Specialist Program (Psy.S.) in School Psychology Curriculum

Program Format

The typical format is designed for the working professional with courses offered primarily on weekends and evenings. Students will typically take nine credit hours per semester; including the summer term. The degree is designed with an expected completion date of four years, including a one-year internship. Within the first semester of training, students may elect to follow a three-year program designed for traditional, non-working students. Regardless of the pace with which students complete the program, all coursework and field-based experiences within the curriculum are required, including two practica, one of which will be school-based.

The specialist program is offered on the Fort Lauderdale-Davie Campus and in an online format (with residential institutes).

Required Courses: 79 Total Credits. View Course Descriptions

General Required Courses

(PSY 0700
Learning and Human Development
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0705
Diversity Considerations in School Psychology
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0710
Psychology of Exceptional and At-Risk Children
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0715
Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0735
Organization and Operation of Schools
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0770
Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues for School Psychologists
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0798
Seminar in School Psychology: Introduction
/Credits: 1.5)
(PSY 0799
Seminar in School Psychology: Current Topics
/Credits: 1.5)

Assessment Required Courses

(PSY 0780
Academic Assessment for Intervention
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0782
Cognitive Assessment: Theory, Research and Practice with Lab
/Credits: 4)
(PSY 0784
Cognitive Assessment II: Linking Assessment to Intervention
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0786
Assessment of Personality and Social-Emotional Functioning for Intervention
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0792
Comprehensive Data-Based Assessment: Integrated Report
/Credits: 3)

Intervention Required Courses

(PSY 0730
Instructional Strategies for Students with Diverse Needs
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0742
Evidence-Based Treatment of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders of Children and Adolescents
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0750
Counseling Theories and Techniques
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0755
School Consultation Skills
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0760
Contemporary Clinical Interventions for the School Psychologist
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0765
Applied Behavioral Assessment and Intervention
/Credits: 3)
(RED 0550
Foundations of Reading for Content Area Teachers
/Credits: 3)

Methodology and Research Required Courses

(PSY 0740
Educational Statistics
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0745
Issues and Techniques in Research Design & Evaluation
/Credits: 3)

Practicum and Internship Required Courses

(PSY 0800
Practicum in School Psychology: School Based
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0805
Practicum in School Psychology: Applied Skills
/Credits: 3)
(PSY 0810
Internship in School Psychology
/Credits: 6)

 

Below is a comparison between the in-person vs. the online format.

Format

In-Person

Online

Program Length

2 years of classwork and 1 year of internship (typically paid)

2.5-3 years of classwork and 1 year of internship (typically paid)

Credits

79 credits

79 credits

Start

Fall

Fall and Winter

Application Deadlines

January 8, 2024 / June 30, 2024

January 8, 2024 / June 30, 2024

November 15, 2023

Class format

Weekly evening classes (typically 1-2 per semester)

Intensive weekend classes (typically 1-2 per semester)

*Select weekend classes are hybrid – meet one full weekend in person and include online asynchronous work

Weekly online synchronous evening classes (typically 1-2 per semester)

Intensive online synchronous weekend classes (typically 1-2 per semester)

*Classes will meet two weekends, additional asynchronous work or online synchronous meetings may be required

Onsite requirements

All classes are held in person on FTL campus (students must live within driving distance to campus)

Students must attend in-person Residential Skills Development Institute yearly (3 full days plus travel time)

Practicum Requirements

2 practicum classes (125 and 150 practicum hours in school and clinic settings)

 

Practicum placements are arranged by the program office

2 practicum classes (125 and 150 practicum hours in school setting)

Students are encouraged to investigate available school districts for practicum placements prior to starting the program. We seek to partner with school districts that follow the NASP Practice Model. Practicum sites will be expected to meet program requirements with regard to field experiences and supervision. If prospective applicants struggle to identify school districts for their practicum, they are encouraged to contact the program office for support.

Program Approval

Approved by FL DOE and National Association of School Psychologists

Approved by FL DOE and National Association of School Psychologists*

 *For out-of-state applicants, Florida DOE-specific requirements may be waived or replaced by state-specific DOE requirements.

Contact Us

College of Psychology
Maxwell Maltz Building
3300 S. University Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL  33328-2004

Undergraduate Admissions
(954) 262-8000
800-338-4723
admissions@nova.edu

Graduate Admissions
(954) 262-7563
800-541-6682 ext. 27563
gradschool@nova.edu

Visit Us

Clinics
(954) 262-5730
(954) NSU-CARE (678-2273)