Master of Science (MS) in School Psychology
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Master of Science (MS) in School Psychology degree program is designed to provide learners with initial training in the profession of school psychology. The MS in School Psychology program is built on the graduate preparation standards for school psychologists and consists of an integrated, sequential program of study that includes didactic instruction and clinical training. The model for services by school psychologists is embedded throughout the curriculum. This program is designed to prepare learners for further training in the Education Specialist in School Psychology or Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology degree programs. Completion of the MS in School Psychology alone does not lead to licensure or certification as a school psychologist.
Personal Suitability and Fitness for the Profession
Capella embraces the principles and guidelines set forth by the Council of Chairs of Training Councils (CCTC) related to professional psychology programs in that the faculty, training staff, supervisors, and administrators in the MS in School Psychology degree program have a professional, ethical, and potentially legal obligation to ensure, insofar as possible, that all learners have the competence to manage professional relationships in an effective and appropriate manner, and that they possess the emotional maturity, interpersonal stability, and intellectual judgment required to work with vulnerable populations. Personal suitability and fitness for the profession includes but is not limited to demonstration of sufficient interpersonal and professional competence; self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-evaluation; openness to processes of supervision; and resolution of issues or problems that interfere with professional development or functioning in a satisfactory manner. Throughout the graduate training of each learner, faculty and staff are responsible for educating and assessing learners with regard to their personal suitability and fitness for the profession.
Residency Requirement(s)
Two ten-week courses with a six-day and four-day embedded residency experience (PSY-R6001, PSY-V6002), respectively. See university policy 3.04.05 Attendance at Residencies, the Residencies page on Campus for more information. Also see each graduate school’s residency courses.
Additional Program Requirements
| PSY6000 | Foundations of Practice for School Psychology Learners | 5 |
| PSY-R6000 | Advanced Psychological Assessment Skills and Techniques | 4 |
| PSY-V6002 | Response to Intervention and Functional Behavior Assessment | 4 |
| PSY5420 | Multicultural Perspectives in Human Behavior | 5 |
| PSY7212 | Childhood Mental Health, Counseling, and Crisis Intervention/Prevention | 5 |
| PSY7233 | Psychological Assessments for School Psychologists 1 | 5 |
| PSY7234 | Psychological Assessments for School Psychologists 2 | 5 |
| PSY7310 | Biological Basis of Behavior | 5 |
| PSY7331 | Principles of School Psychology | 5 |
| PSY7421 | Cognitive/Affective Psychology | 5 |
| PSY7610 | Tests and Measurements | 5 |
Total
At least 53 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Learners in the MS in School Psychology are required to complete PSY6000 with a grade of “B" or higher as a condition of continued enrollment in the program.
Capella’s MS in School Psychology is not intended to lead to license, endorsement, or professional credential. Learners who are interested in preparing to apply for state or national certification as a school psychologist should also complete an EdS in School Psychology or a PsyD in School Psychology. For more information, see the professional licensure disclosures for the EdS and PsyD programs on Capella’s website. Capella University cannot guarantee eligibility for licensure, endorsement, other professional credential, or salary advancement. State licensing regulations and professional standards vary; learners are responsible for understanding and complying with the requirements of the state in which they intend to work. Contact your Enrollment Counselor or Academic Advisor for more information.