Psychological Studies with a concentration in School Psychology (M.A.)

Jubilee Hall
CHDCM@shu.edu
shu.edu/academics/ma-psychological-studies

Program Code: EC_PSST_MA (Concentration Code: SPS)

The master’s program in Psychological Studies with a concentration in School Psychology is a 36-credit program that provides the foundation courses for students who are interested in working with school-age children and adolescents within the school setting, in child/adolescent mental health facilities, or those who are preparing for doctoral study. Courses include Abnormal Psychology, Human Development, Multicultural Counseling and Psychology, Statistics, Applied Research Methods and Statistical Analysis, etc.

A Unique Approach

The master’s program focuses on the child/adolescent, the school, and the community. Inherent in this training is the belief that children must be viewed in the contexts in which they live. The social, economic and cultural contexts shape their feelings, thoughts and actions. The school can usefully be regarded as the second nurturing agent beyond the family and, thus, is intimately involved in the growth and development of society’s youngest member.

In addition, the students in the program are considered a “community of learners.” The School Psychology Leadership Association of Seton Hall (SPLASH) was established in 2005 and meets twice each semester. Students become members of SPLASH once they are admitted into the program.

SPLASH represents the interests of graduate school psychology students engaged in the enhancement of Seton Hall University’s School Psychology Program. The mission of SPLASH is to heighten the awareness of and advocate for issues relevant to the professional field of school psychology. Members of SPLASH intend to accomplish this through building a strong network of colleagues, remaining informed about current issues that affect our profession, and encouraging others to enter the school psychology profession. It is our goal as future school psychologists to become competent, socially conscious, and reflective professional leaders who advocate for the needs of a diverse society of students, families, and communities.

SPLASH service activities include participating in: hosting workshops and conferences attracting mental health professional throughout the tri-state area; the Polar Bear Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics; 5-K Walk to help fund Nassan’s Place and Autism research and bake sales to support SPLASH activities.

SPLASH is a recognized student organization of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and Student Affiliates in School Psychology (Division 16, School Psychology) of the American Psychological Association (APA). SPLASH service activities include participating in: hosting workshops and conferences attracting mental health professional throughout the tri-state area; the Polar Bear Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics; and bake sales to support SPLASH activities.

Who Should Apply?

The faculty seek applicants who are dedicated to the field of school psychology.  This includes being passionate about working with diverse children, families, and staff in schools and within their respective communities. Successful applicants are able to demonstrate their:

1. dependability;
2. respect and empathy for others in thought and action;
3. open- mindedness;
4. ability to identify, admit and learn from their mistakes;
5. problem solving skills;
6. professional and ethical integrity;
7. ability to successfully cope with stress; and
8. self-care skills.

Experience working with students in schools and other settings is highly valued although it is not a requirement for admission to the program.

The M.A. in Psychological Studies (School Psychology concentration) can be pursued on a full- or part-time basis.  For students seeking the companion Ed.S. in School Psychology program after completion of the Master's program, full-time study is a requirement.

Application Process

All students who are interested in School Psychology as a field of study are required to apply to the M.A. in Psychological Studies and pursue a concentration in School Psychology. Generally, candidates for admission to the master’s program have earned their undergraduate degree in psychology or in a related area (i.e., education) although other undergraduate majors are also considered.

Course of Study-Master’s Level

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
CPSY 6001	Tests and Measurements	3
CPSY 6100	Intro to Sch Psyc Hist-Sys Fou	3
CPSY 6102 & CPSY 6103	Psychology-Human Devl and Abnormal Psychology	6
CPSY 6105	Biological Bases-Behavior	3
CPSY 6303	Counseling-Community Agencies	3
CPSY 6505	Prin Learn-Behavior Mod	3
CPSY 8010	Eth and Lgl Iss in Couns Pych	3
CPSY 8100	Multicultural Couns-Psychology	3
CPSY 8617	Appl Res Meth - Stat Analysis	3
CPSY 7501	Intro to Clinical Skills	3
EDST 6001	Compre Apprch to Stu Lrn DIs	3
Total Hours		36

Note: Passing the Comprehensive Exam is required of all Master’s level students to graduate from the program. 

Plan Of Study

Requirements for the program are outlined in the "Requirements" tab of this Catalogue.  This Planner tab offers a sample semester-by-semester model schedule which accounts for  historical course availability.  For timely completion of the program, students must routinely meet with their assigned academic adviser to carefully plan their schedule based on available courses.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
First Semester		Hours
CPSY 6100	Intro to Sch Psyc Hist-Sys Fou	3
CPSY 6102	Psychology-Human Devl	3
CPSY 8617	Appl Res Meth - Stat Analysis	3
	Hours	9
Second Semester
CPSY 6103	Abnormal Psychology	3
CPSY 6001	Tests and Measurements	3
EDST 6001	Compre Apprch to Stu Lrn DIs	3
	Hours	9
Second Year
First Semester
CPSY 6105	Biological Bases-Behavior	3
CPSY 8100	Multicultural Couns-Psychology	3
CPSY 6505	Prin Learn-Behavior Mod	3
	Hours	9
Second Semester
CPSY 6303	Counseling-Community Agencies	3
CPSY 8100	Multicultural Couns-Psychology	3
CPSY 7501	Intro to Clinical Skills	3
Comprehensive Exam
	Hours	9
	Total Hours	36