StudyQA — Master: School Psychology

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Adelphi’s M.A. in School Psychology Program is nationally accredited program that provides a unique integration of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches for working with students across diverse settings. Adelphi provides an ecological framework that promotes an appreciation of diversity and an understanding of the many factors affecting the academic and social-emotional development of children and adolescents.

Why should I enroll?

Adelphi’s Master’s in School Psychology is unique in its integration of theoretical approaches (including both psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral schools of thought), and its attention to the social and cultural dynamics that shape a learner’s experience, offering students multiple perspectives from which to approach working with children and their families.

All school psychology faculty members are either practicing school psychologists or have worked in the past in a school setting.
The program offers research opportunities to interested students and also opportunities to present papers and participate in professional conferences.
Small class sizes and cohorts with students following the same course schedule.
Teaching and research assistantships provide our students with financial assistance while they develop their assessment skills.
Students can get involved in the Social Training Center, which offers group psychotherapy services to adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum.
Opportunity to pursue specializations in bilingual school psychology, autism and infant mental health.
Chances to learn outside the classroom by being involved in research and school consultation initiatives under the direction of faculty members.
Integrated curriculum where students learn to appreciate the unique contributions of the different theoretical models.
Practicum and internship placements are arranged in consultation with a field placement coordinator.

Adelphi’s master’s degree in School Psychology offers an integrated curriculum in which students learn to appreciate the unique contributions of different theoretical models—psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral. There is also a strong emphasis on assessment and diagnosis.

Adelphi also offers the opportunity to pursue a certification in Bilingual School Psychology or a specialization in Autism. Students may also apply for acceptance to a federally funded Infant Mental Health specialization program (IMH-DP).

Students, who complete the 72-credit M.A program in School Psychology will graduate with a New York State certification in School Psychology, and will be eligible to apply for a national certificate in School Psychology.

For full-time students, the 72-credit program can be completed in 3 years, and for part-time students, it can be completed in 4-5 years. All courses follow a set sequence. All classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening, allowing for perspective students to earn a master’s degree while being employed. Students are required to attend 1-2 summer classes per year.

Second year students are required to complete, 280 hours, one-day per week practicum placement at a school site for one school year. The practicum placement allows students to build upon a foundation before entering into the full time internship placement. Third year students are required to complete a 1,200-hour internship placement, Monday through Friday, working hands on with the school psychologist for one school year. Students are encouraged to divide their internship hours between two different settings, Preschool, Elementary, Middle and/or High School to gain a broader experience of work requirements and responsibilities with the different student populations.

First Year

Fall

Proseminar in School Psychology
Multicultural Issues in Psychology
Intellectual Assessment I
Psychopathology in Children and Adolescents

Spring

Principles of Behavior Theory
Psychodynamic Perspectives in Working with Children
Intellectual Assessment II
Personality Assessment I

Summer

Tests and Measurements
Statistics
Electives (any of the following): Family Cultures and Learning, School Systems, Emotional Life of Child

Second Year

Fall

Neuropsychological Bases of Learning
Counseling Techniques with Children and Parents
Case Conceptualization of Behavior Difficulties
Practicum I

Spring

Evaluating Students with Learning Difficulties
Practicum II
Consultation in School Settings
Implementing School-Based Prevention Programs

Summer

Research Design
Electives (any of the following): Counseling Children with Asperger’s, Diagnosis and Intervention for Students on the Autism Spectrum, Counseling and Assessment of the Multicultural Child

Third Year

Fall

Internship I
Clinical Interventions in School Settings

Spring

Internship II

Admissions requirements include:

GPA of 3.0 or better
15 credits in psychology, one of which must be statistics
Three letters of recommendation from former teachers or employers
An essay or professional statement, which must address the following:
- Reasons for selecting Adelphi University
- Reasons for wanting to become a school psychologist
- Long-term professional goals
An interview