Assistant Dean: Marie Ribarich, Ph.D.
Chidwick 204 914-654-5561
Master of Science Degree in School Psychology Leading to provisional Certification–60 Credits
The Program in School Psychology is guided by the College’s mission statement of educating students for service which is in turn influenced by the College’s historic commitment to justice in society. Academic offerings emphasize the role of human behavior and development within a humanistic/multicultural framework.
Successful completion of the program leads to a Master of Science Degree and New York State Certification as a school psychologist which enables students to work as psychologists in the schools.
Educational Objectives and Curriculum
Candidates for the degree must complete at least 20 graduate courses in the program. A minimum grade of B- in each course and a semester average of B are required to continue in the program. Courses are organized sequentially with core/theory courses preceding skill development courses, and field application experiences.
Educational objectives for the program are incorporated into course syllabi. Program objectives include:
- Knowledge of public school organization and the role of the school psychologist in multicultural settings;
- Knowledge of child growth and development, behavior management, theoretical approaches to assessment and counseling, legal and ethical guidelines;
- Skill in diagnosis and assessment of behavior and learning in multicultural contexts;
- Skill in consultation and collaboration with teachers, parents and other professionals in multicultural contexts;
- Expertise in individual and group counseling with multicultural populations;
- Skill in research and evaluation;
- Commitment to professional growth and development.
Admission
An undergraduate major in psychology, including psychological testing, is a prerequisite for admission. Suitability for the program and for the profession will be factors in determining admission.
In addition to sending all documents required for admission to the Graduate School, an applicant to this program must also send to the office of the School Psychology Program the following:
- a statement of at least 250 words, describing qualifications, experience, and reason for seeking admission to this program;
- copies of any reports (e.g., of clinical fieldwork, child study, senior thesis, etc.) to assist the admission committee in making its decision in conjunction with an interview.