M.A. in School Psychology
Educational Psychology | Master's Degree
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Purpose of Program
This program is designed for students who want to work with children and adolescents experiencing a wide range of academic, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. Common roles and functions of the School Psychologist include psychological assessment, counseling, consultation, crisis intervention, research, and program evaluation. School Psychologists work with students, their families, and school staff in order to help students be as successful as possible in school. The program is designed to provide students the academic and practical training necessary to become licensed as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Graduates are eligible to apply for certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, which is a nationally-recognized professional certification granted by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Program Options
The National Association of School Psychologists and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists both require master's and specialist-level programs in School Psychology to include at least 60 hours of coursework, including practicum and internship. These entities also provide very specific courses and domains of competence that must be reflected in the curriculum. The degree requirements and curriculum reflect these standards, which will facilitate the professional accreditation of the program and the licensure of our graduates. The requirements also are consistent with those of other School Psychology programs within the state.
The Master of Arts in School Psychology is a 66-hour program, and typically requires three to four years to complete. The program includes coursework and field-based experiences related to psychological assessment, intervention, learning, child development, psychopathology, research, statistics, and professional issues. Students also complete a full-time internship in a school setting. Due to the clinical nature of this program and number of hours required, the degree does not have a Thesis option.
Career Opportunities
School Psychology has been identified by the U.S. Department of Labor as a specialization that is likely to have faster than average employment growth. In addition, Texas has been identified as a state that will encounter one of the most serious shortages of School Psychologists in the near future. Thus, the job prospects for School Psychologists are very favorable. Minority and bilingual school psychologists are especially needed given the increasing diversity of public schools.
Job Outlook/Earnings
How much will you make? Will there be jobs when you graduate? How much will you owe after graduation?
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Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet UTSA Graduate School admission requirements and be in good standing with last institution attended. In addition, applicants must meet/fulfill the following departmental requirements or submissions:
- Official transcripts indicating a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Sociology, or closely related field.
- Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 semester credit hours of coursework for the baccalaureate degree, as well as in all graduate-level coursework taken (if applicable). If an applicant's GPA is between 2.70 and 2.99, probationary admission may be granted and the student must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA during the first 12 hours of coursework.
- GRE Test Scores (including the Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing tests). GRE scores cannot be more than five years old.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must submit an official score on either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum scores include a score of at least 550 on the TOEFL paper version, at least 79 on the TOEFL Internet version.
- Two letters of recommendation from professional references. These letters should specifically address the applicant's academic and/or professional skills, and potential to succeed in a rigorous graduate program.
- A Statement of Purpose (approximately 500 words) which outlines the applicant's (1) reasons for pursuing the M.A. degree in School Psychology, (2) experiences relevant to the field of psychology or education; and (3) career plans
UTSA ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Freshmen | Freshmen (International) | Transfers | Transfer (International) | Re-Admission | Non-Degree Seeking
GRADUATE PROGRAM ASSISTANCE:
For assistance with Admission Requirements, or for further information, contact the program's Student Development Specialist (Listed Under Contacts)
Applications
Apply for graduate programs through the UTSA Graduate School
UTSA Graduate School
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Attn: The Graduate School
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249
Financial Aid & Scholarships
To apply for financial aid, complete the:
Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA)
UTSA Scholarships (Grad & Undergrad)
COEHD Scholarships (Grad & Undergrad)
External Scholarships (Grad & Undergrad)
For additional help in finding and applying for scholarships, please contact:
Coordinator of Undergraduate Student Services
Main Building 3.212
210-458-4021 voice
210-458-4487 fax
UTSA Graduate School
Send all USPS mail (transcripts, etc.) to:
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Attn: The Graduate School
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249
College of Education and Human Development
Mailing Address:
The University of Texas at San Antonio
College of Education and Human Development
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249
Departments/Student Development Specialists
- BICULTURAL-BILINGUAL STUDIES Eric Uriegas 210.458.6619
- COUNSELING Kristina Talamantez 210.458.2723
- EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES Jo Ann Jones 210.458.6620
- EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY Samantha Sifuentes 210.458.2721
- INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING AND TEACHING Molly Miller 210.458.7443
- KINESIOLOGY, HEALTH, AND NUTRITION Eric Uriegas 210.458.6619