The School Psychology Department
Our Approach
Our graduate program in school psychology combines a strong interdisciplinary focus with an emphasis on clinical experience. You will learn hands-on skills through coursework and direct experiences. We use the cooperative learning and case study methods of teaching so that candidates are able to understand how the theoretical approaches being studied can be applied in actual school situations. We foster an atmosphere of collaboration, in which each cohort members want to help the other succeed. Many of our full time internships, which are required during the third year, offer stipends.
Our Philosophy
Consistent with the scientist practitioner model of training, the School Psychology Program at The College of Saint Rose combines a strong theoretical framework with empirically based research to inform candidates’ work with children and families. The framework, merging systems thinking and a dynamic understanding of personality development, provides a template that guides case formulation, decision making and intervention design. Emphasis on child and family strengths, resiliency, and cultural context are cornerstones of our philosophy.
We merge seminal works and theories of school psychology with contemporary research and methodology. For example, the national trend towards Response to Intervention (RtI) to improve educational outcomes for all weaves through numerous courses. Furthermore, our approach to psychoeducational assessment reflects cutting edge evidenced based practices with emphasis on the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) approach.
Upon graduation from our Program candidates will be able to think critically, optimistically and passionately about what they will bring to the children, families and communities they serve. Candidates will embrace the role of systems change agent, problem solver, and child and family advocate.
School Psychology Class of 2017
Goals of the Program
The development of courses has been guided by our philosophy and the NASP Domains of School Psychology Training and Practice. The curriculum is designed to foster our analytical approach and bolster the skills necessary for its application in the school setting. Course material can be broadly broken down into the following goal areas:
- To prepare candidates to utilize evidence based practice in assessment, consultation and intervention.
- To instill knowledge of human development in cognitive and social emotional arenas from a strength based perspective.
- To develop a foundation for professional, ethical practice and advocacy
- To further candidates’ appreciation of the diverse characteristics of the people and communities with whom they work
- To encourage candidates to embrace a systems level approach for case formulation and intervention planning.
Admission Requirements
- A complete Saint Rose Graduate School application
- A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- THREE letters of recommendations regarding personal and academic qualifications
- TWO of the three letters should be from a college professor
- Participation in scheduled group and individual interview
- An undergraduate Grade Point Average of 3.0
Program Structure
School Psychology is part of Educational Psychology, housed within the School of Education. Our students are full time. Courses are taken primarily in the Spring and Fall semesters, although some courses are required during the Summer Sessions. Review our School Psychology Handbook for further information. After completing three semesters of course work, candidates receive their Masters in Education. In the Spring of their second year, candidates complete their one semester Practicum. In the third year candidates complete their full time Internship. Upon completing the Internship, candidates receive their Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) and are eligible for provisional New York State Certification. Passing the Praxis II School Psychology exam allows the candidate to apply for National Certification (NCSP) through NASP. Review our School Psychology Handbook.
Course Work
School Psychology
- Cognitive, Academic and Social Emotional Assessment
- School Psychology Consultation
- Introduction to School Psychology
- Personality Theory and Abnormal Psychology
- School Psychology: Practice and Intervention
- Practicum and Internship in School Psychology
Educational Psychology
- Educational Research
- Theories of Learning
- Child Psychology and Development
- Adolescent Psychology and Development
- Psychology of Diversity
- Statistics
- Integrative Seminar in Educational Psychology
Counseling
- Counseling Children and Adolescents
- Group Counseling
Special Education
- Introduction to Exceptional Individuals
- Approaches to Classroom Management
Career Opportunities
Candidates are prepared for careers as certified school psychologists in a variety of settings including public and private schools. Since 2009 U.S. News and World Report has annually stated that the job outlook for school psychology is one of the strongest and as a career one of the best. With a mean salary near $70,000 per year, school psychologists earn more than many other social service jobs within the education system (US News & World Report, 2013; NASP, 2011).
