The S.S.P. program provides comprehensive training in general psychology and specialized training in the applied area of school psychology. The program is designed to develop competent, licensed school psychologists prepared to deliver psychological services in preK-12 schools.
The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.
Degree Programs
The Department of Psychology offers six areas of study: Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Neuroscience & Behavior, School, and Social/Industrial-Organizational. All six areas offer the PhD degree. School Psychology also offers a Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) degree. During the process of completing either the PhD or SSP, students earn the MA. However, none of the six areas of study offers a training program that is designed or intended to conclude with the MA. Some refer to that type of program as a terminal MA program. In our department, only applicants who are qualified and intend to pursue the PhD or SSP are considered during the graduate admissions review process.
Admission Requirements
Students seeking admission to the SSP program must meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Applications are considered on an individual basis by the Graduate Admissions Committee. In addition to the application requirements and the policies set by the Graduate School, applicants must meet the following program requirements:
Baccalaureate degree in Psychology or related field
Statement of Preparation for Graduate School and Professional Interests
Curriculum vitae (or resumé)
Letters of Recommendation (3)
Following initial review, the top-ranked candidates will be invited for a required interview as part of the admission process. In considering applicants for admission to its graduate training programs, the Department of Psychology uses a holistic approach in that all of the required elements are reviewed and considered. An attempt is made to select the best applicants on a combination of these indices, recognizing that no index is absolute. Applicants are directed to consult the department’s website for detailed guidance regarding each application element and the application deadline.
Requirements
As a part of the S.S.P. program a student must complete a master’s degree in psychology (or the equivalent coursework) with at least a 3.20 GPA in graduate psychology courses. Continuation in the S.S.P. program is subject to a recommendation from the program director and department upon completion of the M.A. degree (or equivalent coursework). With departmental approval, students with adequate background may be exempted from individual courses.
The student must complete 60 semester hours of graduate course work (psychology and/or the equivalent) beyond the baccalaureate degree. Semester hours used to satisfy the requirements for the M.A. may be applied, but only 6 semester hours of PSYC 656 (Internship in School Psychology) are allowed. The total number of semester hours of graduate credit earned at NIU as a student-at-large which can be applied toward the S.S.P. degree may not exceed 15. The total combined number of semester hours of graduate transfer credit plus graduate credit earned at NIU as a student-at-large which can be applied toward the S.S.P. degree may not exceed 35 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.
In addition to all required licensure coursework, the following activities are required to earn the S.S.P.:
Students must complete a minimum of 425 pre-internship practicum hours in the K-12 school setting.
Students must complete a full academic year (minimum of 1200 hours) of full-time internship in the K-12 school setting under the supervision of an educationally-licensed school psychologist.
The student must pass an extensive portfolio assessment demonstrating proficiency in the program’s competencies of knowledge and practice.
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