The Sixth Year Certificate Program is required for Connecticut certification as a school psychologist. Students must first complete a Master of Science in School Psychology, after which students apply for admission to the Sixth Year Program. This two-year program includes one year of full-time coursework and part-time practicum, followed by a year-long internship. Graduates of the program will be prepared for employment as school psychologists in public schools or other related organizations and agencies.
Program Features
The Sixth Year Certificate includes one year of full-time coursework as well as a 700-hour practicum experience in a public school setting under the supervision of a certified school psychologist. The final year of the program requires a 10-month, full-time 1200-hour internship in a public school, supervised by a certified school psychologist with 3 years' experience. Courses are offered in the evenings in a hybrid format, including on-campus and online work. Passage of the Praxis II in School Psychology and a comprehensive exam are required.
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 Sixth Year Certification 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 the employment growth of 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.