School Psychology, M.A./M.Ed.

Program Description

Overview

The School Psychology Master's Degree Program is a 3-year full-time program designed to provide content and skills in the areas of assessment, intervention, research, evaluation, consultation and professional development. The program is defined by the following goals:

Goal 1: To prepare students who demonstrate knowledge and skills in the science and practice of school psychology using a problem solving model in assessment, intervention, consultation, and evaluation activities, and competence in working with diverse populations in multiple environments to promote positive development.

Goal 2: To prepare students who demonstrate knowledge and skills in a systems approach to professional practice and research, with an emphasis on prevention procedures for children and youth.

Goal 3: To prepare students who demonstrate knowledge and skills in the application of professional and ethical standards, best practices, and legal and legislative mandates.

Goal 4: To prepare students who demonstrate professional dispositions including respect for others, integrity, responsibility, initiative, and reliability, and strong written and oral communication skills essential to establish collaborative professional relationships and provide effective psychological services.

Students may elect to pursue an M.A. or M.Ed. degree. The M.A. requires a thesis. Academic course work and a concurrent practicum experience make up the first two years of training. Placements are made in one of seven local school districts, for one day per week during each semester of training. School district psychologists and a program faculty member serve as mentors during these experiences. Supervised field experiences across all four academic semesters are required. A supervised internship consisting of 1200 hours must be completed in the third year, following the completion of all academic course work, and must be carried out in a school setting. Both the M.A. and M.Ed. degree programs are fully approved and accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists.

The Master's program is a Specialist program that prepares individuals to work in schools and other educational agencies. Graduates are employed in school settings, mental health clinics, state agencies and research organizations. Completion of the program leads to eligibility for licensure from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as a Level II School Psychologist, and qualifies one for such licensure in most other states. The Praxis II examination is required of all School Psychology students, whether they intend to work in North Carolina or not. Graduates are also eligible for licensing as Psychological Associates by the NC State Psychology Board.

Admissions

Program Contact

Nadya Yuskaev, Office Assistant
nyuskaev@email.unc.edu
(919) 966-5266

Barbara Wasik, Program Coordinator
wasik@unc.edu
(919) 962-9197