Master of Science in Education in School Psychology: On-Campus
The emphasis of this program is to prepare school psychologists who are effective teacher, parent, and school consultants. Along with consultation, graduate students are trained to provide effective interventions. The program also emphasizes a pupil services model which addresses the educational and mental health needs of all children, from early childhood through high school. The school psychology knowledge base includes areas of professional school psychology, educational psychology, psychological foundations, educational foundations, social justice, and mental health. To provide psychological services in educational settings, graduates of the School Psychology On-Campus Program must also have considerable knowledge of curriculum, special education, and pupil services.
The Master of Science in Education in school psychology is awarded after the first year of study. To practice as a licensed school psychologist, students must go on to complete the Educational Specialist degree. UWL offers both degrees through the School Psychology Program.
Admission to program
Candidates seeking WI certification as a school psychologist must complete the Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in School Psychology requirements followed by the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Psychology requirements in order to be endorsed for licensure. UWL offers both degrees through the School Psychology Program.
In addition to meeting all UWL criteria for admission to graduate programs, applicants to the on-campus School Psychology Program must do the following:
- Complete an undergraduate statistics course as a prerequisite for the program.
- Provide a resume, letters of recommendation, a professional writing sample, and a personal statement (see the School Psychology application webpage for more detail).
- Complete an on-campus interview.
- Complete a successful criminal background check (initiated by UWL).*
*The WI Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires that candidates for admission to a teacher education, administration, or pupil services program successfully pass a criminal background check (CBC) as one criterion for admission. By applying for admission to one of these programs, candidates agree to provide the necessary personal information to UWL in order to initiate their CBC and to complete their portion of the process prior to the deadline specified in their admission letter. Teacher candidates are responsible for all costs associated with their criminal background check(s).
Curriculum for Master of Science in Education
The following requirements must be completed a Master of Science in Education degree in School Psychology:
- Complete the following 31 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPY 700 | School Psychology: Role and Function | 3 |
| SPY 751 | School-wide Practices for Academics, Behavior, and Mental Health in a MTSS Model | 3 |
| SPY 752 | Academic, Behavioral, and Mental Health Interventions | 3 |
| SPY 757 | Psychoeducational Assessment I | 3 |
| SPY 759 | Assessment of Students with Emotional/Behavioral Needs | 3 |
| SPY 761 | Orientation to Supervised Practicum in School Psychology | 1 |
| SPY 762 | Supervised Practicum in School Psychology I | 3 |
| SPY 771 | Application of Multicultural Psychology | 3 |
| SPY 775 | Behavioral Assessment and Management | 3 |
| SPY 776 | Psychological Consultation and Collaboration | 3 |
| SPE 501 | Introduction to Exceptional Individuals | 3 |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
2. Maintain retention standards as described in the School Psychology Graduate Student Handbook. Students must meet academic, behavior, and professional practice standards in order to progress in the program.
Students must complete all Master of Science in Education program requirements before being enrolled in the Education Specialist part of the School Psychology Program.
Students must then complete all Educational Specialist program requirements to be endorsed for WI licensure and practice as a licensed school psychologist.
University graduate degree requirements
After being admitted to the program of one's choice, candidates for a graduate degree must:
- Complete any preliminary course work and deficiencies.
- Complete all courses and other program requirements, including residence requirements prescribed for the degree desired in the respective school or college within a seven-year period from the date of initial enrollment, with the exception of students enrolled in the Student Affairs Administration and Leadership Ed.D. (SAA Ed.D.) graduate program. SAA Ed.D. students must complete all degree requirements within ten years from the time of initial enrollment in the graduate program.
- Earn a minimum of 30 credits for a master's degree; 54 credits for a doctorate or post-master's degree. Earn at least one-half of the minimum number of credits required in the program in graduate-only level courses (700, 800, 900, and non-slash 600 level courses). Some UWL graduate programs require more than 30 graduate credits. Please review the individual program requirements listed in the catalog for the exact number of credits required.
- Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00.
- Satisfy dissertation, thesis, seminar paper, terminal/graduate projects and internships, or comprehensive examination, where applicable. A dissertation or thesis approved by the committee must be submitted to Graduate & Extended Learning for editorial review and approval by the Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning. The recommended initial submission date for review is two weeks before commencement. Ordinarily, a seminar paper or project report does not have to be approved by the Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning. However, if the seminar paper or project report is to be archived in Murphy Library, the student must follow the same rules as they apply to the dissertation/thesis requiring approval from the Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning. For further research/dissertation/thesis guidelines, see Graduate & Extended Learning.
- File a completed "Intent to Graduate" form online via the WINGS Student Center immediately following registration for the final semester or summer term in residence. December graduates and winter intersession should file by May 1. May and summer graduates should file by December 1.
- Pay the graduation fee and remove all other indebtedness to the university. Payment of graduation fees does not imply readiness for graduation and does not take the place of applying for graduation.
- Complete all requirements within 30 days after the official ending date of a term in order for a degree to be awarded for that term. (See #5 above for separate deadline for written capstone experience.)