The mission of the 60-hour specialist-level NASP-approved School Psychology M.S. Program at the University of Central Arkansas is to prepare entry-level school psychologists to apply scientifically-based psychological and educational principles and practices in all dimensions of their professional work. Graduates of the program are expected to be reflective and competent professionals committed to the increased understanding of human behavior, continuing professional development, best practices in school psychology, cultural respect and diversity, and ethical standards of professional practice as articulated by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).... [-]

The overall objective of the program is the development of scientific knowledge in the theory and application of psychological and social processes governing the teaching and learning.

Students will have the opportunity to choose between two specializations: a) Educational Psychology or b) School Psychology.

The Educational Psychology specialization particularly aimed at people working or interested in pursuing careers as teachers. The field of Educational Psychology is defined broadly as the study of students, learning and teaching. Studies in this field can enrich the work of those who work or wish to work as teachers in primary, secondary or higher education providing the basic theoretical background that will guide their teaching in order to improve the learning outcomes of students and be able to help their students to progress academically and personally. A successful teacher is able to motivate students to successfully manage the class to assess students 'prior knowledge, to transmit successfully ideas to serve the students' particular needs, to develop appropriate teaching methods and use appropriate assessment methods. Teachers can develop these skills by understanding and applying relevant psychological theories and learning theories. The Educational Psychology specialization aims to encourage teachers to see themselves as practitioners students (engaged learners) who... [-]

The overall objective of the program is the development of scientific knowledge in the theory and application of psychological and social processes governing the teaching and learning.

Students will have the opportunity to choose between two specializations: a) Educational Psychology or b) School Psychology.

The Educational Psychology specialization particularly aimed at people working or interested in pursuing careers as teachers. The field of Educational Psychology is defined broadly as the study of students, learning and teaching. Studies in this field can enrich the work of those who work or wish to work as teachers in primary, secondary or higher education providing the basic theoretical background that will guide their teaching in order to improve the learning outcomes of students and be able to help their students to progress academically and personally. A successful teacher is able to motivate students to successfully manage the class to assess students 'prior knowledge, to transmit successfully ideas to serve the students' particular needs, to develop appropriate teaching methods and use appropriate assessment methods. ... [-]

Master of Science in School Psychology

The Program has received Full Approval status by the National Association of School Psychologists. The Program is a 64-semester hour, a post-baccalaureate course of study leading to Certification in School Psychology in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Students are provided with a competency-based program which moves sequentially from a strong knowledge base to acquisition of applied skills, and then, to the supervised practicum and internship experiences. Upon successful completion of a specified 43 semester hours of coursework, a Master of Science in Psychology is awarded.

Following successful completion of the remaining 21 semester hours that includes a practicum and 1200, full-year internship, the student is recommended for certification as a school psychologist to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students may transfer into the program after earning a master’s degree in Psychology or a related field elsewhere.... [-]

The master of science degree program in school psychology is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and prepares students for provisional New York state certification as school psychologists. Designed to provide students with a strong background in psychological foundations, the program develops professional skills and competencies in assessment, counseling, consultation, and program evaluation.

A school psychologist works with young children (birth to age five); elementary, junior high, and high school students; teachers and administrators; parents; and professionals to offer services that lead to the amelioration of existing student difficulties and attempt to prevent school problems. Through diagnostic testing, counseling, consultation, and intervention, school psychologists help students deal with learning and behavioral difficulties and help improve students’ adjustment to school and their community.... [-]

The Master of Science Degree in Counseling is designed to prepare you to work in a school setting as a school counselor. You'll have the opportunity to follow any of several career paths in the counseling field. Additionally, completing the 48-credit School Counselor program will likely earn you provisional certification as a school counselor. (Same with the 54-credit Bilingual School Counselor program, too).

Graduate students who complete the 60-credit Mental Health Counseling program are eligible to sit for the professional licensing examination.

Specializations:

(with specialization in Neuropsychology or Neuroscience of Learning)

The Master of Science (MS) in School/Clinical Psychology is a Terminal Master Degree Program that will concomitantly provide students the foundations of the School and Clinical Psychology (S/CP) profession. The program will prepare its graduates to engage in a competent practice of the profession at the Master level.

As part of the program, students have an option of completing a concentration in Neuropsychology (NP) or in Neuroscience of Learning (NSL). With this degree, students will be able to seek to license in PR and in most states of USA. They may also pursue doctoral studies in School Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology or in Clinical Neuropsychology.... [-]