School Psychology
The University of Alabama's School Psychology program is designed to provide exemplary graduate training in research and in the application of professional practice to the mental health of children and youth. The School Psychology Program admits candidates to the on-campus OR distance-learning educational specialist (EdS) programs. The degree programs prepare students for direct school-based practice. These programs focus on the provision of school psychology services based on a strong foundation of research related to learners and learning processes, and inclusive of an integrated and sequential program of study with comprehensive coursework and supervised field experiences. The traditional, on-campus EdS and PhD degrees in the School Psychology Program hold full approval status from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and national recognition by CAEP. 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 master's level, professional educator certification in psychometry, special education, or school psychology from a state department of education will be considered for the hybrid program.
Admission Requirements
A statement of purpose, vita/resume, and letters of recommendation consistent with goals, GRE score of 300 or above, and a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale of the program are needed for regular admission.
Applicants to the on-campus program are encouraged to complete their applications by December 15 for admission the following fall semester. Note that a prior graduate degree or educator certification is NOT required for admission to our on-campus EdS or PhD degree programs.
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 are needed for regular admission.
In addition, distance learning applicants must meet admission requirements established by the Alabama State Department of Education:
- valid master's level certification in school psychometry, school psychology, or special education
- two years of acceptable educational experience,
- fingerprinting/background clearance
Degree Requirements (On-Campus Program)
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 3.50 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
The Graduate Catalog is published annually. State-approved program checklists may be updated more frequently and are thus likely to provide the most up-to date information about requirements. Students should consult their advisors each semester before registering.
| Code and Title | Hours |
| |
| BSP 601 | Appl Pediatric Neurpsych | 3 |
| BEP 565 | Personality & Social Dev (or program-approved educational psychology substitute) | 3 |
| BCE 611 | Multicult. Approach Counseling | 3 |
| |
| BER 600 | Quant Research Methods | 3 |
| |
| BSP 625 | Behavioral Consult-Interv | 3 |
| BSP 635 | Academic Consult-Intv | 3 |
| BCE 652 | Couns Stratg Adult-Child | 3 |
| BSP 686 | Consult Interv Practicum | 3 |
| |
| 12 |
| 0-33 |
| Intro Exc Childr/Youth (If a special education survey course was part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program, then another program-approved special education elective graduate course is required.) | |
| Multicultural Education | |
| Learning and Cognition (or program-approved educational psychology substitute) | |
| Statistical Methods In Educ | |
| Psychometric Theory | |
| Intro School Psychology | |
| Counseling Theory Proc | |
| Cog Acad Assmnt Decsn Makng | |
| Social Behav Assmnt Decisn Mak | |
| Intern School Psychomtry (or BSP 586) | |
| Intro to Literacy Education (or approved curriculum/instruction substitute) | |
| Total Hours | 36-69 |
Certification
Requirements for certification and licensure in school psychology vary from state to state. Students are expected to determine the requirements in the state or states in which they are interested in practicing before beginning the program. The degrees from the School Psychology program may lead to state and national credentials:
- Graduates of the NASP-approved (main campus) program, who obtain the EdS and PhD degrees in School Psychology, are eligible for the National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP), following successful completion of the national school psychologist Praxis assessment and internship. The NCSP is used by over 30 states, including Alabama, as one possible route to grant state certification in school psychology.
- EdS and PhD degree graduates of the School Psychology program who obtain the NCSP may meet requirements for the Alabama Class AA certificate in School Psychology using the Nationally Certified School Psychologist Approach described at http://www.alsde.edu/sec/ec/Pages/nationalschoolpsychologist-all.aspx?navtext=Other%20Approaches:%20National%20School%20Psychologist.
- Graduates of the distance learning program who obtain the EdS in Educational Psychology-School Psychology may be eligible for Alabama Class AA certification in School Psychology if the following prerequisites are met:
- a passing score on the appropriate Praxis assessment, and
- a minimum GPA of 3.50 on all program courses (effective for candidates unconditionally admitted to a Class AA School Psychology program July 1, 2017, and thereafter.)
Requirements for the Graduate School (Degree Requirements) and the College of Education (Master’s, Professional Certification, EdS, Doctoral) are detailed in earlier sections of this catalog. For specific program requirements visit the College of Education Programs web site or for a student handbook and additional information, email or call: Chairperson, School Psychology, The University of Alabama, College of Education, Box 870231, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0231; phone (205) 348-7575; fax (205) 348-0683; program office, 306 Carmichael Hall.
