Program Description
The mission of the 60-hour specialist-level NASP-approved School Psychology M.S. Program at the University of Central Arkansas is to prepare entry level school psychologists to apply scientifically-based psychological and educational principles and practices in all dimensions of their professional work. Graduates of the program are expected to be reflective and competent professionals committed to the increased understanding of human behavior, continuing professional development, best practices in school psychology, cultural respect and diversity, and ethical standards of professional practice as articulated by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Housed within the Department of Psychology and Counseling in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, the program emphasizes the professional identity of school psychologists within the broader field of psychology, a breadth and depth of professional training that prepares candidates to competently perform a variety of school psychology functions, and an education that values and respects cultural diversity among candidates, faculty, and service recipients.
Highlights of the program include:
- 60-credit-hour program including 1,200 hour internship (3 years total)
- Graduate Assistantship positions available – apply through UCA Graduate School
- Close working relationships with School Psychology faculty members
- Opportunities for leadership in departmental graduate student association and as student representatives to Arkansas School Psychology Association and National Association of School Psychologists
- Typically, 6-8 students admitted each year
- Program, including classes, operates during daytime hours only
Prospective Students
All applicants for the Masters program in School Psychology must meet the general requirements of the Graduate School and specific requirements of the Masters program. All prospective students must apply to both the Graduate School and the Department of Psychology & Counseling by January 15.
1. Apply to the Graduate School:
- Complete an Online Graduate School Admission application (Graduate School Admissions)
- Submit official transcripts of all completed college course work to the Graduate School Office
- Submit official Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores on the General Section to the Graduate School Office
2. Apply to the Department of Psychology & Counseling:
- Apply to the School Psychology Program by completing the online application form.
- Applicants will be required to respond to the following:
- 12 hours of undergraduate prerequisite coursework including: General psychology, statistics and 2 other psychology courses
- Three letters of recommendation from former college professors or individuals otherwise qualified to comment on the applicant’s professional and academic potential.
- Essay: Statement of Career Path and Aspirations – a 500-word essay focusing on your career aspirations as a counseling psychologist and research interests. This may include: a) significant people or events that have led you to pursue a career in psychology, b) strengthens and limitations and c) impact you would like to make (for others, the field, etc).
- Current resume or vita.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials are received by the admissions deadline.
Program Information
- Program Costs and Financial Aid
- Diversity
- List of Current UCA Student Organizations
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In order to become a licensed professional in school psychology in Arkansas or elsewhere, students must complete the entire 60-hour Post-Master’s certificate program. After 45 hours, students will be awarded a Master’s degree and then they continue for another 15 hours (which includes internship experience) in order to finish the program. In accordance with Federal regulations, the following Gainful Employment information is provided for the graduates of our program.
- Links to information on Conway, Central Arkansas
Transfer of Graduate Credit
For students who have completed some graduate work at other universities, the School Psychology Program may allow the transfer of some graduate credit applicable to the student’s doctoral work at UCA. Requests to transfer graduate-level coursework will only be accepted after the student has been accepted into the program. Requests for transfer of credit must be made in writing by the student and his/her faculty advisor to the School Psychology Director of Training. The School Psychology Committee and Department Chair will consider inquiries regarding transfer of credit on an individual basis, and only those courses that essentially duplicate a UCA course will be considered for transfer. All course transfers must be approved by the School Psychology Committee and the Department Chair.
Related Links
- Program Competencies & Objectives
- Course sequence
- Practicum and Internship Information
- Gainful employment information
- Praxis information
- Certification & licensure in Arkansas
- School Psychology Specialist Licensure Requirements and Information.
Every school psychology M.S. intern needs to complete all requirements for licensure as a School Psychology Specialist as noted on the P6342/6642 internship course syllabus and the UCA Office of Candidate Services website (uca.edu/ocs/) under Licensure Information (Graduate Program Initial Licensure – School Psychology Specialist).
Current Students
Handbooks
- Specialist-level M.S. School Psychology Handbook 2017-18
- Specialist-level M.S. School Psychology Handbook 2016-17
- Specialist-level M.S. School Psychology Handbook 2015-16
- Specialist-level M.S. School Psychology Handbook 2014-15
- Specialist-level M.S. School Psychology Handbook 2013-14
- Specialist-level M.S. School Psychology Handbook 2012-13
- Specialist-level M.S. School Psychology Handbook 2011-12
Forms and Rating Scales
- Thesis or Dissertation Committee Selection Form
- Post-Masters Certificate (Petition and Certificate of Completion Information)
- Masters Annual Self-Assessment Form
- Practicum/Internship Forms
- Practicum Agreement (check with UCA Supervisor)
- Contract Routing Form
- Rider for Practicum Agreement (attach to completed Agreement)
- Log Form for Master’s Students
- Practicum-Internship Supervisor Information Form
- Masters Practicum- Internship Supervisor Rating Scale
- Masters Practicum- Internship Self Rating Scale
- Student Evaluation of Practicum or Internship Site
- School Psychology Internship Waiver Form
Professional Information
- American Psychological Association
- APA Division 16 – School Psychology
- Arkansas School Psychology Association
- Arkansas Psychology Board
- Arkansas Department of Education / Special Education
Research
- Use of Human Research Participants
- Use of Animal Research Participants
- To register for the Problems in Psychology I/II course, the student and faculty mentor should complete this online survey.
- Sponsored Programs Website
- STOPS database – contains information on scholarships, fellowships, internships, grants, travel internships and awards for students at all levels including undergraduate and graduate
- APA Grants
Program Faculty
- Dr. John Murphy, Program Director
- Dr. Ron Bramlett
- Dr. Joan Simon
- Dr. Heather Martens
- Other Departmental Faculty
Group Photos from Previous Years