Psychological Studies with a concentration in School Psychology (M.A.)
www.shu.edu/academics/ma-eds-school-psychology
Program Overview
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. The use of Blackboard on-line technology is used in most courses. The use of e-mail, Power Point, and basic computer technology is a requirement for the program.
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 of the School Psychology Program are seeking 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:
- dependability;
- respect and empathy for others in thought and action;
- open- mindedness;
- ability to identify, admit and learn from their mistakes;
- problem solving skills;
- professional and ethical integrity;
- ability to successfully cope with stress; and
- 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 Application Process
All students who are interested in the School Psychology program are required to apply to the master’s in Psychological Studies with 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.
Students who have already earned a master’s degree in a related field and/or have completed some graduate level courses would still need to apply to the master’s program in order to complete their Seton Hall University master’s level required courses and take/pass the master’s comprehensive examination. These students would need to have their graduate transcript and college/university course catalogue reviewed to determine if any of their courses are applicable to the program. Courses accepted towards the master’s program from other universities must be approved by the program director and/or admissions committee. A maximum of 12 credits can be accepted for advanced standing at the master’s level.
An application to the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media can be found online. In addition to University admission regulations, candidates who apply to the Master’s in Psychological Studies (School Psychology concentration) program are required to submit the following:
- A completed graduate application and fee;
- Student résumé;
- Official copies of all previous undergraduate and graduate transcripts;
- Three letters of recommendation, including at least two from former professors.
- A statement of career goals.
Once the application is complete, it will be reviewed by program faculty. A personal interview by the program director and/or admissions committee will be arranged with applicants who are considered potential candidates for the program. A writing sample will be requested from candidates during their personal interview. It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up with the Graduate Admissions office to verify that all application materials have been received. Please be sure that your application is completed in a professional manner.
The application deadline for Fall admission is July 1 of each year. Application will be accepted after the February 1 deadline provided there is space available. Applicants will be advised of their status by April 1. Students admitted to the masters program complete the courses outlined below. These students will earn the masters degree after successful completion of the 36-credit program, passing the comprehensive exam, and displaying the ethical/professional behaviors required for functioning as a school psychologist.
Students who are interested in the program, but have missed the application deadline dates can also take up to 3 master’s courses (a total of 9 credits) as a nonmatriculated student. Please discuss this option with the Program Director. Taking courses as a nonmatriculated student does not guarantee admission into the program.
Three courses (9 credits) a semester is considered full time status at the graduate level. Each class is arranged on one night per week for 130 minutes during the Fall and Spring semesters. Courses are scheduled in the evenings, Mondays through Thursdays, from 5:00 to 7:10 p.m. or 7:15 to 9:25 p.m. There are also 3 Summer Sessions; Intersession, June/July, and July/August. The Summer Session courses are scheduled on various days and times. Therefore, students at the masters level can work part-time while obtaining the masters degree. However, students at the Ed.S. level are expected to make a full-time commitment to the program.
Course of Study-Master’s Level
| 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.
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