School Psychology?

[msuotwannabe]

I apologize if this is the wrong place to post. I usually float around OT forums but I’m exploring school psychology as an alternative. Does anyone have any advice on what school psychology programs look for in an applicant and how competitive it is to be accepted into a program? I can’t seem to find any info anywhere. Thank you!

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[AcronymAllergy]

I'm not super well-informed RE: school psychology, but would this be for a masters or doctoral program?

 

[msuotwannabe]

I'm not super well-informed RE: school psychology, but would this be for a masters or doctoral program?

A masters

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I'd probably be of even less help with that, unfortunately, although one of the other folks here may be able to provide some info.

My complete shot-in-the-dark guess: grades and GRE.

 

[MAClinician]

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) represents and supports the profession of school psychology by advancing effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior and mental ...

www.nasponline.org

 

[Chalupacabra]

Like anything else things will depend a lot on the individual program. The EdS/CAGS/whatever else they want to call it (Masters + 30-ish) programs are not super competitive, especially compared to PhD programs, but you still need to meet the requirements in terms of prereqs, GRE, etc. Don't waste your time even looking at any program that isn't NASP-accredited; it's like applying to a non-APA program and will at minimum create headaches for licensing and certification and may also cause you to have significant holes in your training compared to others (and the people doing the hiring know this). Consider looking at programs that also have the option of moving into a PhD program - it's not uncommon for people to realize they'd like the larger scope of practice that comes with a doctorate. I can tell you right now that OT has a much wider SOP than an entry level school psych.

Here's a list of NASP-approved programs sorted by geographical area -

NASP-Approved Programs

NASP program approval is an important indicator of quality graduate education in school psychology.

www.nasponline.org

There are also rankings of programs that might give you some idea of how competitive they are, but every one that I have seen is focused on doctoral programs, so they won't capture any programs that only have EdS degree programs.

 

[sikedpsyched]

I am currently in a school psychology Ph.D. program. I never considered the Masters/Specialist degree as an option, but there are a couple things I learned from those who are pursuing the Masters/Specialist degree in my program. First, it makes sense to obtain the degree in the state you hope to gain employment. You will learn a ton about education laws for the state you are getting your degree in, and you will network through your practicum placements. You can definitely obtain employment in a different state, but it just makes more sense to go to a program where you want to work. Also, some programs require you to complete a thesis for the Masters/Specialist degree. This can hold people up.

When looking for a doc program, I sought out those that were both APA and NASP accredited. As others have mentioned, a NASP accredited program is strongly encouraged.

To get an idea regarding how competitive a program is, you can find applicant data on the school's website and look at the GRE scores posted. Some programs are housed in the education department and some in the psychology department. Feel free to message me if you would like to chat further.

 

[msuotwannabe]

I am currently in a school psychology Ph.D. program. I never considered the Masters/Specialist degree as an option, but there are a couple things I learned from those who are pursuing the Masters/Specialist degree in my program. First, it makes sense to obtain the degree in the state you hope to gain employment. You will learn a ton about education laws for the state you are getting your degree in, and you will network through your practicum placements. You can definitely obtain employment in a different state, but it just makes more sense to go to a program where you want to work. Also, some programs require you to complete a thesis for the Masters/Specialist degree. This can hold people up.

When looking for a doc program, I sought out those that were both APA and NASP accredited. As others have mentioned, a NASP accredited program is strongly encouraged.

To get an idea regarding how competitive a program is, you can find applicant data on the school's website and look at the GRE scores posted. Some programs are housed in the education department and some in the psychology department. Feel free to message me if you would like to chat further.

Hi! Thank you for taking the time to reply, it was really useful. I can’t message you for some reason - would you mind shooting me one? I have a few questions that you might be able to help me with if that’s okay!

 

[sikedpsyched]

Hi! Thank you for taking the time to reply, it was really useful. I can’t message you for some reason - would you mind shooting me one? I have a few questions that you might be able to help me with if that’s okay!

Just sent you a PM!

 

[psyched1416]

I am a current first year EdS student at The University of Denver and the program is pretty terrible. During my application process last year I couldn't find really any info on school psych programs and wish I knew what I do now, so just wanted to pay it forward! Your cohort at DU will be over 50 people (they tell you it will be super small, 25-30), everything is EXTREMELY disorganized and communication within the classes and just among the program is horrible. The clinic supervisor Dr. Reinhardt just left because the school was asking her to supervise the clinic 30 hours a week in addition to teaching a full course load and did not pay her accordingly or look into hiring someone else. I think she's going to be a professor at a school in Pennsylvania. The assessment professor (the most important classes you'll take) is also no longer teaching here as of this summer, which is also a huge loss. In my opinion, these were the 2 best profs in the program and they aren't going to be teaching here anymore. They also make you find a field placement for your second year and since there are almost 60 people in my cohort, it was extremely hard finding a school placement- most people are driving 30-45 minutes, and we are not guaranteed secondary experience (middle and high school) which is a huge downside. DU is also very expensive and really not worth the money. If I could do it over again, I would have chosen Tufts, Northeastern or UC San Diego.