School Psychology, Master of Science

Program Description

Completion of the 66-credit Master of Science program in School Psychology qualifies students for a provisional New York State certificate that authorizes practice as a school psychologist. This certificate is valid for five years from the date it is issued. After two years of experience, a school psychologist receives a permanent certificate in the field of pupil personnel services.

The program offers both a general track and a bilingual track of study. A listing of program requirements for each track is accessible in Courses section below.

Graduation Requirements

The program requires the satisfactory completion of 66 credits and a comprehensive examination taken during the spring of the internship (3rd) year. MS students also need a grade of at least a "B" in PSY 661, 662/B, 711/B, 712B, 752/B, and 753.

Financial Aid  
Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis for qualified incoming students with strong academic records. 

Department Faculty

Please see a list of our Psychology faculty.

Admission

In addition to submitting the graduate application, applicants must:

• Possess a baccalaureate degree
• Satisfy the department that his or her undergraduate preparation indicates a high potential for successful advanced study in psychology
• Submit transcripts of undergraduate and any prior graduate work
• Have completed a minimum of 24 undergraduate credits in psychology, including courses in Introductory Psychology, Statistics, and a laboratory course
• Submit three to five letters of recommendation, one of which must be from an individual who will address the matter of the applicant's research potential
• Submit two papers from psychology courses or practical experiences: one a laboratory or research-related paper written in formal, academic, or scientific language (usually in APA style). For example, a research proposal, thesis, literature review, experiment results write-up, redacted/de-identified psychological report. The second is a term paper (from any undergraduate course and can be written in a non-scientific style)
• Provide a clearly written statement of educational and professional goals
• Submit acceptable scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (general). In light of the impact of COVID-19, the GRE requirement has been temporarily suspended

Students accepted for admission to the Master in Science program with any course deficiencies must remove these deficiencies prior to matriculation.

The Master in Science program may be undertaken on a part-time basis with a minimum of six credits per semester.

All students matriculating into the program must complete a criminal background check. Please see the Graduate Bulletin for more information.

The M.S. School Psychology program only accepts students once per year for Fall admission. Applications are due no later than December 15th. 

Assistantships

A limited number of Graduate Assistantships and Administrative Assistantships are available. Please refer to the Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships section.

Master of Science Handbooks

• M.S. Handbook for the Entering Class of 2025 (PDF)
• M.S. Handbook for the Entering Class of 2024 (PDF)
• M.S. Handbook for the Entering Class of 2023 (PDF)
• M.S. Handbook for the Entering Class of 2022 (PDF)
• M.S. Handbook for the Entering Class of 2021 (PDF)
• M.S. Handbook for the Entering Class of 2019 (PDF)

Career Outcomes

Completion of the 66-credit Master of Science program in School Psychology enables students to qualify for a provisional New York State Certificate, which authorizes them to practice as a school psychologist. This certificate is valid for five years from the date of issuance. Upon accumulating two years of experience as a school psychologist, a permanent certificate is issued in the field of pupil personnel services.

Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. St. John's University has not determined requirements for individual states beyond New York. Suppose you reside or plan to reside outside New York. In that case, you are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate state credentialing agency in that state to seek information and guidance before beginning the program. 

Although the M.S. program has been designed to train students for professional practice, it is also academically oriented and provides a sound preparation for further graduate work. 

The program will prepare graduates to:

• Deliver comprehensive, evidence-based school psychological services grounded in scientific principles and ethical practice.
• Foster respect for individual differences, promote culturally responsive practices, and advocate for equitable educational opportunities for all students.
• Support students' academic achievement, mental and behavioral health, and social-emotional development within mult-tiered system of supports.
• Collaborate effectively with families, educators, and communities, and demonstrate leadership in advancing school psychological services.
• Uphold legal, ethical, and professional standards, demonstrate a strong professional identity, and engage in continuous professional development and advocacy.

Graduates will demonstrate competencies across ten key domains:

1. Data-Based Decision Making: Collect, analyze, and use data to inform assessment, intervention, and progress monitoring.
2. Consultation and Collaboration: Work effectively with school personnel, families, and community agencies to support student outcomes.
3. Academic Interventions and Instructional Supports: Implement and evaluate strategies to promote academic skill development.
4. Mental and Behavioral Health Services and Interventions: Design and deliver services that enhance social-emotional functioning and well-being.
5. School-Wide Practices to Promote Learning: Develop and implement practices that support positive school climate, learning, and behavior.
6. Services to Promote Safe and Supportive Schools: Provide prevention, crisis intervention, and promote safe, supportive environments.
7. Family, School, and Community Collaboration: Build partnerships and coordinate services to support student learning and mental health.
8. Equitable Practices for Diverse Student Populations: Apply culturally responsive strategies and advocate for equity and social justice.
9. Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Use research and technology to inform effective practice and program evaluation.
10. Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice: Adhere to ethical, legal, and professional standards in all aspects of school psychology. 

*Candidates seeking bilingual certification must also demonstrate satisfactory performance on the NYS Bilingual Extension Assessment (BEA).