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 students 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 students 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. This degree program is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.
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 students 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 student, faculty and staff are responsible for educating and assessing students with regard to their personal suitability and fitness for the profession.
Residency Requirement(s)
One ten-week course, with a five-day embedded in-person residency experience (PSY-R7231) and one ten-week course with a four-day embedded virtual residency experience (PSY-V6002), respectively. See university policy 3.04.05 Attendance at Residencies and 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 Students | 5 |
| PSY5420 | Multicultural Perspectives in Human Behavior | 5 |
| PSY6005 | Child and Adolescent Counseling | 4 |
| PSY7212 | Childhood Mental Health, Counseling, and Crisis Intervention/Prevention | 5 |
| PSY7234 | Cognitive and Academic Assessment | 5 |
| PSY7310 | Biological Basis of Behavior | 5 |
| PSY7331 | Principles of School Psychology | 5 |
| PSY7421 | Cognitive/Affective Psychology | 5 |
| PSY7610 | Tests and Measurements | 5 |
| PSY-R7231 | Cognitive and Adaptive Assessment with Residency | 5 |
| PSY-V6002 | Response to Intervention and Functional Behavior Assessment | 4 |
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.
Students 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.
Students 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 University is not currently accepting applications for the MS in School Psychology program from Arkansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, or West Virginia residents.
Capella’s MS in School Psychology is not intended to lead to license, endorsement, or professional credential. Students 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; students 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.