Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Counseling and Psychology in Education-School Psychology (Ed.S., Ph.D.)


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Degree Requirements for Specialist in Counseling and Psychology in Education - School Psychology Specialization


Specialist in Education, School Psychology: Total 69 credit hours


  • School Psychology core 48 credit hours 
  • Required supporting courses 21 credit hours

Program of Study


Program Trial Term

- All students in the School Psychology program must complete a trial term consisting of a minimum of twelve graduate credit hours. Students complete a preliminary essay toward the end of the trial term. Following the end of the trial term, students complete a preliminary interview with all program faculty. Successful passage of the preliminary essay, a grade of B or higher in SPSY 761 - Assessment of Intelligence , a rating of average or  higher on a Professional Disposition Assessment and the maintenance of a grade point average of 3.0 allows the student to continue full admission status.

Note


- Two consecutive academic years are required in-residence.

- Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above throughout the program.

- A student may repeat only one of the following courses in which he/she obtained a “C” or below, and the failure to obtain a grade of “B” or better the second time may result in dismissal from the program. Students may appeal the decision for dismissal and make a request for exception with the School Psychology Committee (see School Psychology Student Handbook):

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- Students must pass a comprehensive written and oral final examination.

- Students must take the Praxis II exam and obtain a passing score prior to graduation.

Degree Requirements for Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling and Psychology in Education - School Psychology Specialization


Doctor of Philosophy, School Psychology: Total 110 credit hours


  • School Psychology core 59 credit hours
  • Dissertation 15 credit hours
  • Supporting courses 36 credit hours

 

Program Trial Term


- All students in the School Psychology program must complete a trial term consisting of a minimum of twelve graduate credit hours. Students complete a preliminary essay toward the end of the trial term.  Following the end of the trial term, students complete a preliminary interview with all program faculty. Successful passage of the preliminary essay, a grade of B or higher in SPSY 761 - Assessment of Intelligence , a rating of average or higher on a Professional Dispositions Assessment,  and the maintenance of a grade point average of 3.5 allows the student to continue full admission status.

Additional Requirements


- Two consecutive academic years are required in-residence.

- Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 or above throughout the program.

- A student may repeat only one of the following courses in which he/she obtained a “C” or below, and the failure to obtain a grade of “B” or better the second time may result in dismissal from the program: SPSY 761, SPSY 795, SPSY 894D, COUN 786, COUN 795.  Students may appeal the decision for dismissal and make a request for exception with the School Psychology Committee.

- Students must pass a comprehensive written and oral final examination.

- Students must take the Praxis II exam and obtain a passing score prior to graduation.

Student Learning Outcomes


  1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of school organization and operations, including an understanding of educational settings as systems. (NASP Domain  2.5)
  2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the role and function of school psychologists and will demonstrate knowledge of current professional standards, laws, and ethical considerations. (NASP Domain 2.10)
  3. Students will demonstrate data-based reflective decision making skills that facilitate outcome based service delivery. (NASP Domain 2.1)
  4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the development of cognitive, academic, and adaptive skills of children and apply these skills to meet the academic needs of students via collection and analysis of data, selection and implementation of evidence-based interventions, and evaluation of outcomes. (NASP Domain 2.3)
  5. Students will demonstrate knowledge of behavioral, affective, social and life skills development and apply this knowledge to meet children’s needs via collection and analysis of data, selection and implementation of evidence-based interventions, and evaluation of outcomes. (NASP Domains 2.4)
  6. Students will demonstrate knowledge of principles and research related to resilience and risk factors in learning and mental health, services in schools and communities to support multi-tiered prevention, and evidence-based strategies for effective crisis response.  (NASP Domain 2.6)
  7. Students will display effective communication, collaboration, and consultation skills and the ability to positively engage in teamwork efforts. (NASP Domain 2.2)
  8. Students will display the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with families, educators, and others in the community and to promote partnerships in providing comprehensive services to children and their families. (NASP Domain 2.7)
  9. Students will display awareness and sensitivity of human diversity and acquire skills to work with children from diverse backgrounds.  (NASP Domain 2.8) 
  10. Students will display knowledge of research, statistics, and evaluation methods and integrate theoretical knowledge, empirical research, and professional experience in their practice of school psychology. (NASP Domain 2.9)

Courses or Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification


The University of South Dakota as of July 1, 2020, cannot confirm whether any particular course or program meets educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in states other than South Dakota. If you are planning to apply for licensure/certification in a state other than South Dakota after completion of your program, contact the academic department offering your major or CDE at 605.658.6152 or by email at cde@usd.edu. USD is working to comply with these requirements and will provide up-to-date information as it becomes available.

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage below.

Information about State Authorization & Professional Licensure

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