in School Psychology. Respecializing students from other master's programs in Psychology or Counseling may apply, but they will be required to complete deficiencies.

The School Psychology program is field-based. As such, a student is required to be continuously enrolled in at least one field-based course every semester from the completion of PSY 6140 until the completion of the program. PSY 6960, PSY 6980, PSY 7080, and PSY 7810 are field-based courses. The policy excludes summer sessions.

Tennessee teacher licensing in school psychology is obtained through MTSU's program. Licensing requires (1) completion of the Ed.S. with a concentration in School Psychology, (2) 1,200 hours of internship in school psychology, (3) acceptable scores on the School Psychology Praxis II Test, and (4) verification of readiness for independent practice by an internship supervisor. The School Psychology PRAXIS II test assesses the following areas: a) diagnosis and fact finding; b) prevention and intervention; c) applied psychological foundations; and d) ethics and legal considerations.

Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Arts in Psychology with Pre-Specialist in Education: School Psychology concentration requires

1. an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. Most applicants have completed 15 semester hours of psychology classes prior to admission to their graduate programs. Those applicants without 15 semester hours of undergraduate psychology may be admitted to the programs but must complete those credits in addition to their graduate programs.
2. an acceptable grade point average in all college work taken (at least 3.00).
3. completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with acceptable scores.

NOTE: Students who do not meet admission requirements may be admitted conditionally to a specific concentration. Students admitted conditionally must maintain a 3.25 GPA in their first semester (9 hours minimum) of required graduate courses in their concentration areas.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Application Deadlines: Applications for Summer/Fall admission must be complete by March 1, and applications for Spring admission must be complete by October 1. Late applicants who meet the admission criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicant must

1. submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php).
2. submit official scores on the GRE-a minimum of 291 on the combined Verbal and Quantitative sections is expected.
3. submit official transcripts of all previous college work.
4. submit the supplemental School Psychology program application.
5. submit three (3) reference forms (found online). It is recommended that at least two references should be completed by faculty who can attest to the applicant's academic abilities.
6. submit a current curriculum vita that includes education and employment history, research involvement, volunteer activities, references, and awards/scholarships.
7. submit a statement of purpose, including reasons for interest in the field of School Psychology and the program at MTSU, and a description of professional goals. (Typically two to three [2-3] pages in length).

NOTE 1: Admission to graduate study is competitive and not automatic for students meeting minimal admission requirements. Students are selected from a pool of qualified applicants. Each year the number of students admitted to the program depends on the availability of adequate faculty supervision.

NOTE 2: Applicants to the School Psychology programs should contact the department for a special application and reference forms.

NOTE 3: To be considered for a graduate assistantship, students must submit additional materials. Information about the application procedure is available at www.mtsu.edu/psychology/grad/assistantship.php.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the Master of Arts degree in Psychology with a concentration in Pre-Specialist in Education: School Psychology must

1. be able to meet the demands required for professional work in psychology. Therefore, students may be subject to dismissal from the Psychology Department if they (a) commit a serious breach of ethics or gross pro­fessional negligence or (b) present evidence of impaired psychological functioning that would present a danger to themselves or others in a professional role. Students who are dismissed may reapply and will be considered for readmission on a competitive basis. Students who reapply may be asked to provide evidence of improved ability to meet performance requirements. See each area coordinator and program handbook for readmission policy.
2. be continuously enrolled in at least one field-based course every semester from the completion of PSY 6140 until the completion of the program, with the exception of summer sessions.
3. demonstrate knowledge of the core areas of psychology by completing the following courses prior to entering the School Psychology program or during enrollment in the program (relevant courses offered at MTSU are listed in parentheses):
   1. testing (PSY 6100 and PSY 6101; PSY 4260 or equivalent is a prerequisite);
   2. abnormal psychology (PSY 6400);
   3. learning (PSY 6440);
   4. developmental (PSY 6120, PSY 6130, or PSY 6410);
   5. research methods (PSY 6640 [3 hours], PSY 6615 [3 hours]).
4. complete a total of 38 semester hours (see Curriculum section below for specifics). Only 30 percent of the total number of hours may be dually listed (5000-level meeting in conjunction with 4000- or 3000-level) courses; students without at least an undergraduate minor in psychology (at least 15 hours) will be required to complete up to 15 hours of additional psychology coursework that will not count toward the M.A. degree.
5. complete PSY 6280 or PSY 6290.
6. successfully write and orally present a written thesis evaluated by a committee of Psychology faculty in conjunction with PSY 6640.
7. pass a written comprehensive examination prepared by the faculty in the student's concentration (may be taken no more than twice).
8. maintain professional liability insurance (coverage amount at the student's discretion) throughout enrollment in the program, with a current insurance binder filed with the department at all times.

Curriculum

Candidate must complete 38 hours in the following course of study:

Required Courses (20 hours)

• PSY 6060 - School Psychology: Ethics and Practice  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6060 - School Psychology: Ethics and Practice

  3credit hours

  An introduction with particular emphasis on the ethical perspective. Adaptive instruction of behavior measures included, as are observations of classrooms and teacher interviews.

• PSY 6080 - Interventions with Children and Adolescents  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6080 - Interventions with Children and Adolescents

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PSY 5250 or PSY 6400 or permission of instructor. Theoretical and practical issues related to interventions with children and adolescents exhibiting behavioral and emotional problems. Intervention strategies for specific problems. Experience designing and evaluating intervention plans. Legal, ethical, and practical issues.

• PSY 6100 - Intellectual Assessment  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6100 - Intellectual Assessment

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PSY 4260/PSY 5260 or PSY 6050. Practical didactic instruction in theory and practice of cognitive assessment. Practical supervised experience in rapport, administration, scoring, and interpretation of individual intelligence tests for all age levels. Liability insurance required.

• PSY 6101 - Laboratory in Intellectual Assessment  1 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6101 - Laboratory in Intellectual Assessment

  1credit hours

  Skill development in completing intellectual assessments, calculating scores, and conducting conferences in a laboratory setting.

• PSY 6750 - Psychology and Assessment of Learning Disabilities  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6750 - Psychology and Assessment of Learning Disabilities

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PSY 6100; corequisite: PSY 6760. Characteristics and biological bases of learning disabilities. Assessment methods including normative measures and CBMs, RTI, evidence-based interventions, as well as consultation strategies related to working with children with learning disabilities.

• PSY 6760 - Educational Assessment  1 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6760 - Educational Assessment

  1credit hours

  Prerequisite: PSY 6010; corequisite: PSY 6750. Skills in conducting educational assessment for completing evaluations of children suspected of having learning disabilities. Liability insurance required prior to enrollment.

• PSY 6770 - Assessment and Therapeutic Interventions for Children's Emotional Problems  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6770 - Assessment and Therapeutic Interventions for Children's Emotional Problems

  3credit hours

  Prerequisites: PSY 6100 and either PSY 5250 or PSY 6400. Personality and behavioral assessment with children. Linking assessment and diagnosis to therapeutic intervention. Developing therapeutic relationships with children.

• PSY 6065 - Introduction to School-Based Mental Health Services  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6065 - Introduction to School-Based Mental Health Services

  3credit hours

  School psychologist's role as a mental health service provider with both a practical and theoretical focus. Basic helping and interviewing skills.

Abnormal Psychology (3 hours)

• PSY 6400 - Psychological Disorders of Children  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6400 - Psychological Disorders of Children

  3credit hours

  Current research and theory of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional disorders in childhood and adolescence.

Learning or Cognition (3 hours)

• PSY 6440 - Advanced Applied Behavioral Analysis  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6440 - Advanced Applied Behavioral Analysis

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PSY 4400 or permission of instructor. Intensive presentation of methods used in behavioral assessment and interventions. Application of various behavioral techniques.

Developmental Psychology (3 hours)

Select one from the following:

• PSY 6120 - Developmental Psychology: Child  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6120 - Developmental Psychology: Child

  3credit hours

  Reviews the major areas of child development. These areas include cognitive, emotional, and social development. Primary attention  will be devoted to the period of infancy through early adolescence. Covers both developmental theory and research.

• PSY 6130 - Developmental Psychology: Adolescent  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6130 - Developmental Psychology: Adolescent

  3credit hours

  Survey of research on adolescence from a biopsychosocial perspective. Student observation and study of developing adolescents from cognitive, biological, social, and psychological frameworks.

• PSY 6410 - Development Across the Lifespan  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6410 - Development Across the Lifespan

  3credit hours

  Theories and characteristics of human development covering the lifespan.

Research Methods (6 hours)

• PSY 6615 - Basic and Applied Research Methods in Psychology  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6615 - Basic and Applied Research Methods in Psychology

  3credit hours

  Survey of experimental and quasi-experimental research designs employed in mental health fields. Theoretical and practical knowledge of various research designs and data analysis procedures explored through class lectures and lab assignments. Offers preparation for those training to become mental health practitioners to understand and critically evaluate psychological research.

• PSY 6640 - Thesis Research  1 to 6 credit hours  (3 credit hours required) 
  

  PSY 6640 - Thesis Research

  1 to 6credit hours

  Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and composition of thesis. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's research each semester until completion. S/U grading.

Statistics (3 hours)

Choose one:

• PSY 6280 - Psychological Statistics: Regression  3 credit hours  AND 
  

  PSY 6280 - Psychological Statistics: Regression

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PSY 3020 or equivalent or admission to Psychology graduate program. Corequisite: PSY 6281. Review of basic statistics; various correlation coefficients; multiple and partial correlation; simple and multiple regression. Laboratory included.

• PSY 6281 - Psychological Statistics: Regression Lab  0 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6281 - Psychological Statistics: Regression Lab

  0credit hours

  Corequisite: PSY 6280.

• PSY 6290 - Psychological Statistics: ANOVA  3 credit hours  AND 
  

  PSY 6290 - Psychological Statistics: ANOVA

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PSY 3020 or equivalent or admission to Psychology graduate program. Corequisite: PSY 6291. Review of basic statistics. Scientific quantification, research design, and statistical analysis from the perspective of analysis of variance: one-way, factorial, repeated measures, and mixed designs. Laboratory included.

• PSY 6291 - Psychological Statistics: ANOVA Lab  0 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6291 - Psychological Statistics: ANOVA Lab

  0credit hours

  Corequisite: PSY 6290.

Program Notes

Candidate must

1. file a degree plan in the College of Graduate Studies prior to entry into the program;
2. file a Notice of Intent to Graduate form in the College of Graduate Studies within the first two weeks of the term in which candidate intends to graduate.

Curriculum and Instruction, School Psychology Concentration, Ed.S.

James O. Rust, Coordinator
(615) 898-2319
James.Rust@mtsu.edu

The Department of Psychology offers programs which lead to two graduate degrees: the Master of Arts with a major in Psychology and concentrations in Clinical, Experimental, Industrial/Organizational, Pre-Specialist in Education: School Psychology, and Quantitative Psychology and the Specialist in Education with a major in Curriculum and Instruction and concentration in School Psychology. The department also offers a minor at the graduate level.

The School Psychology program includes two degrees. Program completion and endorsement for a State Department of Education license require successful completion of both degrees. The M.A. portion of the program comes first. The Ed.S. is an advanced degree. It is only available to students who have master's degrees in School Psychology. Respecializing students from other master's programs in Psychology or Counseling may apply, but they will be required to complete deficiencies.

The School Psychology program is field-based. As such, a student is required to be continuously enrolled in at least one field-based course every semester from the completion of  PSY 6140 until the completion of the program. PSY 6960, PSY 6980, PSY 7080, and PSY 7810 are field-based courses. The policy excludes summer sessions.

Tennessee teacher licensing in school psychology is obtained through MTSU's program. Licensing requires (1) completion of the Ed.S. with a concentration in School Psychology, (2) 1,200 hours of internship in school psychology, (3) acceptable scores on the school psychology Praxis II Test, and (4) verification of readiness for independent practice by an internship supervisor. The School Psychology PRAXIS II test assesses the following areas: a) diagnosis and fact finding; b) prevention and intervention; c) applied psychological foundations; and d) ethics and legal considerations.

Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Specialist in Education degree with a concentration in School Psychology requires 

1. an earned master's degree in psychology, educational psychology, or school counseling from an accredited university or college. Normally, candidates should have completed all courses listed under the M.A. program for the Pre-Specialist in Education: School Psychology concentration;
2. an acceptable grade point average in all college work taken;
3. a minimum score of 291 on the combined verbal and quantitative measures of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Application Deadlines: Applications for Summer/Fall admission must be complete by March 1, and applications for Spring admission must be complete by October 1. Late applicants who meet the admission criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicant must

1. submit application with the appropriate application fee (online atwww.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php);
2. submit official scores on the GRE-a minimum of 291 (current scale) or 900 (former scale) on the combined Verbal and Quantitative sections is expected;
3. submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
4. submit the supplemental School Psychology program application (found online at www.mtsu.edu/schoolpsychology);
5. submit three (3) reference forms (found online). It is recommended that at least two references should be completed by faculty who can attest to the applicant's academic abilities;
6. submit a current curriculum vita that includes education and employment history, research involvement, volunteer activities, references, and awards/scholarships;
7. submit a statement of purpose, including reasons for interest in the field of school psychology and the program at MTSU and a description of professional goals. (Typically two to three [2-3] pages in length.)

NOTE 1: Admission to graduate study is competitive and not automatic for students meeting minimal admission requirements. Students are selected from a pool of qualified applicants. Each year the number of students admitted to the program depends on the availability of adequate faculty supervision.

NOTE 2: To be considered for a graduate assistantship students must submit additional materials. Information about the application procedure is available at www.mtsu.edu/psychology/grad/assistantship.php.

Degree Requirements

Candidate must

1. be able to meet the demands required for professional work in psychology. Therefore, students may be subject to dismissal from the Psychology Department if they (a) commit a serious breach of ethics or gross professional negligence or (b) present evidence of impaired psychological functioning that would present a danger to themselves or others in a professional role. Students who are dismissed may reapply and will be considered for readmission on a competitive basis. Students who reapply may be asked to provide evidence of improved ability to meet performance requirements. See each area coordinator and program handbook for readmission policy.
2. complete a minimum of 30 graduate semester hours (see Curriculum section below for specifics) with a minimum of 15 hours at the 7000 level.
3. satisfy a residency requirement consisting of
   1. the completion of 18 semester hours of graduate study within a 12-month period and
   2. full-time enrollment (at least 9 semester hours) for a least one semester.
4. complete FOED 6610/FOED 7610 (for those who did not have a thesis listed on their transcripts as part of their master's degree).
5. complete courses in the following areas (based on National Association of School Psychologists standards):
   1. data-based decision making and accountability;
   2. consultation and collaboration;
   3. interventions and instructional support to develop academic skills;
   4. interventions and mental health services to develop social and life skills;
   5. school-wide practices to promote learning;
   6. preventive and responsive services;
   7. family-school collaboration services;
   8. diversity in development and learning;
   9. research and program evaluation;
   10. legal, ethical, and professional practice.
6. complete PSY 7810, an internship of 1,200 hours as a capstone experience.
7. pass a written comprehensive examination approved by the faculty (may be taken no more than twice).
8. maintain professional liability insurance (coverage amount at the student's discretion) throughout enrollment in the program, with a current insurance binder filed with the department at all times.

Curriculum: Curriculum and Instruction, School Psychology

Candidate must complete 30 hours in the following course of study:

Required Courses (27 hours)

• PSY 6105 - Psychoeducational Assessment of Preschool Children  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6105 - Psychoeducational Assessment of Preschool Children

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PSY 6100. Instruction in theory and practice relevant to the assessment of preschool age children's cognitive, social, and emotional functioning. Field experience and liability insurance required.

• PSY 6140 - Practicum: School Psychology  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6140 - Practicum: School Psychology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: 15 semester hours of related graduate credits, including PSY 6060, PSY 6080, PSY 6100, PSY 6750, and PSY 6770. Supervised assessment of learning and adjustment problems with follow-up parent, teacher, and administrator conferences. Practicum experience includes 90 hours of supervised work with a practicing, certified, full-time school psychologist. At least 50 percent of the practicum placement shall be in a school setting. Liability insurance required prior to enrollment.

• PSY 6661 - Program Evaluation  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6661 - Program Evaluation

  3credit hours

  Methods and issues in program evaluation. Topics include evaluation methods, proposal construction, and presentation techniques.

• PSY 6875 - Practicum: Consultation/Collaboration in School Psychology  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 6875 - Practicum: Consultation/Collaboration in School Psychology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PSY 6750 and PSY 6760. Field-based training in the knowledge and skills necessary for school psychologists to successfully serve as consultants in school-based settings. Liability insurance required prior to enrollment.

• PSY 7080 - Practicum: Advanced Interventions with Children  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 7080 - Practicum: Advanced Interventions with Children

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PSY 6080. Corequisite: PSY 6140. Theoretical and practical issues related to school interventions with children exhibiting psychological and behavior problems. Advanced skills development in consultation with parents and teachers, psychotherapy with children, and brief, short-term family therapy.

• PSY 7100 - Multicultural and Social Bases for Assessment and Intervention Practices  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 7100 - Multicultural and Social Bases for Assessment and Intervention Practices

  3credit hours

  Prerequisite: PSY 6100. Theoretical and practical issues related to appropriate practices in assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions for youth of diverse ethnic and cultural groups.

• PSY 7200 - School Neuropsychology  3 credit hours  
  

  PSY 7200 - School Neuropsychology

  3credit hours

  Prerequisites: PSY 6100, PSY 6750, PSY 6770. Prerequisite/corequisite: PSY 6400. Overview of the principles of neuropsychology as applied within the school population. Biological and neurological basis of behaviors and disorders in the school setting and means of intervention.

• PSY 7810 - Advanced Internship: School Psychology  3 to 6 credit hours  (6 credit hours required) 
  

  PSY 7810 - Advanced Internship: School Psychology

  3 to 6credit hours

  Prerequisites: 60 semester hours of approved graduate classes and  PSY 6140, PSY 6875, PSY 7080, and approved thesis proposal. Minimum of 1200 hours supervised internship, at least half in a public school system. Liability insurance required prior to enrollment. May be repeated; enrollment must be continuous.

Guided Elective (3 hours)

• Students choose one elective 3 credit hours

Program Notes

Candidate must

1. file a degree plan in the College of Graduate Studies prior to entry into the program;
2. file a Notice of Intent to Graduate form in the College of Graduate Studies within the first two weeks of the term in which the student intends to graduate.