Master of Arts in School Psychology
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Program Overview
The purpose of the 69-hour School Psychology Master of Arts degree program is to prepare school psychologists to work with children, adolescents, and families from diverse socio-cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The degree program includes a year-long supervised internship. The UTRGV School Psychology program is in accordance with the scientist-practitioner model of training, which emphasizes school psychologists to use empirical research in practice. The program training includes preparation in mental health and educational interventions, child development, learning, behavior, motivation, curriculum, and instruction, assessment, consultation, collaboration, school law, and school system.
School Psychologist help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environment that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community for all students. In the state of Texas, the license that is required by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) under the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) to provide school psychological services in Texas public schools is Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP).
Why a master’s in School Psychology?
Below are just a few accolades:
- The UTRGV School Psychology Program is the only program of its kind south of San Antonio.
Grants
- Fit-in Hang-out and Move-forward Parent-Directed Treatment Program
- MHS ACCESS: Accessing Mental Health Services
- Project Bridging the Way
TASP Features Graduate Program
Texas Association of School Psychologist’s winter newsletter featured the UTRGV School Psychology Master of Arts degree program.
Accreditation
The UTRGV Educator Preparation Program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) meeting rigorous standards and processes for educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.
Student Loan Repayment
School psychologists in Texas are eligible for $40,000 student loan repayment as of 9/1/2023 after TASP advocated to add LSSPs to HB 1211.
There are eligibility requirements and an application process, so please visit the website below to review details.
Time to Degree: Varies on whether you are going full time or part time.
Total Credit Hours: 69 hours to completion.
Course Requirements: Take a look into our courses!
Degree Plan: Review the requirements for the program.
Program Handbook: Learn all about the program.
Faculty and student collaborative research
The scope of research within the School Psychology program is broad and exciting. Faculty and graduate students work together on research that has a local and national impact. As the University, your graduate school experience will be enhanced by these research opportunities that also advance UTRGV mission of creating, preserving and transmitting knowledge that moves the region, state and nation forward. Visit our faculty listing for their contact information and primary research interest.
Jobs or Career Fields
Graduates of the Masters of Arts in School Psychology program currently work as:
- Licensed Specialists in School Psychology
- Or they go on to pursue a doctorate degree in School Psychology
- School Psychology (M.A.)
Reasons to Purse a Career in School Psychology
The following articles provide information on the benefits for pursing a career in School Psychology.
American Psychological Association's Psych Learning Curve
U.S. News & World Report
Resources
National Association of School Psychologists
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is a professional association representing more than 25,000 school psychologists, graduate students, and related professionals throughout the United States and an additional 25 countries worldwide. As the world's largest organization of school psychologists, NASP works to advance effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior, and mental health. Our vision is that all children and youth thrive in school, at home, and throughout life.
REACH for Graduate School in Psychology
The REACH for Graduate School in Psychology website contains several resources to help students applying to graduate schools in psychology.
Texas Association of School Psychologists (TASP)
The Texas Association of School Psychologists (TASP) is a state affiliate of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). TASP was formed in 1993, becoming the 49th state to have a separate organization for school psychologists
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council is designed to play a central role in the regulation of behavioral health services and social work practice in Texas and is guided by the seasoned wisdom of its member boards in abiding by its mission and philosophy.
Request More Information
Interested in the School Psychology graduate program, but have additional questions. You can contact the program contact or the Human Development and School Services office to request more information. Visit the Graduate College for apply to the School Psychology, M.A. graduate program.
Program Coordinator
| Name | Phone (956) | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nancy Razo Professor of Practice |
665-3490 | nancy.razo@utrgv.edu | Edinburg EEDUC 1.222 |