Overview
The Master's in Psychological Studies (School and Community Psychology Concentration) offered by the University's College of Education and Human Services, trains students to become “full-service” school psychologists. Once completing their Master's degree, students have the option of continuing on in the program working toward and Ed.S. degree. Coursework in intelligence and personality testing, learning disabilities, child and adolescent psychopathology, counseling and consultation, education leadership, and curriculum development comprise the matrix of the program. There are fieldwork requirements in most of the Ed.S. courses. The program also includes an intensive 300-hour practicum as well as 1,200-hour internship, allowing students to train under the supervision of a licensed school psychologist, which helps to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The use of Blackboard online technology is used in most courses; e-mail, PowerPoint and basic computer technology are requirements for the program.

A Unique Approach
The School and Community Psychology program trains “full-service” school psychologists to address the psycho-educational and socio-emotional needs of school-age children and adolescents. Inherent in this training is the belief that children must be viewed in the contexts in which they live. The social, economic and cultural contexts shape their feelings, thoughts and actions. The school can usefully be regarded as the second nurturing agent beyond the family and, thus, is intimately involved in the growth and development of society's youngest members.
 
Students are encouraged to be leaders in SPLASH, the school psychology student organization. This fosters the sense of being part of a “community of learners,” developing leadership abilities and encouraging participation in service activities. Ed.S. students share their experiences and become role models for students in the M.A. in Psychological Studies (School and Community Psychology Concentration) program.

Who Should Apply?
The faculty of the School and Community Psychology Program seek applicants who are dedicated to becoming school psychologists and display the ethical/professional behaviors and dispositions required to enter this service profession. This includes being passionate about working with diverse children, families, and staff in schools and within their respective communities. Successful applicants demonstrate: 

1. dependability;
   
2. respect and empathy for others in thought and action;
   
3. open-mindedness;
   
4. ability to identify, admit and learn from their mistakes;
   
5. problem-solving skills;
   
6. professional and ethical integrity;
7. ability to successfully cope with stress; and
   
8. self-care skills. 

The program also offers an education specialist degree. Students must first successfully complete their M.A. in Psychological Studies prior to applying to the Ed.S. program. For specific application procedures, click on admissions.

The Program
The M.A. in Psychological Studies program (School and Community Psychology) is a 36-credit program leading to the Master's degree from Seton Hall University and licensure as a school psychologist from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE). Please note that licensure as a school psychologist does not enable an individual to practice privately.
 
Seton Hall also offers a 42-credit education specialist degree. The Ed.S. program builds on the foundations of the master's program by training students to apply their knowledge and skills, and enhance their dispositions. This program takes two and a half years to complete (which includes the practicum and internship). Students in the program take part in a rigorous course of study, which requires fieldwork for most of the courses, and are therefore expected to make a full-time commitment to the program. They also participate in a 300-hour practicum over the course of one semester (generally 3 to 4 days a week) and a 1,200-hour internship over the course of two semesters (five days a week) under the supervision of a licensed school psychologist. These supervised hours are required for licensure as a school psychologist in the state of New Jersey.
 
More specifically, students in the program will:

• Use data-based decision making to identify strengths and needs, understand programs and measure progress;
• Develop positive interpersonal communication, collaboration and consultative skills;
• Develop and monitor challenging, yet achievable, cognitive, academic, social, behavioral and adaptive goals for school-age children;
• Appreciate and work with individuals and groups with diverse skills and backgrounds;
• Understand the school as a system and work with others to create safe, caring, effective schools;
• Develop and implement prevention and intervention programs;
• Understand family strengths and influences of the student and form partnerships with parents, educators and the community;
• Use research, statistics and evaluation methods; translate research into practice; and evaluate programs to improve services;
• Practice in a manner that meets ethical, professional and legal standards to enhance the quality of services and protect the rights of individuals; and
• Access, evaluate and use information sources and technology to safeguard and enhance the quality of services provided. 
  

Following the successful completion of the coursework, practicum and internship; taking the Praxis II Exam in School Psychology; and demonstration of the ethical/professional behaviors required for functioning as a school psychologist, students are granted the Ed.S. and are eligible for NJDOE license as a school psychologist. The program is acknowledged by the New Jersey Department of Education as a recognized program in school psychology. State certification is mandatory to practice as a school psychologist in the schools.
 
Career Advancement
Graduates of the Psychological Studies program continue their educational pursuits to earn advanced degrees (Ph.D., Psy.D., Ed.D.) in school psychology, counseling psychology, school administration/supervision and other related areas. Student from the program have been accepted to doctoral programs throughout the tristate area.