Specialist Degree in School Psychology
The Specialist Degree in School Psychology is designed to produce effective independent providers of psychological services within the schools. Completion of the degree program also prepares students for further graduate study and/or junior college teaching. This program is fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and graduates are eligible for licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology in Texas and the Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential provided by NASP.
This degree program includes a minimum of 60 graduate credit hours, 54 of which are typically taken full-time and year round for two consecutive years, followed by an academic year of full-time internship experience (6 credit hours). Students will gain 300+ hours of practicum experience prior to the internship and are license eligible immediately upon graduation. Internship placements are competitive, but our program boasts a 100% intern employment rate, with most students acquiring paid internship placements.
Applicants seeking admission to the school psychology program must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- Graduate Application: The Graduate Application is an institutional application required by SHSU. Students must provide biographical and educational information and information relevant to determining State of Texas residency.
- Application fee: An application fee is required for all applications to graduate programs at SHSU.
- Transcripts documenting all prior degrees*
- Official GRE scores (completed within the past five years)
- Three letters of recommendation preferably from faculty at the undergraduate degree-granting institution that discuss the applicant’s academic and professional potential
- Letter of Intent/Personal Statement: Applicants should submit a written statement discussing their fit with the SSP Program. While the applicant has a significant amount of freedom to discuss anything they wish in the statement, they are encouraged to explain why they wish to pursue the Specialist degree in School Psychology, how their educational background and/or work experience has prepared them to undertake a graduate degree in psychology, and what they plan to do professionally once they have completed the degree program.
- Applicants are expected to have earned a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher from the accredited institution granting the undergraduate degree. Applicants who have an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 are encouraged to provide an explanation for the applicant’s low GPA and why the GPA is not indicative of the applicant’s academic and professional potential in the Letter of Intent.
*Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts for review by the admissions committee. However, under university policy, admission decisions are contingent upon receipt of official transcripts.
Note: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
In addition to the courses listed below, all students must complete a comprehensive examination near the end of their program. In lieu of traditional comprehensive examinations, students must take the Praxis II, the standardized examination required for professional licensure in school psychology, and receive a passing score—as established by the State Board.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Degree in School Psychology | ||
| Specified Courses | ||
| PSYC 5330 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSYC 5338 | Consultation In School Psy | 3 |
| PSYC 5339 | Advanced School Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 5340 | Evidence-Based Child Therapy | 3 |
| PSYC 5361 | Neuropsychopharmacology | 3 |
| PSYC 5370 | Academic Assmnt & Consultation | 3 |
| PSYC 5379 | Ethical Practice in Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 5380 | Psychology of Diversity | 3 |
| PSYC 5381 | Advanced Learning Theory | 3 |
| PSYC 5387 | Advanced Statistics | 3 |
| PSYC 5394 | Psychometrics | 3 |
| PSYC 5395 | Assmt Of Intellgnc & Achievmt | 3 |
| PSYC 5397 | Adv Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 5398 | Advanced Child Assessment | 3 |
| PSYC 6371 | Internship in Psychology 1 | 6 |
| PSYC 6394 | Practicum in Psychometrics | 3 |
| PSYC 6395 | System Organization, Administration, and Change | 3 |
| PSYC 6396 | Practicum in School Psychology I | 3 |
| PSYC 6397 | Practicum in School Psychology II | 3 |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The Specialist Degree in School Psychology is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Eligibility to pursue licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) in Texas or the equivalent in other states.
- Eligibility to pursue the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential granted by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
- Knowledge and practical skills needed to conduct high quality psychological and psychoeducational assessments.
- Knowledge and practical skills required to provide both academic and behavioral consultation services, including the development and implementation of both academic and behavioral interventions.
- Knowledge and practical skills necessary to provide both individual and group counseling services to children and adolescents.
