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Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment for Students

As a school psychologist, you can help create a school environment where students feel safe and included as they develop academically and emotionally.

Local students need your guidance and support. Help educators create a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment by earning your specialist degree in School Psychology. You’ll work alongside teachers, administrators, students and their families as you promote mental health within the school district. Our program is consistent with the requirements published by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists for the Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)  and is fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. Join our program today!

Where It Is Offered Commerce, Mesquite
Duration 3 years
Foreign Language No foreign language credits required
Delivery 40-50% Online, Face-To-Face
Total Credit Hours 66 hours
Thesis Requirements Optional
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SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED WITH A DEGREE IN School Psychology

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Career Readiness

Join the ranks of our graduates who have gone on to become School Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors and members of student services in  universities.

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Accomplished Faculty

Enjoy the opportunity of learning from home or at one of our campuses with the guidance and mentorship from faculty who are respected educators in their fields.

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Education Success

Work with our diverse community of students and educators as you explore mental health, student affairs and therapeutic strategies.

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Hands-on Training

Whether it's a full year in the classroom, practicum or internships, you’ll engage in real-world learning experiences that builds confidence and skills.

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Guidance You Need

Located in the Frank Young Education North Building, our Mentor Center provides the information and support you need to reach your career goals

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Focus Your Passion

The Department of Psychology and Special Education offers two tracks that cater to your research interests and professional goals. We offer a thesis and non-thesis option. If you’re interested in further graduate work, we recommend the thesis track. Discover which option works best for you.

View Full Curriculum
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What you will learn

A specialist degree in School Psychology will offer you the opportunity to:

  • Fulfill requirements to become a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) in Texas and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)
  • Learn the best practices in providing culturally relevant assessment, intervention, consultation and mental health services
  • Learn how to work collaboratively with parents and teachers to support children's success
  • Gain hands-on experience through a required practicum and internship
  • Examine the multicultural richness within schools and how to address students’ diverse needs
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Careers

Become a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Nationally Certified School Psychologist at A&M-Commerce. Graduating from our program prepares you for a career in school psychology or private practice.

Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries

School Psychologist
$79,010

US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018

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Featured Courses

Intellectual Assessment PSY 573

The purpose of this course is to attain knowledge of cognitive functioning and develop skills in the cognitive assessment of children and adolescents.

Psychological Assessment of Children & Adolescents PSY 576

This course will focus on assessment and diagnostic/eligibility considerations pertaining to children and adolescents (ages 3-21) exhibiting characteristics of various disabilities as defined by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and the DSM-V.

Psychological Principles of Consultation and Supervision PSY 615

This course will examine the psychological principles and knowledge base underlying the major models and theories of individual, organizational consultation, and supervision. Instruction and practice in the supervision of psychological services conducted in appropriate laboratories and agencies is also provided.

School Based Interventions PSY 635

Founded on a decision-making and accountability model, this course provides training in the investigation of theoretical and applied issues relevant to the design, implementation, and evaluation of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional interventions for students in schools.

View Full Curriculum In The University Catalog
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Course Delivery

Earning your degree just got easier at A&M-Commerce. Designed for current educators and working professionals, our School Psychology program offers online and face-to-face courses at the Mesquite Metroplex Center and main campus locations. In addition, we also offer some online courses. Please note that you must take courses as indicated by your degree plan regardless of the location.

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Graduate Program Cost

PROGRAM COSTS

Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents.

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Financial Aid
Scholarships
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ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS International/Domestic Tabs

Admission

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Specialist in School Psychology :: Domestic Program Admission Requirements

Deadlines

Fall Semester

Priority admission consideration deadline: February 1

Final admission consideration deadline: May 1

  • The application and all required admission documents must be submitted by the deadline.
  • Interviews by invitation only

Your Path to Becoming a Lion

Step 1. Submit Application

Submit your application at tamuc.edu/apply.

  • Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
  • Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

  • Select “School Psychology, SSP” as your “Major.”
  • Pay the $50 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

  • After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.

Step 2. Submit Documents

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Official Transcripts

Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to [email protected].

  • We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

  • If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
  • If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

Postal Alternative

If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:

Texas A&M University-Commerce
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011

Three Letters of Recommendation

Request three signed letters of recommendation, on letterhead, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program.

Those individuals should:

Statement of Goals

Submit one document addressing the following in 500 words or less, no more than 2 pages:

  • Please provide an autobiographical statement. Answer as if someone asked you to tell them something about yourself. This is an opportunity for you to provide the program with some information about yourself.
  • Describe your training and experience in working with diverse populations. Your discussion should describe the way in which diversity issues influence your interactions in the world.
  • Describe your research experience and interest.
  • Describe how you envision the program meeting your training goals and interest.
  • Describe your professional goals and aspirations for the future.

Resume or CV

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

Test Scores

You do not need to submit GRE scores if you have:

  • a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a 3.25 GPA overall or higher
  • a completed master’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a 3.25 GPA overall or higher

If you do not meet the GPA exemption criteria, request that your GRE® scores be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce (6188) when you register for the test. If you have already taken the GRE®, you can order additional score reports.

Interview

The Department of Psychology will contact you to schedule your interview.

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

  • Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
Dayla Burgin Graduate Student Services Coordinator

Step 3. Apply for Financial Assistance

  • Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
  • Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
  • Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.

Step 4. Register for Classes

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.

  • View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
  • To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

Lydia Carrascosa Graduate Enrollment Specialist for College of Education and Human Services & College Of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources/Adjunct Faculty

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Specialist in School Psychology :: International Program Admission Requirements

Deadlines

Fall Semester

  • Priority admission consideration deadline: February 1
    • Interviews by invitation only
  • Final admission consideration deadline: May 1
    • Interviews by invitation only

Your Path to Becoming a Lion

Step 1. Submit Application

Submit your application at tamuc.edu/apply.

  • Select “Create a new graduate school admissions application.”
  • Select “Texas A&M University-Commerce (Commerce)” as your “Target University.”

  • Select “School Psychology, SSP” as your “Major.”
  • Pay the $75 application fee.

Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.

  • After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.

Step 2. Submit Documents

Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.

Official Transcripts

  • Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to:
    Texas A&M University-Commerce
    Attn: Graduate School
    2600 S. Neal St.
    Commerce, Texas 75428

Transcript Evaluation

All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.

We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.

  • If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
  • If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.

Three Letters of Recommendation

Request three signed letters of recommendation, on letterhead, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program.

  • At least one of the references should hold a doctoral degree.

Those individuals should

Statement of Goals

Submit one document addressing the following in 500 words or less, no more than 2 pages:

  • Please provide an autobiographical statement. Answer as if someone asked you to tell them something about yourself. This is an opportunity for you to provide the program with some information about yourself.
  • Describe your training and experience in working with diverse populations. Your discussion should describe the way in which diversity issues influence your interactions in the world.
  • Describe your research experience and interest.
  • Describe how you envision the program meeting your training goals and interest.
  • Describe your professional goals and aspirations for the future

Resume or CV

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.

Test Scores

You do not need to submit GRE scores if you have:

  • a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a 3.25 GPA overall or higher
  • a completed master’s degree from a regionally accredited university with a 3.25 GPA overall or higher

If you do not meet the GPA exemption criteria, request that your GRE® scores be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce (6188) when you register for the test. If you have already taken the GRE®, you can order additional score reports.

English Proficiency

You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.

Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to Texas A&M University-Commerce:

  • TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
  • IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
  • PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
  • Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)

*Scores must be less than two years old.

Official Sponsor Documents

Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted

  • Official sponsor statement
  • Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $26,025 USD which is less than 1 year old

Interview

The Department of Psychology will contact you to schedule your interview.

Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status

  • Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
Dayla Burgin Graduate Student Services Coordinator

Step 3. Apply for Financial Assistance

Step 4. Register for Classes

Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.

  • View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
  • To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.

Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.

Lydia Carrascosa Graduate Enrollment Specialist for College of Education and Human Services & College Of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources/Adjunct Faculty

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We are here to help!

Lydia Carrascosa Graduate Enrollment Specialist for College of Education and Human Services & College Of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources/Adjunct Faculty
Dayla Burgin Graduate Student Services Coordinator
DeMarquis Hayes, Ph.D. Assistant Dean, College of Education and Human Services, and Professor, Department of Psychology and Special Education
Erin A. Harper, Ph.D. Associate Professor

Contact Us

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