FAQ’s for School Psychology
Below you will find the most common frequently asked questions for the School Psychology program:
The School Psychology Program started at UTPA over 20 years ago.
The School Psychology Program is within the College of Education and P-16 Integration’s Department of Human Development and School Services.
A teaching certificate is not required; however we strongly recommend experiences working with children, youth, and families in educational, community, or clinical settings.
Although a psychology major is recommended, it is not required. There are graduate level psychology courses required as part of the degree plan, but those are taken once you are in the program.
The program is aligned with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) training qualifications in order for our students to obtain licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP). TSBEP has specific requirements for coursework, which makes the degree 69 hours.
No. School Psychology classes are taught in a face-to-face setting with some hybrid courses.
Courses typically meet Monday through Thursday from September through May. Most class sessions will begin at 5:00 pm or 7:55 pm. During the summer classes may be during the day or in the evenings Monday through Friday.
The School Psychology program courses primarily take place on the Edinburg campus.
The program can be completed successful on a part-time basis, but it takes longer to complete.
Students in the School Psychology Program take about 4 years to complete their degrees, including internship. if they are on a full-time basis.
No, students are only admitted for Fall.
Typically, we admit 12-15 students each Fall term.
At least 1 letter is required from a professor if you recently graduated. If not a recent graduate, professional is fine. Please remember these should be professional references and not personal ones.
Yes, there is a recommended course sequence. All students receive advisement every semester directly from the School Psychology Program Coordinator. The Degree Plan is on our website.
After all coursework is completed, students must complete a year-long internship in order to graduate. Students have to search for their internship site and be hired as a School Psychology Intern. Our students have completed their internship in local school districts as well as districts out of the valley and out of state.
Yes! TSBEP and BHEC rule 465.38(d), changed and now allows individuals with their LSSP to be called School Psychologists.
The requirements for the LSSP credential include completion of a graduate degree in school psychology or closely related field, completion of internship, a passing score on the national exam for school psychology, and following Board approval, an applicant for licensure must take and pass the Board’s Jurisprudence Examination.
Our students are Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP) in school districts.