GRADUATE PROGRAMS

School Psychology Master's/Certificate of Advanced Studies (M.A./CAS)

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

One course that addresses reading / curriculum / instruction (3)
One course that addresses family / professional collaboration (3)

NOTE: Students may elect to earn a Graduate Certifcate in Family-Professional Collaboration by completing three additional courses. Please see Department Website for more information.

Field Experiences

• Practicum: During the second year of the program, concurrent with other course work, students enroll in a full-year practicum course (fall and spring semesters). The course includes a one-day per week placement in a local school system under the supervision of a certified school psychologist (arranged by the program faculty) and a weekly seminar on campus. During practicum, students engage in a carefully sequenced series of experiences suited to their level of professional training.
• Internship: Following successful completion of the practicum, students are eligible to apply for internships. The 1200-hour internship is considered a capstone experience and occurs after the completion of all course work. Internships are completed on a fulltime basis over one year or on a part-time basis over two years. Students in local placements (approximately 90% of our students) attend a biweekly seminar on campus taught by the internship coordinator, who is a fulltime school psychology faculty member.

Examinations

• Master Comprehensive Examination
  The comprehensive exam is required in order to receive a Master’s degree and must be completed successfully before a student begins the internship. The exam is scheduled during the final Spring semester before the student plans to begin the internship. Study guides are provided through the School Psychology office. Students are encouraged to form study groups in preparation for the exam. Students are given one opportunity to retake the examination, either partially or in its entirety, depending upon how many and which sections were not passed.
• Portfolio Evaluation
  All CAS candidates are required to submit a professional portfolio as a requirement for graduation. A written document specifying contents and standards for portfolios is provided to students prior to the Internship. The portfolio benefits students, individually, and the program as a whole. The portfolio provides an opportunity for structured self-reflection, which allows students to assess their own development towards professional goals. The portfolio is also used at the end of program to establish that students have met objectives as delineated by the NASP Blueprint for Training and Practice as well as specific program objectives. The faculty of the School Psychology Program uses the portfolios to assess the effectiveness of the training program. We review and analyze results of the portfolio assessment yearly, and use the results of that analysis to make program improvements.
• Praxis II Examination
  All interns are required to take the Praxis Examination in School Psychology prior to completion of their internship year. Scores are to be forwarded to the Internship Coordinator and Towson University should be listed as a recipient. Further information about the exam can be found here.

For information on all matters related to admissions, fees, or registration, please contact the Graduate School at 410-704-2501.

College of Graduate Studies and Research
7800 York Road, Suite 216

Phone: 410-704-2501
Fax: 410-704-4675
E-mail: grads@towson.edu