The Master of Science in School Psychology - Specialist prepares specialist-level school psychologists who are committed to culturally affirming and comprehensive school psychology services, with an emphasis on meeting the unique needs of students in Alaska's schools. Graduates will gain knowledge and experience in effective, evidence-based, and culturally informed assessment, intervention, consultation, and mental health practices that promote the well-being of all children and youth.
Licensure and/or Certification
Graduates are eligible to apply for their Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential through the portfolio process until full accreditation is achieved. For more details, visit https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/national-certification.
The Master of Science in School Psychology - Specialist is aligned to meet requirements in the State of Alaska needed for a Provisional Type C Special Services certificate as a school psychologist. Graduates who obtain their NCSP are eligible for the Advanced Type C Special Services certificate as a school psychologist in the State of Alaska. For more information on the Type C Special Services certificate, visit the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.
This program is designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in the State of Alaska. However, the program might not meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in other states. Please see UAA’s Licensure and Certification website for more information.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Graduate Degrees.
- Complete adequate prerequisite coursework. Prerequisite courses include one course in each of the following three areas: (1) child or human development, (2) learning or cognition, and (3) tests and measurement. Note that the learning course will be waived for applicants with a valid teaching certificate.
- Complete the graduate application through the UAA Application portal by February 1 for fall admission. Include the following evidence in Applicant Materials, which are evaluated individually and holistically:
- Personal goal statement should address (a) why they are seeking a degree in school psychology, (b) previous work with children and/or youth and families in school or community-based settings, (c) their reasons for selecting the Master of Science in School Psychology - Specialist at UAA with reference to the program’s mission and vision, and (d) reference to place-based and location preferences for field work if applicable.
- Resume/CV that documents the applicant’s vocational and professional experiences with children and/or families, academic achievements, research accomplishments or special projects, recognitions, and other information relevant to the applicant’s qualifications for the program.
- Two letters of reference that address the applicant’s suitability for the program and prior work in school or community settings with children, youth, or families. The program values academic excellence, a strong commitment to comprehensive school psychology services, interpersonal skills (e.g., clear communication, effective collaboration), intrapersonal skills (e.g., reflection, adaptability), professional behaviors (e.g., reliability, ability to receive feedback), ethical decision-making, and sound reasoning. Applicants are asked to seek recommendations from those who can offer a recent and professional assessment of their knowledge, skills, and behaviors in these areas (e.g., direct supervisors, professors).
- Official academic transcripts of prior undergraduate and graduate coursework (if applicable).
- Qualifying candidates are invited for a zoom interview.
- Admission to the program is based on the professional judgment of the School Psychology Admissions Committee and a rubric for each of the above identified admission requirements (personal goal statement, resume/CV, letters of reference, transcripts, and interview).
Special Considerations
- An initial background check from the Alaska Department of Health is required in the first semester of enrollment for placement in course-based and clinical field experiences.
- Online Mandatory Trainings for teacher certification as outlined by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development are required by the end of the first year.
- Compliance with the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Principles for Professional Ethics and the UAA Code of Student Conduct throughout the program is required. These are evaluated as part of coursework and field experiences. Failure to abide by these standards will lead to probationary status and may be grounds for dismissal from the program.
- Attend an on-campus 2-day orientation during the week prior to the start of classes.
- Attend one on-campus weekend per fall and spring semesters, and an on-campus summer intensive as part of the expected program requirements.
- Join student membership in one national and preferably one state professional organization.
- Complete course-based field placements, a 300-hour practicum, and 1,200 hour internship in a school setting in accordance with the Standards for Graduate Preparation of School Psychologists.
- Practicum and internship placements are contingent on school district partnerships that will offer experiences to comprehensively address all NASP domains of school psychology practice along with adequate available supervision. Due to accreditation requirements and capacity limitations, students might not be able to complete their field placement at the site where they work; however all admitted students will be offered a placement. Unacceptable academic performance, an unprofessional attitude, unsatisfactory field reports, violation of professional ethics or other factors may result in removal from the field placement.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Graduate Degrees.
- Pass the Praxis School Psychology test with a minimum score of 155. The test is based on the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services (2020) and is designed for candidates seeking licensure or certification as school psychologists in educational settings.
- Complete a comprehensive ePortfolio with a minimum of Meets Standards as rated by the program faculty.
- Complete the following major requirements:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY A600 | Strategies of Behavior Change | 3 |
| PSY A608 | Contemporary Issues and Practices in School Psychology | 3 |
| PSY A609 | Research Methods in School Psychology | 3 |
| PSY A610 | Single Subject Research Designs | 3 |
| PSY A613 | Behavioral Assessment | 3 |
| PSY A615 | School Psychology in a Global Society: Law, Ethics, and Professionalism | 3 |
| PSY A618 | School Psychology Assessment I: Assessment with Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| PSY A619 | School Psychology Assessment II: Cognitive and Academic Assessment | 4 |
| PSY A621 | School Crisis Prevention, Intervention, and Response | 3 |
| PSY A638 | Child Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| PSY A661 | Consultation and Collaboration with Schools, Families, and Communities | 3 |
| PSY A662 | School-Based Mental Health and Counseling | 3 |
| PSY A663 | Academic Supports and Interventions | 3 |
| PSY/EDSE/SWK A691 | Children's Mental Health Systems of Care | 3 |
| PSY A695D | School Psychology Practicum 1 | 4 |
| PSY A695E | School Psychology Internship 1 | 4 |
| EDL A620 | Leadership in Alaska Culture and Social Justice Issues | 3 |
| EDSE A622 | Curriculum and Strategies II: High Incidence | 3 |
| Complete two electives: | 6 | |
| Interdisciplinary Approaches to FASD: Best Practices in Alaska | ||
| Assessment in Preschool Special Education | ||
| Curriculum and Strategies I: Low Incidence | ||
| Strategies and Interventions: Preschool Special Education | ||
| Advanced Behavioral Supports for Neurodivergence | ||
| Interventions for Challenging Behavior | ||
| Research Project | ||
| Thesis | ||
Advisor approved special education elective | ||
| Total | 63 | |
- 1
Students must complete this course in the fall and spring for a total of 4 credits.
A minimum of 63 credits is required for the degree.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a Master of Science in School Psychology - Specialist will be able to:
- Provide and advocate for culturally inclusive and strengths-based assessment practices that increase fairness in assessment;
- Design, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based and culturally informed intervention practices to promote academic success and positive behavioral, social, and emotional functioning;
- Deliver culturally affirming, trauma-engaged behavioral and mental health services;
- Engage in collaborative, empowering practices and partnerships with students, families, educators, and school communities to promote positive outcomes;
- Analyze and apply current research in the field of school psychology;
- Adhere to legal, ethical, and professional standards;
- Contribute to advancing policies and practices in school systems to promote the well-being and safety of all students and school communities; and
- Engage in continuous self-reflective practice, assessing personal strengths, biases, and areas for growth as a school psychologist.