School Psychology (MS)

Program Description

School Psychology Faculty and Students, 2017

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
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.
- Gainful Employment Disclosures
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.

Current Students

Handbooks

Forms and Rating Scales

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

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