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Becoming
a School Psychologist
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Although individual states may have different requirements for certification, specialist level training is required by the National School Psychology Certification System, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and the American Psychological Association (APA).
These national bodies require that school psychology training include:
- A minimum of three years of full-time graduate study (or the equivalent) beyond the bachelor's degree, involving at least 60 graduate semester or 90 graduate quarter hours (the specialist level)
- A one-academic year internship (included in the three full years of study) consisting of at least 1,200 clock hours of supervised practice, 600 of which must be in a school setting
- Coursework and experiences as prescribed by the National Association of School psychologists
School psychology programs that have been evaluated and approved the by the National Association of School Psychologists and the American Psychological Association meet these national standards. Contact these two associations to determine the approval status of programs.
Selecting a School Psychology
Graduate Program
Levels of Training/Degrees Awarded
School Psychology Programs offer training at the master's (M.A., M.Ed., M.S.), specialist (Ed.S., C.A.G.S., S.SP.), and/or doctoral (Ph.D., Ed.D., Psy.D.) levels. Some programs provide training at more than one level. However, only training at the specialist or doctoral levels meets the national standards for school psychologists. Specialist-level training involves at least 60 graduate semester hours of training. Some programs provide specialist-level training, but award a master's degree instead of a specialist degree. Make sure that any program that awards only a master's degree is actually preparing you at the specialist level.
Program Design
Because school psychology is an applied specialty, coursework will involve both academic classes and applied experiences. In reviewing a program's curricular requirements or a sample program of study, you can evaluate: (a) its consistency with stated philosophies and goals; and (b) the type of training you will receive.
Fore more information:
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has published two books that you might find helpful as you further investigate school psychology programs and specific state certification and licensure requirements across the Unite States:
The Directory of School Psychology Graduate
Programs
and
The Handbook of Certification and Licensure
Requirements for School Psychologists
Another publication, Graduate Study in Psychology and Associated Fields, may also be helpful in your consideration of school psychology programs. This book may be in your library's reference section or may be purchased from the American Psychological Association.
The above information has been obtained from a publication prepared by the National Association of School Psychologists entitled Becoming A School Psychologist.
Certification
in the State of
As of November 1, 1992, the education requirements for certification as a school psychologist are that the applicant shall meet the following:
(1) Option I: Have an advanced graduate specialist's or doctoral degre in school psychology from an NCATE, Amnerican psychological Association, or State Department of Education approved program.
(2) Option II:
(a) Have a master's, advanced graduate specialists, doctoral degree in either psychology, education, or human development.
***As of
(TO BE CONTINUED)
Applying for
To apply for certification as a School Psychologist, forward a letter of request to the Certification Branch at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Include a check in the amount of $10.00. Request official transcripts to be directly forwarded to the Certification Branch also.
MSDE recognizes the National Certification of School Psychologists (NCSP) as
meeting the
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Contact Persons: |
Dr. David Holdefer Specialist, Janet Marsh, |
410-767-0307
410-767-0406 |
School Psychology
Internship Program in PGCPS
PGCPS offers an appealing opportunity for interns in school psychology. Currently, the program provides a $15,000 stipend for a ten-month contract. Typically, the intern works for two supervisors in a wide variety of tasks. Upon the completion of the program, the intern will have a wide range of experiences and greater job opportunity in the county.
An internship in school psychology provides an opportunity for broad exposure to the roles and functions of the school psychologist. Candidates for internship should have completed the bulk of formal course work required for certification as a MSDE certified School Psychologist. Applied aspects of school psychology will already have been provided through appropriate field and practicum experiences.
Components of the Internship
It is necessary that students be provided with a well-rounded and diversified supervised experience. To this end, the internship shall cover:
(1) psychoeducational assessment, including teacher conferences and child interviews; selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of appropriate assessment instruments; preparation of psychological reports and presentations of the findings to the appropriate person(s);
(2) experience in consultation, including the development of appropriate intervention strategies with teachers, parents, and school administrators;
(3) work with a variety of programs involving children of different ages who exhibit a wide range of problems. Regular education pupils, as well as special education pupils in both regular and special school settings, should be a part of the intern's experience.
4) direct intervention (e.g., counseling, modification of behavior) where compatible with the school system and the intern's training; and
(5) support of the school system through conducting inservice sessions or research where compatible with the school system.
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See below for details |
Postions are available at this time. Qualified individuals with completed applications will be contacted for interviews. |
The Board of Education of Prince George's County does not discriminate in admissions, treatment or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion or disability.
Applying for a
Position as School Psychologist in PGCPS
To request an application, call or send an email with your name, mailing address and telephone number to Dr. Florence Foreman, Supervisor of Psychological Services, at 301-431-5630.
You may also complete an application online the PGCPS Employment page.
