Educational Psychology — School Psychology Concentration

Master of Science (MS)

Master’s Program

Modes of study:

Blended

Demand for certified school psychologists is at an all-time high, and the need will continue to soar. USM has the only training program in the state — and a 100% job placement rate for graduates.

Flexible & convenient

Learn on your own schedule through a mix of in-person and online courses, with live classes held on weekday evenings

Award-winning alumni

Several of our graduates have been named Maine School Psychologist of the Year

State & national credentials

Qualify for state and national certification as a specialist-level school psychologist when you graduate

Credit hours

67 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours.

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Program duration

Complete the program in as few as 3 years or study part-time.

Department & School

Admissions

Apply by December 1 for fall term. No GRE required.

View application process & deadlines

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A supportive & collaborative culture

As a grad student in educational psychology at USM, you work closely with your faculty advisor to develop your individualized study plan. Specialized coursework in school psychology emphasizes a culturally responsive and problem-solving approach to assessment and intervention with PK-12 learners.

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Intensive & authentic experiences

Your training includes 400 hours of practicum and a 1,200-hour internship in PK-12 schools supervised by credentialed school psychologists. You gain the required competencies in assessment, intervention, and consultation as you provide essential services to students and families.

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Network of community partners

USM has an extensive and growing network of partners for field-based training. You work with students and families from diverse backgrounds among 45+ public school districts, private schools, and clinics/organizations across the state. Rural and high-needs schools are a special focus.

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Where can you go as a certified school psychologist?

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Two possible certifications

When you graduate, you can apply for certification as a School Psychologist–Specialist (093) through the Maine Department of Education and as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) through the National Association of School Psychologists.

Professional Practice & Credentialing

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What to expect when you study School Psychology at USM

A master’s degree on your terms: Our blended program includes a mix of in-person and online courses, with live classes held on weekday evenings.
Save time: You can also transfer up to 30 credits from prior graduate coursework.
State approved: Our program is approved by the Maine Department of Education for preparing school psychologists.
Culturally responsive, data-driven training: Coursework, fieldwork, and research opportunities meet the practice competencies established by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Engaged & dedicated faculty

All faculty are credentialed school psychologists, and many are dually credentialed as Board Certified Behavior Analysts®. All students receive individualized mentoring from full-time faculty.

Meet your mentors

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Graduate student support

Our Office of Graduate Studies offers professional development, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. They also foster community through Peer Mentorship and the Graduate Student Board.

Browse resources

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Optional certification in behavior analysis

Bolster your portfolio with concurrent enrollment in the Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Behavior Analysis program.

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Admission information: MS in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in School Psychology

Application deadline

Apply by December 1 for fall term start.

Applicants to the MS in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in School Psychology program must meet the minimum requirements below:

An earned bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution of higher learning accredited by a regional or national accrediting body, and
A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in a baccalaureate degree program or 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in a graduate degree program.
- Applicants who do not meet minimum GPA eligibility requirements may submit a letter requesting special consideration. The letter should provide evidence of their ability to complete graduate studies successfully. Without such a letter, applicants who do not meet minimum GPA eligibility requirements may be denied automatically. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are at the discretion of the program.

Applicants who meet minimum eligibility requirements are not guaranteed admission to the program.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

Application: Online application
Application fee:
- In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
- International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
- International College transcripts: In addition to an official copy of the transcript, we require an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by one of the following transcript analysis agencies
  - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
  - Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

Resume: Submit a resume or CV that highlights the following:
- Academic history, including any degree(s) in progress or earned, specialized training, and honors or accomplishment.
- Professional experience, including relevant employment, volunteer, and practicum/internship experiences and accomplishments.
- Other relevant experiences, such as involvement in research and student, professional, or community organizations.
- Other relevant qualifications or accomplishments, such as professional credentials, professional presentations or publications, and awards.
Essay: Submit a personal statement that addresses the following:
- Why are you interested in pursuing training in school psychology?
- What are your primary professional interests and career goals?
- Why are you interested in the school psychology program at the University of Southern Maine, and how would this program help you achieve your career goals?
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s ability to succeed in graduate school and a career in school psychology. Only professional letters of recommendation will be accepted. Letters from professors, professionals in the field of school psychology, and/or supervisors from employment/internship settings are recommended. Letters from family members and friends will not be accepted.
Interview: Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be selected to participate in a formal on-campus interview with program faculty.

Additional Considerations

The Department of Educational and School Psychology conducts a holistic review process that evaluates applicants through a variety of methods. Balanced consideration will be given to applicants’ academic record, professional experiences, interpersonal strengths, and commitment to school psychology as evidenced by transcripts, resumes, essays, professional recommendations, and interviews. We screen applications for evidence of academic and professional readiness, interpersonal excellence, and commitment to the profession of school psychology in December and then invite highly qualified candidates to participate in admissions interviews in January. Applicants may expect admissions decisions by the end of February.

We strongly encourage applicants to consider the admissions selection criteria below when preparing their application materials. These criteria reflect the experiences, skills, and commitments that we consider important for success in graduate school and the profession of school psychology. We apply these criteria flexibly and consider applicants holistically, as we are committed to an equitable and inclusive admissions process and the preparation of school psychologists who represent the rich diversity of the school-age population.

Academic Readiness:

Strong GPA, with consideration given to progress over a program of study, performance in psychology and education courses, and letters attesting to preparedness for graduate-level training when GPA falls below minimum requirements.
Effective written communication skills.
Experience with scholarly or research projects (e.g., successful completion of an academic thesis or other major academic/research/professional project).
Specialized training, skills, and credentials (e.g., multilingualism, data literacy, or certifications).

Professional Readiness:

Familiarity with the profession and practice of school psychology.
Experience volunteering or working in schools or with the school-age population.
Leadership and/or community service experience.
Goal-oriented with demonstrated perseverance.
Effective planning and organization skills.
Demonstrates initiative and self-direction.

Interpersonal Readiness:

Demonstrates cultural humility.
Effective and flexible collaboration and communication skills.
Open to new learning and diverse perspectives.
Values, accepts, and integrates feedback for personal and professional growth.

Commitment to the Mission of the Program and Profession

Committed to promoting equity and positive outcomes for diverse students, families, and schools.
Committed to collaborative, data-based problem solving and evidence-based, behavioral school psychology practice (please refer to our School Psychology program philosophy).
Committed to a comprehensive and integrated model of school psychology practice (please refer to the National Association of School Psychologists 2020 Practice Model).

Students who are pursuing degrees leading to application for professional licensure or certification, and/or who will be participating in clinical placements, practica, or internships through their USM program should be aware that their host facility may require a criminal background check, finger printing, and/or drug screening. In such situations, each student is responsible for obtaining and paying for the background check or other screening process and for delivering required documentation to the facility. Although the University will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. Students should further be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure or certification by the state or national credentialing body. Students may consult the certification body corresponding to their intended occupation for more details. Successful completion of a program of study at USM does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.

Students who are pursuing degrees leading to application for professional licensure or certification also should be aware that credentialing requirements vary state-to-state. Students may contact their state department of education certification office and/or state licensing boards to determine whether or not their USM program meets credentialing requirements for professional practice in their prospective states of employment. Successful completion of a program of study at USM does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.

What are the international student application instructions?

What are the English proficiency test score requirements?

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