The University of Alabama School Psychology Program is designed to provide exemplary graduate training in research and its application in practice. The School Psychology Program admits candidates to the distance-learning only master’s (MA), on-campus OR distance-learning educational specialist (EdS), and on-campus only Ph.D. graduate degree programs. These degrees prepare candidates for direct school-based practice and, for Ph.D. candidates, for careers as faculty members, researchers, and practitioners. The degree programs in school psychology focus on the provision of school psychology services that are based on a strong foundation of research. The school psychology degree programs include an integrated and sequential program of study with comprehensive coursework and supervised field experiences. Candidates participate in courses and seminars in assessment and data collection, interventions and decision making, prevention and consultation, professional school psychology, sociocultural foundations, psychological foundations, human development, educational foundations, statistics and research, and other areas. Candidates are required to participate in an extensive practicum, internship, and research experiences.
Two options are available for the MA degree: an on-campus option and a distance-learning option. In the on-campus option, the MA degree is incorporated into program requirements for candidates in the EdS and Ph.D. degree programs. The MA degree is required and built into the program of study. Students admitted to the EdS or Ph.D. program receive the MA along the way. After about one-and-one-half years into their graduate programs of study, most EdS and Ph.D. candidates have completed the 33 graduate credits for the MA degree during the course of their EdS or Ph.D. programs. EdS and Ph.D. students may then go on to complete the additional coursework, practica, and internships for their EdS or Ph.D. degrees.
The distance learning option blends online classes with intensive campus weekends and is offered through the College of Continuing Studies. The distance learning program does not hold NASP approval. Currently, only applicants who hold a valid bachelor’s-level Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field or a valid master’s-level Professional Educator Certificate in another area of instructional support will be considered for the distance program.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the on-campus program are encouraged to complete their applications by December 15 for admission the following fall semester. A statement of purpose, vita/resume, and letters of recommendation consistent with goals of the program, GRE score of 300 or above, and a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, are needed for regular admission.
Applicants to the distance learning program are encouraged to complete their applications by April 1. A statement of purpose, vita/resume, and letters of recommendation consistent with goals of the program, GRE score of 300 or above, and a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, are needed for regular admission.
Applicants may be considered for admission in some circumstances if they meet either the GPA requirement OR the GRE score requirement; however, both factors are considered. In addition, distance learning applicants must meet admission requirements established by the Alabama State Department of Education:
- valid bachelor's level or master's level professional educator certificate in a teaching field OR valid master's level professional educator certificate in another area of instructional support,
- two years of acceptable educational experience, and
- fingerprinting/background clearance
Degree Requirements (Distance Learning Program)
This course listing applies to those who begin this program June 1, 2017. Candidates earning graduate credit prior to this date may elect to utilize this program. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
| Code and Title | Hours |
| |
| BSP 500 | Intro School Psychology | 3 |
| BEP 541 | Learning and Cognition | 3 |
| |
| BER 540 | Statistical Methods In Educ | 3 |
| BER 558 | Psychometric Theory | 3 |
| |
| BEF 534 | Multicultural Education * | 3 |
| |
| CRD 569 | Intro to Literacy Education (or program-approved curriculum/instruction substitute) | 3 |
| |
| BCE 512 | Counseling Theory Proc | 3 |
| BSP 515 | Cog Acad Assmnt Decsn Makng | 3 |
| BSP 516 | Social Behav Assmnt Decisn Mak | 3 |
| 3 |
| Intern School Psychomtry | |
| 3 |
| Total Hours | 33 |
Certification
Requirements for certification and licensure in School Psychometry vary from state to state. Students are expected to determine the requirements for the state in which they intend to practice before beginning the program.
Graduates who met admission criteria above and obtain the MA degree in Educational Psychology-School Psychometry in the distance learning program may be eligible for Alabama Class A certification in School Psychometry IF the following prerequisites are met:
- a passing score on comprehensive exams, and
- a minimum GPA of 3.25 on all program courses (effective for candidates unconditionally admitted to a Class A School Psychometry program July 1, 2017, and thereafter.)
Graduates of the on-campus MA degree are not eligible for Alabama Class A certification in School Psychometry. Because on-campus students obtain the MA degree along the way during their EdS or PhD program, they may use the certification requirements outlined for the EdS and PhD degrees.
Additional information is in the Degree Requirements section of this catalog.
