The M.A. program is foundational for admission to the Ph.D. program. While it is a terminal degree it is not designed for those who plan to practice as a school psychologists at the master’s level. It is designed for students who plan to move directly to Ph.D. study. M.A. students are eligible to apply to move directly to the Ph.D. program in year 3 of graduate study (upon completion of their M.A. degree requirements in years one and two of graduate study). The program is full time with two years of on campus study including courses, practicum, research, and thesis. Students in the M.A. program, as full time students, are expected to engage in professional activities outside of their required courses and practicum including, but not limited to, participation in lab meetings, research, conference and inservice presentations, on and off campus seminars, manuscript writing, grant writing, and university teaching. Upon completion of the Ph.D. requirements after the M.A. program prepares students for eligibility as certified school psychologists and registration as a psychologist. Ph.D. graduates go on to careers in a wide array of settings including universities (teaching, research, supervision), schools, community agencies, developmental clinics, and private practice.
