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Masters in School Psychology MS in School Psychology courses
School Psychology coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
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Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 53
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Course requirements
- Core 9 courses
- Residencies 2 courses
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
Show all descriptions
PSY6000
Core Foundations of Practice for School Psychology Learners
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain an understanding of the School Psychology specialization and the standards developed for the field by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Learners formulate a plan to meet program and state requirements for clinical training, including certification and licensure requirements; ethics and professional standards, including the NASP practice domains; and the specialization's course requirements and residency sequence. Learners also assess school psychology skills, identify networking opportunities, and develop a professional portfolio. For MS and EdS in School Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
PSY7310
Core Biological Basis of Behavior
5 quarter credits
This course is an introduction to physiological psychology and associated topics, including genetics, functional neuroanatomy, and physiology. Learners develop and demonstrate an understanding of brain functioning; sensory systems; attention, memory, perception, and language mechanisms; and the effects of neurotransmitters on human behavior. Learners also identify the relationship between brain functions and behavioral disorders and analyze current physiological psychology research, ethics, and the implications of culture and diversity on field-related issues.
5 quarter credits
PSY7610
Core Tests and Measurements
5 quarter credits
Learners investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Learners gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Learners analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing, including test bias and fairness. In addition, learners assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Clinical Psychology option and BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA.
5 quarter credits
PSY7212
Core Childhood Mental Health, Counseling, and Crisis Intervention/Prevention
5 quarter credits
Learners analyze diagnostic criteria used by school psychologists for special education eligibility and determining the presence of mental health disorders, based on Federal law and the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Learners apply these criteria and evaluate the impact of various factors on childhood mental health and school functioning. Learners also assess prevention methods and response to intervention techniques used to mitigate the effects of mental health disorders on school performance and identify evidence-based counseling techniques used by school psychologists.
5 quarter credits
PSY7233
Core Psychological Assessments for School Psychologists 1
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners develop the skills needed to correctly administer, score, and interpret norm-referenced intelligence tests (verbal and non-verbal) while simultaneously considering various diagnostic issues present within multiculturally diverse school populations and reflecting the established standards of educational and psychological testing. Learners examine measurement and measurement tools, including instruments used to assess cognitive function and intelligence; synthesize norm-referenced assessments with observational assessments to develop recommendations for research-supported interventions; and create audience-appropriate psychological reports. For MS, EdS, and PsyD in School Psychology learners only. Test kits are required and are available for loan at [email protected]. Prerequisite(s): PSY7610. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
PSY7234
Core Psychological Assessments for School Psychologists 2
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners further develop the skills needed to correctly administer, score, and interpret norm-referenced intelligence tests (verbal and non-verbal), achievement tests, and adaptive functioning while simultaneously considering various diagnostic issues present within multiculturally diverse school populations and reflecting the established standards of educational and psychological testing. Learners examine measurement and measurement tools, including instruments used to assess cognitive function and intelligence, achievement, and adaptive functioning; synthesize norm-referenced assessments with observational assessments to develop recommendations for research-supported interventions; and create audience-appropriate psychological reports. For MS, EdS, and PsyD in School Psychology learners only. Test kits are required and are available for loan at [email protected]. Prerequisite(s): PSY7233. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
PSY-R6000
Residency Advanced Assessment and Counseling for School Psychologists
4 quarter credits
In this residency, learners gain skills in administering standardized assessments and assessment instruments necessary for practicing school psychologists. Learners also develop and strengthen the skills needed to effectively counsel P12 children and adolescents through role-play activities including listening empathically, asking clear and relevant questions, responding in a non-judgmental manner, appropriately summarizing issues, maintaining appropriate records, and establishing and guiding individual and group counseling sessions. Learners observe testing sessions, score test results, take notes from faculty presentations, and engage in mock testing sessions. Learners develop skills in scoring and interpreting test results. Learners also examine the ethical principles associated with the practice of school psychology and receive feedback from experienced professional school psychologists and peers. Learners build and demonstrate the basic skills needed for interpreting and communicating assessment results to parents, teachers, and other professionals. Prerequisite(s): PSY7233. Concurrent registration in PSY7234 recommended. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
PSY7421
Core Cognitive/Affective Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course apply knowledge of theoretical foundations and the basic principles and models of cognitive/affective psychology to mental processes, such as how individuals acquire, process, and store information; how they think, perceive, remember, and learn; and how they experience feelings, moods, and emotions. Learners also demonstrate ways in which the integration of cognitive and affect influence an individual's behavior.
5 quarter credits
PSY-V6002
Residency Response to Intervention and Functional Behavior Assessment
4 quarter credits
Learners in this residency gain skills and techniques related to Response to Intervention (RTI) introduced as an authority in the identification of specific learning disabilities in the Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). Learners build skills to implement the RTI framework in local and state education agencies. Learners also examine and practice skills related to the RTI components for screening students, monitoring student progress, providing evidence-based interventions, and identifying students with special learning needs in a collaborative approach. Learners practice identifying appropriate circumstances and steps for conducting a functional behavioral assessment (FBA), developing the behavior intervention plan (BIP) and identifying the individual components of an FBA and BIP, including reviewing standardized assessment measures and completing FBA and BIP forms. Learners gain skills in synthesizing and interpreting case study data, and integrate and summarize this data, orally and in writing, to provide important feedback to school personnel about a student's challenging behaviors. Prerequisite(s): PSY7234 and PSY-R6000. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
PSY5420
Core Multicultural Perspectives in Human Behavior
5 quarter credits
This course is an examination of substantive and theoretical issues concerning the cultural differences of individuals and groups and their influence on the practice of professional psychology. Learners explore the role of culture-specific programming, the needs and values of cultural subgroups, and approaches to providing psychological services to culturally diverse populations. Learners also critically analyze the interactions of multiple dimensions of diversity to better understand the ways in which individual differences contribute to professional psychological practice.
5 quarter credits
PSY7331
Core Principles of School Psychology
5 quarter credits
This course is an examination of the history and practice of school psychology and its current and evolving trends. Learners review the roles and functions of school psychologists, employment contexts, and professional evaluation and accountability. Learners also explore the practice of school psychology from an international perspective and examine the laws and regulations guiding the future of the profession.
5 quarter credits
Total
At least 53 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Learners in the MS in School Psychology are required to complete PSY6000 with a grade of “B" or higher as a condition of continued enrollment in the program.
Capella University is not currently accepting applications for the MS in School Psychology program from Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky or Massachusetts residents.
Capella’s MS in School Psychology is not intended to lead to license, endorsement, or professional credential. Learners who are interested in preparing to apply for state or national certification as a school psychologist should also complete an EdS in School Psychology or a PsyD in School Psychology. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosures for the EdS and PsyD programs on Capella’s website. Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. Contact your Enrollment Counselor or Academic Advisor for more information.
Core course requirements
Complete at least 45 quarter credits in the core courses category. Choose from the courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
PSY7310
Core Biological Basis of Behavior
5 quarter credits
This course is an introduction to physiological psychology and associated topics, including genetics, functional neuroanatomy, and physiology. Learners develop and demonstrate an understanding of brain functioning; sensory systems; attention, memory, perception, and language mechanisms; and the effects of neurotransmitters on human behavior. Learners also identify the relationship between brain functions and behavioral disorders and analyze current physiological psychology research, ethics, and the implications of culture and diversity on field-related issues.
5 quarter credits
PSY7421
Core Cognitive/Affective Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course apply knowledge of theoretical foundations and the basic principles and models of cognitive/affective psychology to mental processes, such as how individuals acquire, process, and store information; how they think, perceive, remember, and learn; and how they experience feelings, moods, and emotions. Learners also demonstrate ways in which the integration of cognitive and affect influence an individual's behavior.
5 quarter credits
PSY5420
Core Multicultural Perspectives in Human Behavior
5 quarter credits
This course is an examination of substantive and theoretical issues concerning the cultural differences of individuals and groups and their influence on the practice of professional psychology. Learners explore the role of culture-specific programming, the needs and values of cultural subgroups, and approaches to providing psychological services to culturally diverse populations. Learners also critically analyze the interactions of multiple dimensions of diversity to better understand the ways in which individual differences contribute to professional psychological practice.
5 quarter credits
PSY7331
Core Principles of School Psychology
5 quarter credits
This course is an examination of the history and practice of school psychology and its current and evolving trends. Learners review the roles and functions of school psychologists, employment contexts, and professional evaluation and accountability. Learners also explore the practice of school psychology from an international perspective and examine the laws and regulations guiding the future of the profession.
5 quarter credits
PSY7234
Core Psychological Assessments for School Psychologists 2
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners further develop the skills needed to correctly administer, score, and interpret norm-referenced intelligence tests (verbal and non-verbal), achievement tests, and adaptive functioning while simultaneously considering various diagnostic issues present within multiculturally diverse school populations and reflecting the established standards of educational and psychological testing. Learners examine measurement and measurement tools, including instruments used to assess cognitive function and intelligence, achievement, and adaptive functioning; synthesize norm-referenced assessments with observational assessments to develop recommendations for research-supported interventions; and create audience-appropriate psychological reports. For MS, EdS, and PsyD in School Psychology learners only. Test kits are required and are available for loan at [email protected]. Prerequisite(s): PSY7233. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
PSY7212
Core Childhood Mental Health, Counseling, and Crisis Intervention/Prevention
5 quarter credits
Learners analyze diagnostic criteria used by school psychologists for special education eligibility and determining the presence of mental health disorders, based on Federal law and the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Learners apply these criteria and evaluate the impact of various factors on childhood mental health and school functioning. Learners also assess prevention methods and response to intervention techniques used to mitigate the effects of mental health disorders on school performance and identify evidence-based counseling techniques used by school psychologists.
5 quarter credits
PSY6000
Core Foundations of Practice for School Psychology Learners
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain an understanding of the School Psychology specialization and the standards developed for the field by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Learners formulate a plan to meet program and state requirements for clinical training, including certification and licensure requirements; ethics and professional standards, including the NASP practice domains; and the specialization's course requirements and residency sequence. Learners also assess school psychology skills, identify networking opportunities, and develop a professional portfolio. For MS and EdS in School Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
PSY7610
Core Tests and Measurements
5 quarter credits
Learners investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Learners gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Learners analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing, including test bias and fairness. In addition, learners assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Clinical Psychology option and BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA.
5 quarter credits
PSY7233
Core Psychological Assessments for School Psychologists 1
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners develop the skills needed to correctly administer, score, and interpret norm-referenced intelligence tests (verbal and non-verbal) while simultaneously considering various diagnostic issues present within multiculturally diverse school populations and reflecting the established standards of educational and psychological testing. Learners examine measurement and measurement tools, including instruments used to assess cognitive function and intelligence; synthesize norm-referenced assessments with observational assessments to develop recommendations for research-supported interventions; and create audience-appropriate psychological reports. For MS, EdS, and PsyD in School Psychology learners only. Test kits are required and are available for loan at [email protected]. Prerequisite(s): PSY7610. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
Total
At least 53 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Learners in the MS in School Psychology are required to complete PSY6000 with a grade of “B" or higher as a condition of continued enrollment in the program.
Capella University is not currently accepting applications for the MS in School Psychology program from Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky or Massachusetts residents.
Capella’s MS in School Psychology is not intended to lead to license, endorsement, or professional credential. Learners who are interested in preparing to apply for state or national certification as a school psychologist should also complete an EdS in School Psychology or a PsyD in School Psychology. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosures for the EdS and PsyD programs on Capella’s website. Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. Contact your Enrollment Counselor or Academic Advisor for more information.
Residency course requirements
Complete at least 8 quarter credits from the residency courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
PSY-R6000
Residency Advanced Assessment and Counseling for School Psychologists
4 quarter credits
In this residency, learners gain skills in administering standardized assessments and assessment instruments necessary for practicing school psychologists. Learners also develop and strengthen the skills needed to effectively counsel P12 children and adolescents through role-play activities including listening empathically, asking clear and relevant questions, responding in a non-judgmental manner, appropriately summarizing issues, maintaining appropriate records, and establishing and guiding individual and group counseling sessions. Learners observe testing sessions, score test results, take notes from faculty presentations, and engage in mock testing sessions. Learners develop skills in scoring and interpreting test results. Learners also examine the ethical principles associated with the practice of school psychology and receive feedback from experienced professional school psychologists and peers. Learners build and demonstrate the basic skills needed for interpreting and communicating assessment results to parents, teachers, and other professionals. Prerequisite(s): PSY7233. Concurrent registration in PSY7234 recommended. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
PSY-V6002
Residency Response to Intervention and Functional Behavior Assessment
4 quarter credits
Learners in this residency gain skills and techniques related to Response to Intervention (RTI) introduced as an authority in the identification of specific learning disabilities in the Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). Learners build skills to implement the RTI framework in local and state education agencies. Learners also examine and practice skills related to the RTI components for screening students, monitoring student progress, providing evidence-based interventions, and identifying students with special learning needs in a collaborative approach. Learners practice identifying appropriate circumstances and steps for conducting a functional behavioral assessment (FBA), developing the behavior intervention plan (BIP) and identifying the individual components of an FBA and BIP, including reviewing standardized assessment measures and completing FBA and BIP forms. Learners gain skills in synthesizing and interpreting case study data, and integrate and summarize this data, orally and in writing, to provide important feedback to school personnel about a student's challenging behaviors. Prerequisite(s): PSY7234 and PSY-R6000. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
Total
At least 53 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Learners in the MS in School Psychology are required to complete PSY6000 with a grade of “B" or higher as a condition of continued enrollment in the program.
Capella University is not currently accepting applications for the MS in School Psychology program from Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky or Massachusetts residents.
Capella’s MS in School Psychology is not intended to lead to license, endorsement, or professional credential. Learners who are interested in preparing to apply for state or national certification as a school psychologist should also complete an EdS in School Psychology or a PsyD in School Psychology. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosures for the EdS and PsyD programs on Capella’s website. Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. Contact your Enrollment Counselor or Academic Advisor for more information.
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
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How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.