School Psychology, M.Ed.

Program Description

Overview

The Master of Education in School Psychology program is a three-year full-time program designed to provide knowledge 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.

Academic course work and a concurrent practicum experience make up the first two years of training. Placements are made in one of several local school districts. School district psychologists serve as mentors during these experiences. Faculty serve as supervisors. Supervised field experiences across all four academic semesters are required. A supervised internship consisting of 1500 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.

The master's degree program is fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Licensure

The master's degree 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 (Educational Specialist), and qualifies one for such licensure in most other states. All students are required to take the Praxis II examination, 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

General program inquires:
Kellie Belton, Program Assistant
belton@email.unc.edu, (919) 966-5266

Application questions:
ed@unc.edu, (919) 966-1346

Contact the program coordinator:
Barbara H. Wasik, Ph.D., Program Coordinator
wasik@unc.edu, (919) 962-9197