Counseling and School Psychology Information Sessions
For prospective students
Campus wide open house October 18th
8:30 - 11:30 am
Click here for more info and to sign up
Spring 2009 semester non-degree course registration
Will be held 01/21/09 from 3-6 pm in W-02-160
Department of Counseling & School Psychology
For more info, contact 617-287-7602
School Psychology
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The School Psychology Program at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) is designed to prepare professionals whose primary interests involve children, families, and the educational process. Training goals are founded on a respect for the dignity and worth of all people, with a commitment to appreciating and responding to human diversity. Course work integrates theory and research in child and adolescent development. Empirically-based intervention approaches for psychological services in schools are emphasized. An important mission of the School Psychology Program is the development of attitudes essential for professional problem-solving and life-long learning. The program is committed to a philosophy of social justice and inclusion compatible with the mission of the Graduate College of Education at UMass Boston (see www.umb.edu/academics/departments/gce/ ).
The primary goal of the School Psychology Program at UMass Boston is to prepare practitioners who are able to provide psychological and educational services to children and adolescents and their families as part of a school-based multi-disciplinary team. The role of a school psychologist is complex. School psychologists are called upon to perform a variety of tasks and assume many responsibilities, including that of assessment specialist, consultant, counselor, administrator, researcher, educational programmer, trainer of school staff personnel, preventive mental health agent, and liaison to community organizations. The UMass Boston School Psychology Program is competency based, using a problem-solving, consultative model to train students to be effective in these multiple roles. Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach, requiring the consideration of multiple factors starting with biological and neuropsychological bases, individual strengths and needs, as well as family, teacher, classroom, school, neighborhood, community, social, and cultural considerations. Students are trained to support the development of children and adolescents by assessment and intervention at the system levels (relational, family, school, and community) as well as at the individual level. The interdisciplinary program fosters collaboration with other professionals and the integration of multiple perspectives.
Student Characteristic
The School Psychology Program consist of approximately 90 students with about 30 students admitted each fall into both the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) and Master of Education/ Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (M.Ed./CAGS) programs. Admission is competitive, since far more candidates apply than can be admitted. With an increase in the minority student school population, particularly in many urban regions of the northeast, a concerted effort is made to attract and recruit a diverse student body in terms of ethnicity, gender, and age. Many students are already professionals in related fields of mental health services when they enter the School Psychology Program. As service providers, they bring an array of background and experiences that enrich classroom discussions and activities.
Available Licensure and Certification
The school psychology M.Ed./CAGS and CAGS programs have full accreditation approval by both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The School Psychology Programs’ learning outcomes are organized to meet the training standards of these accrediting agencies. Students are expected to demonstrate competency in the domains of school psychology training and practice approved by NASP in July, 2000. Graduates satisfy NASP requirements for national certification in school psychology (NCSP). At graduation they are also eligible for licensure as a school psychologist by the Massachusetts State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and for licensure as an educational psychologist by the Massachusetts Allied Mental Health Professions (which also require the PRAXIS). Because of these credentials, students are eligible for licensure or certification as school psychologists in most other states as well.
Employment
Although there is not a formal placement office, faculty actively supports students in their search for employment and employment prospects are excellent. Furthermore, the Department frequently receives notices of available positions. These are posted in the departmental website at www.umb.edu/academics/departments/gce/programs/counseling/Current_Students/ResourcesCurrentStudents.html. In addition, that state school psychology association posts job openings http://www.mspa-online.com/?cat=7 as does the state at www.ma.doe.gov.
Program Director: Virginia Smith Harvey, Ph.D. at virginia.harvey@umb.edu
For questions about admissions, contact Amy.Cook@umb.edu
Revised September, 2008