Specialist in School Psychology
ECU’s school psychology (MA, SSP) program prepares compassionate, skilled and innovative professionals to step into rewarding careers in public schools.
Specialist in School Psychology Program Overview
Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of children and families? Our school psychology (MA, SSP) program prepares compassionate, skilled and innovative professionals to step into rewarding careers in public schools. As a school psychologist, you will blend expertise in psychology and education to support students’ academic growth, cognitive development, and social-emotional well-being.
The overarching goal is simple but powerful: to train entry-level school psychologists who can confidently apply best practices across a preventative, three-tier model of service delivery. You will graduate with the skills and competencies outlined by the NASP Practice Model — ready to step into the field as a capable, effective professional. Our NASP-approved school psychology program is structured to allow graduates to meet the educational requirements of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for DPI-licensure as a school psychologist in North Carolina; the educational qualifications to seek North Carolina Board of Psychology licensure as a psychological associate; and the educational qualifications for certification by the National School Psychology Certification Board. Graduates also meet the educational requirements of school psychology licensure/certification in other states. The program is a 70-semester-hour, three-year (minimum) post-baccalaureate degree program. Admission is for full-time graduate study, beginning in the fall semester only. There is no distance education option for this program at this time.
ECU Advantage
What sets us apart is our scientist-practitioner approach. You won’t just learn theories — you’ll learn how to use data and research to design interventions, solve problems, and create solutions that work in real classrooms. From your very first semester, you’ll experience an intentional blend of coursework, hands-on practica, and internship opportunities that connect knowledge with practice.
Our dynamic faculty members have a variety of research and practice interests related to school psychology, unique experiences and backgrounds, and a strong commitment to training quality school psychologists. Our faculty will be sure that you are prepared to enter the profession with the most up-to-date information and skills to practice psychology within the public-school setting.
What You Will Study
Program Coordinator: Ajlana Music (216 Rawl Building; 252-328-6586; musica23@ecu.edu)
The Specialist in School Psychology, SSP program is offered on-campus and via hybrid/online delivery modes with identical curriculum. The graduate program in school psychology MA/SSP (on campus) is a three-year program to train bachelor's prepared individuals for practice in school and related settings and requires 70 s.h. total. The program requires full-time attendance and students must complete both the Psychology, MA school psychology concentration (34 s.h.) and the Specialist in School Psychology, SSP degree (36 s.h.). The first two years of the program provide classroom training and field experiences in assessment, consultation, and interventions for children, adolescents, families, and school systems. The third year consists of passing of the PRAXIS II School Psychologist (#5402) licensure exam, a full-time school-based internship, and completion of a capstone portfolio.
The graduate program in school psychology MA/SSP (hybrid/online) is a four-year program to re-train current licensed educators for school psychology practice and requires 70 s.h. total. The program is designed for part-time study for in-service educators with at least 3 years of school experience. Delivery includes synchronous, evening courses that allow school personnel to pursue this advanced degree and still work in the schools, plus a once per year, on campus, summer boot camp. ECU's program uses a cohort model, which allows you to build relationships with peers as you journey together to become well-trained school psychologists. Students must complete both the Psychology, MA school psychology concentration (34 s.h.) and the Specialist in School Psychology, SSP degree (36 s.h.). The combined degrees require four years of study across summer, fall, and spring semesters, with the fourth year including passing of the PRAXIS II School Psychologist (#5402) licensure exam, a full-time school-based internship, and completion of a capstone portfolio.
Program completion of both the MA and SSP (for both delivery modes) meets the current educational requirements for licensure by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as a school psychologist, for certification by the National School Psychology Certification Board. The MA/SSP program (on campus) is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists and satisfies the educational requirements for licensure by the North Carolina Psychology Board as a licensed psychological associate. The MA/SSP program (hybrid/online) is designed to meet standards for NASP accreditation and is currently moving through the accreditation process.
Additional information about admission and delivery methods is located below the program requirements. If you have questions, please reach out to the program coordinator.
The SSP program requires 36 s.h. as follows:
Core Requirements:
I. Assessment - 3 s.h.
- PSYC 6353 - Behavioral Assessment and Intervention
II. Consultation and intervention - 9 s.h.
- PSYC 6402 - School Consultation
- PSYC 7442 - School Interventions I
- PSYC 7443 - School Intervention II
III. Educational foundations - 6 s.h.
Choose 6 s.h. of program coordinator approved electives.
Note:
The educational foundations elective courses may be waived if applicants have a baccalaureate degree in education or a related field from an institutionally accredited school, significant verifiable work experience, and appropriate professional designations (i. e., NCDPI educational licensure), with appropriate documentation.
IV. Practicum - 6 s.h.
- PSYC 7950 - School Practicum I
- PSYC 7951 - School Practicum II
V. Internship - 12 s.h.
- PSYC 7992 - School Internship I
- PSYC 7993 - School Internship II
Admission Information
Admission to the school psychology MA/SSP (on campus) requires the student to meet the minimum admission requirements for graduate study as established by the university and the following requirements:
Admission to the school psychology MA/SSP (hybrid/online) requires the student to meet the minimum admission requirements for graduate study as established by the university and the following requirements:
After a preliminary review of all applications, the program admissions committee will conduct virtual interviews of all applicants to evaluate their qualifications for admission. Admission is competitive and meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
- a baccalaureate degree in psychology, education, or a related field from an accredited institution
- a minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate studies
- undergraduate prerequisite courses in Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods or Data-Driven Methods
- a statement describing why you want to be a School Psychologist and why you think ECU would be a good fit for your graduate training
- two letters of recommendation from professors or other professional contacts who can speak to your readiness for graduate study, general professionalism, interpersonal, and communication skills
- a current resume showing previous experiences helping with research as an undergraduate and/or past experience working with children, families, or other populations
- a baccalaureate degree in education or a related field from an accredited institution
- a minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate or subsequent graduate studies
- undergraduate or graduate prerequisite courses in Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods or Data-Driven Methods
- a statement describing why you want to be a school psychologist and why you think ECU would be a good fit for your graduate training
- two letters of recommendation from former professors or professional contacts who can speak to your readiness for graduate study, general professionalism, interpersonal, and communication skills
- an entry-level NCDPI school license and a minimum of three years of public school experience
Delivery Methods
The school psychology MA/SSP program is offered on-campus and hybrid/online, with identical curriculum. Applicants must apply for a specific delivery method, and transfer between delivery methods during the program is not allowed without a new application. The MA/SSP on campus mode is designed for individuals who are not working in the field and are available for on campus, full-time study. The MA/SSP hybrid/online mode of delivery is a part-time model designed only for qualified working professionals with active education licensure. A supportive school and district setting is essential for MA/SSP (hybrid/online) students as they immerse themselves into service learning and practicum experiences. Upon admission to the program an "MA/SSP Letter of Agreement and Support" will be signed by the student, principal, and superintendent to solidify a partnership with the MA/SSP program and to establish guidelines of agreement for the MA/SSP student, the principal, and the superintendent.
Licensure/Certification Requirements in North Carolina
The curriculum for all ECU Certificates, Degrees, and other Graduate Programs has been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for licensure/certification exams in North Carolina. The various licensure boards in each state are responsible for setting requirements for licensure/certification in their state. Other states have their own requirements, and you'll want to make sure your program meets criteria in your home state (or state where you intend to work) before you apply.
For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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