Curriculum and Instruction, School Psychology Concentration, Ed.S.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Specialist in Education degree with a concentration in School Psychology requires 

1. an earned master’s degree in psychology, educational psychology, or school counseling from an accredited university or college. Normally, candidates should have completed all courses listed under the M.A. program for the Pre-Specialist in Education: School Psychology concentration;
2. an acceptable grade point average in all college work taken;
3. a minimum score of 291 (current scale) or 900 (former scale) on the combined verbal and quantitative measures of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Application Deadlines: Applications for Summer/Fall admission must be complete by March 1, and applications for Spring admission must be complete by October 1. Late applicants who meet the admission criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicant must

1. submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php);
2. submit official scores on the GRE-a minimum of 291 (current scale) or 900 (former scale) on the combined Verbal and Quantitative sections is expected;
3. submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
4. submit the supplemental School Psychology program application (found online at www.mtsu.edu/schoolpsychology);
5. submit three (3) reference forms (found online). It is recommended that at least two references should be completed by faculty who can attest to the applicant’s academic abilities;
6. submit a current curriculum vita that includes education and employment history, research involvement, volunteer activities, references, and awards/scholarships;
7. submit a statement of purpose, including reasons for interest in the field of school psychology and the program at MTSU and a description of professional goals. (Typically two to three [2-3] pages in length.)

NOTE: Admission to graduate study is competitive and not automatic for students meeting minimal admission requirements. Students are selected from a pool of qualified applicants. Each year the number of students admitted to the program depends on the availability of adequate faculty supervision.

Degree Requirements

Candidate must

1. be able to meet the demands required for professional work in psychology. Therefore, students may be subject to dismissal from the Psychology Department if they (a) commit a serious breach of ethics or gross professional negligence or (b) present evidence of impaired psychological functioning that would present a danger to themselves or others in a professional role. Students who are dismissed may reapply and will be considered for readmission on a competitive basis. Students who reapply may be asked to provide evidence of improved ability to meet performance requirements. See each area coordinator and program handbook for readmission policy.
2. complete a minimum of 30 graduate semester hours (see Curriculum section below for specifics) with a minimum of 15 hours at the 7000 level.
3. satisfy a residency requirement consisting of
   1. the completion of 18 semester hours of graduate study within a 12-month period and
   2. full-time enrollment (at least 9 semester hours) for a least one semester.
4. complete FOED 6610 /FOED 7610  (for those who did not have a thesis listed on their transcripts as part of their master’s degree).
5. complete courses in the following areas (based on National Association of School Psychologists standards):
   1. data-based decision making and accountability;
   2. consultation and collaboration;
   3. effective instruction and development of cognitive/academic skills;
   4. socialization and development of life skills;
   5. student diversity in development and learning;
   6. school and systems organization, policy, development, and climate;
   7. prevention, crisis intervention, and mental health;
   8. home/school/community collaboration;
   9. research and program evaluation;
   10. school psychology practice and development;
   11. information technology.
6. complete PSY 7810 , an internship of 1,200 hours as a capstone experience.
7. pass a written comprehensive examination approved by the faculty (may be taken no more than twice).
8. maintain professional liability insurance (coverage amount at the student’s discretion) throughout enrollment in the program, with a current insurance binder filed with the department at all times.

Curriculum: Curriculum and Instruction, School Psychology

Candidate must complete 30 hours in the following course of study:

Program Notes

Candidate must

1. file a degree plan in the College of Graduate Studies prior to entry into the program;
2. file a Notice of Intent to Graduate form in the College of Graduate Studies within the first two weeks of the term in which the student intends to graduate.