Masters of Science (MS) in Psychology
Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
School Psychology specialization
Prepare yourself to address the social, emotional, academic, behavioral, and cognitive well-being of children and adolescents within a school setting. This rigorous School Psychology specialization stresses respect for individual differences, collaborative problem solving, and empirically-based interventions. This specialization is also part of Capella's Professional Education Unit, which has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).The program includes online course work, part I of a year-in-residence, and field training experiences. Learners interested in applying for state licensure or national certification as a school psychologist will need to enroll in both this master's degree specialization and the Specialist Certificate in School Psychology. People who choose this specialization are typically pursuing careers as school psychologists, diagnosticians, crisis specialists, or program evaluators in public school districts, but may also seek employment in other educational settings.
Licensure information: Begin to research and understand your state's licensure requirements right away, find answers to common questions, explore how Capella programs fit with your state's standards and requirements, and get links to important state resources. Visit the licensure website for mental health professionals.
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher
Education (NCATE)- Accredited
NCATE-accredited programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for the preparation of P-12 teachers and other professional school personnel. Graduates of these programs are highly regarded by many school districts, licensing authorities, and teaching professionals.
 Read the news release announcing our NCATE accreditation.
Learn why NCATE accreditation is important.
Residency requirements: The full School Psychology year-in-residence is divided into 2 parts and typically begins the summer after the start of your program. Part I is required for MS learners and Part II is required for Specialist Certificate learners (most students complete both the master’s degree and the specialist certificate).
- Learn about the experience.
- Part I (MS) consists of a 2-week extended seminar (usually in June), and 2 additional weeks-in-residence (usually 1 in summer quarter and 1 in fall quarter).
Part II (Certificate) consists of 1 week-in-residence (usually in spring quarter) and a final 2-week extended seminar (usually in June). It’s in the Part II portion of your program that you’ll do the 1.25 years of practicum (350 hours) and internship (1,200 hours).
What do they cost?
Year-in-residence extended seminars are $2,990; weeks-in-residence are $1,495 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment). This does not include costs for evening meals or travel. You’ll be responsible for making your hotel reservations and travel arrangements.
- Learn more about residency requirements.
- Get more detailed information and learn how the residency experiences will enrich your learning at Capella University. Speak with an enrollment counselor at 1.888.227.3552.
Core Courses (each course 5 quarter credits unless noted)
- PSY5004 - Orientation to Graduate Learning in School Psychology, School Psychology
- PSY7610 - Tests and Measurements
- PSY7620 - Inferential Statistics
- PSY7650 - Research Methods
Specialization Courses (each course 5 quarter credits unless noted)
- PSY7225 - Child and Adolescent Psychology
- PSY7421 - Cognitive/Affective Psychology
- PSY7540 - Multicultural Perspectives in Human Behavior
- PSY7612 - Functional Behavioral Assessment*
- PSY8233 - Psychological Assessments for School Psychologists I*
- PSY8234 - Psychological Assessments for School Psychologists II*
- PSY8331 - Principles of School Psychology
- PSY8335 - Consultation and Collaboration in the School
- PSY8337 - Legal and Ethical Issues in the School
- PSY5202 - Master's Integrative Project, School Psychology*
NASP Approved with Conditions
Capella University is approved with conditions by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) for completion of its specialist certificate in School Psychology.
The specialist certificate program, when preceded by the master's program with a specialization in School Psychology, holds NASP approval with conditions for the period of January 1, 2010 to August 1, 2013. You must complete both the requirements for the master's program with a specialization in School Psychology and the specialist certificate program to be eligible for licensure and credentialing in school psychology. As a stand-alone program, the master's program with a specialization in School Psychology is not NASP-approved and completing that program does not lead to eligibility for certification as a school psychologist. NASP program approval is your assurance that the key professional association in the field recognizes the content and quality of Capella's School Psychology offerings.
Continuing Professional Development for School Psychologists
Ethics and Law for School Psychologists is now being offered on a monthly basis. This course is designed to meet the requirements set forth in the certification renewal guidelines for school psychologists who hold the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential. To register, email ProfessionalDevelopment@capella.edu or call (888) 277-3552, Option 1, Option 4.
Learn more
This specialization has not been reviewed or approved by Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania residents will have to apply and meet requirements for certification as out-of-state candidates.
Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states. Where applicable, teachers are advised to contact their school districts as to whether a program may qualify for salary advancement. (Washington State learners are advised to go to: http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information).
State regulations vary regarding course requirements for professional licensure. For assistance with state-mandated course requirements for licensure, contact the designated school representative.
New York residents are currently not eligible to enroll in this specialization.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
Course Descriptions
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Learn more about our related specializations:
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Master's degree
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