The M.S. School Psychology program prepares you to promote student success through assessment, intervention, and advocacy.
This NASP-approved program prepares students to work as school psychologists using their knowledge, insight, and skills to promote educational success and to improve the institutions and programs in which they are involved. The program is committed to incorporating nationally accredited/approved curriculum standards, evidence-based teaching methods, a social justice advocacy framework, and active clinical and field practice into our programs.
As a NASP-approved program, student preparation includes training in psychological and psychoeducational evaluations, written and oral communication of assessment results, developing individual educational and behavioral interventions, making recommendations for academic and mental health interventions, participation in regular and special education programs, consultation, individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, program evaluation, and research.
Program Features
Successful completion of this degree program, followed by the SYC in School Psychology, prepares students for eligibility for state certification as a school psychologist as well as national certification (N.C.S.P.).
This one full-year program (including full-time summer study) offers evening and hybrid courses. Some classes will also contain web-based components of training.
Topics Covered
All aspects of the NASP Practice Model are covered, including:
- Psychoeducational evaluations
- Written and oral communication of assessment results
- Developing individual educational and behavioral interventions
- Making recommendations for academic and mental health interventions
- Participation in regular and special education programs
- Consultation
- Individual and group counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Program evaluation and research
Learning Outcomes
The objectives of the School Psychology Program are based upon the Domains of School Psychology Graduate Education and Practice as developed by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Graduates of the Master of Science in School Psychology Program at Southern Connecticut State University will:
- Demonstrate a foundation in the knowledge bases for both psychology and education.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in data-based decision-making as a means to effective problem-solving, evaluation and accountability.
- Demonstrate skills in research and program evaluation to allow them to help bring the latest in educational and psychological research to schools and to help schools determine the effectiveness of services.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in school consultation and collaboration and the ability to communicate and work with others in a team-based approach to meeting the needs of children, youth, families and systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge in varied aspects of effective teaching and instructional methods, school curriculum, factors influencing learning and cognitive development, and the skills to develop appropriate academic interventions based on this knowledge.
- Demonstrate knowledge in varied aspects of mental health, social and emotional development and behavior, and the skills to develop appropriate social, emotional and behavioral interventions based on this knowledge.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the varied systems within and outside of schools in which students operate and the skills to work with and within these systems to create and maintain effective and supportive learning environments. This includes an understanding of the key role of families and family systems as well as knowledge and appreciation for all aspects of diversity in students, their families and fellow educators and mental health professionals, and skills to work to ensure safe and affirming schools for all.
- Demonstrate knowledge of primary prevention, risk and resiliency factors and the skills to develop and provide effective prevention, treatment and crisis intervention services.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the field and history of school psychology and the legal, ethical and professional standards of the profession and the skills to implement these standards through the use of effective technology, communication and interpersonal skills.
Careers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of school and career counselors is projected to grow eight percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Increasing school enrollments is expected to lead to employment growth for these workers. Graduates of the program will be prepared for employment as school psychologists in public schools or other related organizations and agencies.
Typical Job Titles
- School Psychologist
Accreditation
Fully accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists through 2032.
Highlights
In June 2025, Dr. Rhoades was awarded the Connecticut Association of School Psychologists Presidential Citation.