School Psychology

A school psychologist works as an advocate for children by identifying individual strengths and weaknesses and contributing to the development of interventions targeting key skills. Schools psychologists bring about change by working closely with children, parents, teachers, and school administrators in order to develop an educational program that meets children's specific needs.

This program is designed so you can earn your MS in School Psychology (30 credits) and then seamlessly move into the Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) program (41 credits). If you already have a master's degree in a related field (such as mental health counseling or special education), you may be accepted directly into the specialist program. Your advisor will work with you to develop a customized course sequence.

A Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) degree will give you the educational requirements and expertise to become credentialed as a school psychologist and work with individuals from birth to age 21. Some of our students enter the program immediately after their undergraduate studies, while others are current teachers or mental health professionals looking for a career change.

This is a critical shortage area nationwide; there simply aren't enough school psychologists to go around, and states are eager to encourage more students to enter the profession. As a result, the state in which you are employed may help you pay back your student loans. (Please check with your intended state of residence after graduation for more information.) In addition to this potential loan forgiveness incentive, all students who enroll in the Barry University School Psychology Program will receive a 20% tuition reduction.

The Master of Science in School Psychology (MS) program is a prerequisite to acceptance into the Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) program. The student is awarded an MS degree after completion of 30 hours. Students continuing from the master's program must have at least a GPA of 3.4 to be admitted into the specialist program. Students should apply for admission during their last semester in the master's program.

Students who have a master's degree in psychology or related field may apply to the Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) program. Students without all required undergraduate prerequisite courses (Test and Measurements and Physiological Psychology) may be admitted provisionally. Students must take and pass the general knowledge section of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE) during their first semester in the SSP program in order to continue in the program.

Completion of the master's and specialist programs requires 71 semester hours.

When you complete both the MS and SSP, you will have completed the academic requirements in accordance with standards set by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Following the internship, you will be prepared to meet licensure requirements for the private practice of school psychology as set forth by the State of Florida, as well as certification requirements as set forth by the Florida State Board of Education. The School Psychology Program is approved by the Florida Department of Education (DOE) and by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Program Annual Report and Student Outcomes Data

The program will teach you to apply the scientist-practitioner model to school psychology. You will conduct empirical research. This will make you more marketable for employment or doctoral studies, as you'll have the skill to analyze data and assess programs within schools. Your quantitative, empirical study will result in a publishable paper, enabling you to showcase your work.

Our students regularly submit their research studies to national forums, and are frequently asked to present their findings at conferences. We feel that this is such an excellent opportunity for our students that we usually cover travel costs associated with attending the conferences to make a presentation.

Congratulations on taking the first step to pursue your passion, advance your career, and make a difference in your community. We are committed to assist each student through the admission process.

Whether you transition straight from undergraduate studies to a graduate program or have been out of school for some time, we offer a welcoming and professional environment for graduate study.

With small class sizes, there is a considerable amount of personalized attention from your faculty and opportunities to build strong relationships with fellow classmates.

At BarryU, our tuition is competitive, affordable and still promises all the perks of a private school education. Our cost per credit is in-line with other institutions, but we offer a mission-driven educational experience and provide our students with small class sizes, personalized attention, and academic excellence. Scholarships, graduate assistantships, and financial aid can also be explored to help offset overall costs.

Barry University participates in the full array of federal and state financial aid programs. At Barry, we are committed to doing all we can to help you finance your education.

Barry University's Financial Aid staff will assist you through the financial aid application process.

Financial Aid Programs

Barry University's School Psychology Program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and we are approved by the Florida Department of Education. Obtaining national certification enables you to practice in other states without undergoing recertification.

Barry University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees.