Master of Science (M.S.) and Specialist (S.S.P.) in School Psychology
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master’s and Specialist in School Psychology Programs at Barry University is to provide foundational and advanced education and training in clinical assessment, leadership, practice, and research. Consistent with this mission is the goal of graduating ethical professionals with expert knowledge and skills in the practice of school psychology. The School Psychology Programs espouse the four core values set forth in the mission of the Adrian Dominican School of Education, Leadership, and Human Development and Barry University: knowledge and truth, inclusive community, social justice, and collaborative service. Our Programs are communities of learners in which the study, development, and improvement of effective practice is promoted through scholarly and critical analysis. The Programs foster an inclusive academic atmosphere that encourages collaboration, respect, and sharing of ideas. In keeping with the importance of diversity and multiculturalism, the Programs expect students to accept social responsibility and place value on the function of social justice in the curriculum and society. The Programs are also committed to offering services to communities for various human, social, economic, and environmental problems. The Master’s Degree in School Psychology at Barry University is a foundational degree that prepares students for entry into the Specialist in School Psychology program or other areas of advanced graduate work. Completion of all courses in both the School Psychology Master’s degree program and the Specialist in School Psychology program is necessary for employment as a School Psychologist.
Program Goals
- Prepare future school psychologists with the skills needed in today’s job market and in the future.
- Prepare future school psychologists who can provide psycho-educational assessment services to all children.
- Prepare future school psychologists who understand the unique needs of culturally and linguistically diverse children, their families, and educators within the schools and larger community.
- Prepare future school psychologists who are able to conduct research and evaluate the efficacy of school-based programs and to integrate empirically based research into their practice as a school psychologist.
- Prepare future school psychologists who use a problem solving approach when consulting with parents and educators and when designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions for academic or behavior concerns.
- Prepare future school psychologists who work within ethical and legal guidelines.
School Psychology Student Learner Outcomes
- Apply skills learned throughout the program when providing psychoeducational services to all children.
- Select appropriate models of consultation and problem solving when working with parents and educators.
- Apply research skills when to developing, implementing, and monitoring interventions for children and adolescents and when evaluating programs within the schools.
- Demonstrate their ability to adhere to national and state guidelines for ethical/legal conduct.
- Develop skills to support preventive services and the mental health functioning of children and adolescents within the school setting.
- Demonstrate their knowledge of the content areas within school psychology.
Standards of Progress
Any student who receives less than a 3.0 and /or more than one C is subject to program or School action, including dismissal. Failing grades must be replaced by a passing grade in the same course or the student is subject to dismissal.
Because of the applied nature of the program and the variety of interpersonal relationships that the profession demands, successful applicants must demonstrate a high level of maturity and flexibility. The faculty in the School Psychology program reserves the right to recommend entry into personal counseling or psychotherapy as a condition of continuation in the School Psychology program. In cases of misconduct, including legal, ethical, or academic violations, the faculty will refer the case to the University Judicial Board. Student progress will be reviewed at least one time per year by faculty within the School Psychology program.
Graduation Requirements for the Master's degree
Students must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) with no more than one (1) C. If a student earns the C in any of the following courses, the course must be repeated: SPY-571, SPY-612, SPY-613, SPY-620, and EDR-601. Only one (1) course can be repeated. A student who receives a second C or a grade below a C in any course is subject to dismissal.
Graduation Requirements for the Specialist degree
Students must earn a minimum of 41 semester hours with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) with no more than one (1) C. If a student earns the C in any of the following courses, the course must be repeated SPY 552, SPY614, SPY 636, SPY 648 and SPY 649. Only one (1) course can be repeated. A student who receives a second C or a grade below a C in any course is subject to dismissal. Students must take and pass the Florida Teacher Certification exams (Professional Practice and Subject area) and the Praxis Exam for National Certification as a School Psychologist.
Student Organizations
Students in the School Psychology program may be eligible for membership in Chi PSI, the National Honor Society for students in Psychology.
Master of Science (minimum 30 credits)
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.) IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY :
Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the requirements of the Adrian Dominican School of Education, Leadership and Human Development requirements for admission include the following:
- Successful completion of at least 15 credit hours of undergraduate psychology; preferred courses include: Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, Tests and Measurement, Physiological Psychology, Psychology of Learning, Statistics, Research Methods and Design, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Biopsychology, Cognition.
Required Courses (30 credits)
Psychological Foundations (3 credits)
Educational Foundations
| SPY-571 | EXCEPTIONALITIES IN LEARNING & BEHAVIOR | 3 |
| SPY-586 | STUDENT SERVICES PERSONEL IN PUBLIC SCH | 3 |
Psychoeducational Evaluation Methods (9 credits)
| EDR-601 | METHODOLOGY OF RESEARCH | 3 |
| SPY-612 | PSYCHOED ASSESS CHILD/ADOLESCENTS | 3 |
| SPY-613 | INTELL ASSESS CHLD/ADOL | 3 |
Psychoeducational Interventions (12 credits)
Specialist in School Psychology (Minimum of 41 Credits)
SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY (S.S.P.):
Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to the requirements of the Adrian Dominican School of Education, Leadership, and Human Development requirements for admission include the following:
- A master’s degree in School Psychology or a related field with a minimum of a 3.4 grade point average from a regionally accredited institution;
- Successful completion of at least 15 credit hours of undergraduate psychology, preferred courses include: Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, Tests and Measurement, Physiological Psychology, Psychology of Learning, Statistics, Research Methods and Design, Child and Adolescent Psychology, Biopsychology, Cognition;
- Passing score on the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE) Professional Education and Subject Area; and
- Two (2) recent letters of professional recommendation for graduate study.
Since all courses in the M.S. in School Psychology are foundational for the S.S.P. degree, students must complete the courses or the equivalent as determined by program faculty. In cases where the courses have not been completed, they will be added to the student’s S.S.P. requirements.
Required Courses (41 credits)
Psychological Foundations (9 credits)
Educational Foundations (6 credits)
Psychoeducational Evaluation Methods (9 credits)
Psychoeducational Interventions (6 credits)
Field Placement (12 credits)
*If the Directed Research Project is not completed by the end of internship, students must enroll in SPY-701 Directed Research in each subsequent semester until the Directed Research is completed.
Lab fee assessed for SPY-552, SPY-614, SPY-636 and SPY 648.
Insurance fee assessed for SPY-648 and SPY-649