Best School Psychology Masters Programs in Maryland

The University of Maryland's school psychology program is a research-intensive, Ph.D. program in professional psychology that embodies the scientist-practitioner orientation. The program consists of 102 credits and can be done in a maximum of 5 years. The 2 major goals of the program include:

• Objective 1: Students will be well-versed in foundational scientific knowledge including:

(a) history and systems of psychology;

(b) affective, biological, cognitive, and social aspects of behaviour;

(c) research methods, statistical analysis, and psychometrics. 

• Objective 1b: Students will gain knowledge regarding professional competencies including

(a) research,

(b) ethical/legal standards;

(c) individual and cultural diversity;

(d) professional values and attitudes;

(e) communication/interpersonal skills;

(f) assessment;

(g) intervention;

(h) supervision;

(i) consultation.

Faculty and students represent a breadth of theoretical orientations, research and professional interests. Program graduates pursue academic/research and practice-oriented careers. Graduates of the program are eligible for licensure as professional psychologists in Maryland and other states. The university accepts both those with or without previously earned master’s degrees. All program students without a previously earned master’s degree must earn an M.A. with a thesis prior to advancement to doctoral candidacy. The program essentially subsumes a typical “specialist” (M.A. plus Advanced Graduate Specialist Certificate) program that corresponds to NASP standards for training of specialist-level school psychologists, such that doctoral students typically earn the MA/AGS (or AGS only in the case of doctoral students with previously earned master’s degrees) within their doctoral programs.

Graduates also are eligible for the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential, awarded by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Because the training program is approved fully by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), graduates are automatically eligible for MSDE certification as School Psychologist.

Towson University offers a combined Master of Arts and Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) in School Psychology. This program typically covers a wide range of topics, including assessment and evaluation, counseling and intervention, and consultation with teachers and parents. Students in these 30 credits also learn about child development, learning theories, and the legal and ethical aspects of working in educational settings. Towson University's M.A. program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to support the academic and socio-emotional needs of students in school settings. This 3-year program produces graduates who are well-prepared to function effectively in a growing and evolving profession. Students, after completing this program, will be capable of providing a variety of services, including:

• Consultation with teachers and parents on how to best support students
• Direct counseling and intervention for students
• Assessment of students' cognitive, academic, and social-emotional functioning
• Development and implementation of interventions to address students' needs
• Collaboration with other professionals to provide comprehensive services to students

The school psychology program is fully accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Students who graduate from NASP-approved programs are eligible for individual certification as nationally certified school psychologists (NCSP) upon successful completion of the national certification examination and are recognized for their high caliber of training and field experiences. Students are also eligible for certification as school psychologists in Maryland (and in all other states that accept the NCSP credential) upon passing the certification examination.

The majority of our students enroll in graduate programs in:.

Psychology (clinical, counseling, developmental, family, I O, school, social).

Here is just a sampling of the graduate schools our majors have attended:.

University of Maryland (UMD School of Social Work, UMD School of Medicine, UMCP, UMBC, UMUC, UMB).

Graduate school paths.

The skills cultured in my major helped me throughout medical school and my residency.

Cat is pursuing a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at Johns Hopkins University with an expected graduation in 2024.