MA/EdS in School Psychology

The MA/EdS in School Psychology prepares students to be culturally responsive problem-solvers ready to serve all children from diverse backgrounds across a range of communities. This is accomplished by analyzing children's school-based challenges from multiple perspectives to inform interventions that promote school success.

Successful applicants to the program are:

Diverse, including underrepresented groups in school psychology. Over the past three years, we have averaged 33% of our incoming class representing these groups.
Prepared to engage in conversations around issues of race, class, culture, language, gender, and sexuality as they are reproduced in our schools.
Willing to question themselves, asking "How do I need to change myself before I can become an effective professional working with all children?"
Experienced (volunteer or paid) working with children, adolescents, and/or families in educational or mental health settings, or in a research capacity.

This program is designed to meet the Massachusetts state licensure requirements and the Nationally Certified School Psychologist requirements (NCSP) through the the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) making graduates immediately eligible for both a state and national license as a School Psychologist. Candidates are not required to obtain the NCSP credential, but are qualified to do so. NASP maintains a site that provides information about whether the NCSP is accepted and what, if any, other exams or requirements must be satisfied for every state.

Message from Co-Directors

Erin Seaton and Scott Greenspan
Co-Directors, School Psychology Program

Philosophy

School psychologists have a vital responsibility in the nation's schools to promote mental health and secure quality education for all children.

We are morally and ethically compelled to push graduate students to question the inequitable educational systems that give power and privilege to some children and families and oppress, marginalize, and disenfranchise others.
We emphasize an expanded, problem solving role for school psychologists as informed by ecological and developmental perspectives, using multiple lenses to explore the challenges of contemporary schooling.

Job Placement

On average, 100% of our graduates are employed as school psychologists within three months of graduating from the program. In any given year, 75% are typically employed at schools in Massachusetts across the K-12 age range.

Program Requirements

The School Psychology MA/EdS prepares students for practice providing comprehensive services in schools. Students are participating in field-based experiences from the first year. Over the three years of the program the balance of course preparation and field experiences shifts, so that students are in their field sites one day per week the first year, three days per week their second year, and five days per week their third year. During their first two years (including summer study) students complete the course-work needed to prepare them for their practicum and internship fieldwork. During these two years, course assignments and seminars draw upon field experiences and offer opportunities for integrating developing knowledge and skills.

Year One MA Requirements (12 Courses and 2 semesters of pre-practicum)

Fall semester (5.5 courses)

ED 142: Education of the Exceptional Child
ED 230: Foundations of Learning, Cognition, and Academic Intervention
ED 237: Common Factors in Counseling: Initial Interviewing and Basic Clinical Skills
ED 241: Foundations and Contemporary Practices in Psychoeducational Assessment
ED 249: Social Justice in Schools
ED 221: First Year Seminar in School Psychology Practice (half course)

Spring Semester (4.5 courses)

ED 140: Behavior Management in the Classroom
ED 236: School-Based Mental Health
ED 246: Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Assessment
ED 255: Professional Practice, Ethics, and the Law in School Psychology
ED 221: First Year Seminar in School Psychology Practice (half course)

Summer I (2 courses)

ED 253: Biological Bases of Behavior
ED 274: Methods of School Psychology Research

Additional Courses needed for Masters

ED 142: Education of the Exceptional Child

Summer II (2 courses as needed)

One course required for EdS degree - see Year 2 Requirements for which course
One course in Social and Cultural Foundations of Education required during the first year. This can be taken during the summer prior to entering the program, spring of the first year, or summer session II after the first year. Choose from among:
- ED 161: Anthropology and Sociology of Schooling
- ED 162: Critical Histories of US Education
- ED 167: Critical Race Theory Seminar: Issues in Urban Education
- ED 171: Sociology of Education
- ED 172: Creating Inclusive Learning Spaces
- CSHD 164: Cultural Diversity in Child/Family Services
- CSHD 177: Bilingual Children in U.S. Schools

The MA is awarded following completion of 12 courses and completion pre-practicum fieldwork (2 half credit seminar courses).

NOTE: Students entering with teaching experience, experience with children with disabilities, or an undergraduate major in special education or related field, may, with advisor permission, take one course from the approved list of courses in Exceptionalities in Learning in lieu of ED142.

Year Two EdS Requirements (9 Courses)

Summer II (1 course)

ED 191: Tier 2 Social and Emotional Intervention

Fall Semester (4 courses)

ED 191: Family, School, and Community Partnerships
ED 231: Practicum in School Psychology
ED 238: Advanced Approaches to Counseling: Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in School
ED 243: Assessment of Cognitive Abilities