School Psychology (MA/CAGS) Program

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Who might apply to the MSPP School Psychology Program?

A: School psychologists come from various fields and stages of life.  Successful school psychologists tend to be intellectually capable and socially responsible, and enjoy working with both children and adults.  School psychology is a desirable option for recent college graduates, mid-career educators, and human services professionals.  Applicants must have a four-year college degree. Preferably, they should have prior coursework and/or work experience in psychology, education, or a related field

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Q: What does a school psychologist do?

A: School psychologists apply advanced expertise in education, human development, and personal-social relationships to promote the healthy development of children in educational settings, and to foster the effective functioning of families, schools, and communities.  This involves a wide repertoire of skills and strategies, including (1) assessment of, and educational planning for, students with special needs, (2) consultation with teachers and other school personnel, (3) individual and group counseling, (4) program development and evaluation, and (5) collaboration with parents and community providers.

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Q: What degree or certificate does a graduate receive?

A: Students who enter the program with a four-year college degree first earn a Master of Arts (MA) in Professional Psychology after earning 30 or more credits.  They continue on to earn a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in School Psychology.  The CAGS is equivalent to what is called a specialist certificate in many states.   The specialist level is the entry level for the profession, and qualifies the recipient for certification in other states.  Requirements for a specialist level program in school psychology exceed that of the usual master’s program, which typically consists of 30-60 credits earned over a period of 1-2 years.

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Q: Why two separate degrees?

A: There are several reasons for the two-step progression through the program:

1. The CAGS, or specialist, level of training exceeds that of master’s degrees in other fields.  This distinction may translate into higher pay levels in the salary schedules of school systems and mental health agencies. 
2. The M.A. enhances the status of trainees while they are enrolled in the program. 
3. The student’s progress, competency development, and commitment to graduate training in school psychology are reviewed in multiple ways over the course of the program, including the comprehensive examination for the Master’s degree.  This is a particular important stage for formal assessment, formative evaluation, and continued program planning. 
4. A student who, for personal or academic reasons, does not complete the full program can exit with the Master’s degree. 
5. The two-degree structure enables a student with a master’s degree or doctorate in a related area (e.g., counseling, special education) to be admitted with advanced standing and matriculate directly into the CAGS program.  The CAGS program for advanced standing students then consists of all program coursework requirements for which they did not have equivalent training from previous graduate work. 

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Q: How long does the program take to complete?

A: The standard progression through the program requires two years of full-time study, plus a third year consisting of a full-time internship (minimum 1200 hours).  As an alternative, a student can begin the program on a part-time basis, in effect taking two years to complete the Year 1 course sequence.  (The specific program will depend on an individual’s schedule and prior graduate coursework, if any.)  Given that the Year 2 curriculum includes a 2-1/2 day a week practicum, it is not feasible to combine this with full-time employment.

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Q: How many school psychology students are in the program?

A: Our intention is to enroll no more than 15 students each year.  This ensures a faculty-student ratio that complies with training program standards established by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

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Q: Does the program have NASP approval?

A: A program must be in existence for at least three years before it can apply for NASP approval.  The MSPP School Psychology Program has been designed with close attention to the NASP Standard for Training and Field Placement Programs in School Psychology, with the expectation that MSPP will apply for NASP approval at the earliest possible date (2009-2010 school year).  The curriculum is designed to incorporate the 11 competency domains prescribed by the National Association of School Psychologists.

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If you have questions about applying to the School Psychology Program, please contact Admissions at admissions@mspp.edu or 617-327-6777 x210.

Updated 10/1/07