Best School Psychology Masters Programs in Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers an 8-year long PhD in School Psychology consisting of 125 credits with the goal of training professionals to provide psychological services to children in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, and hospitals. The student-led and faculty-supported Diversity Committee promotes a greater understanding of the impact of diversity on the profession of psychology and in school systems. Much of the research conducted in the School Psychology Program is applied in nature, emphasizing the scientist-practitioner model of the program. Students in the School Psychology Program are expected to engage in all aspects of the research process including presentations at national conventions and publications in top-ranked journals in the field.

The School Psychology program is behaviorally oriented, with students becoming experts in behavioural assessment and intervention. Cohorts are small, allowing students to receive individualized training experiences. The faculty in the School Psychology program is highly research-active. For students interested in pursuing careers in academia, this allows students to gain substantial experience in designing studies, publishing, and presenting. For students interested in applied careers, the empirical focus of the program ensures that students are receiving cutting-edge training that will provide them with the necessary tools to be effective practitioners. Some highlights of the program include:

• 100% of students in the program publish in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters
• 100% match rate for internship last 5 years 
• 100% of students present research or applied practice projects at local (e.g., BAAMS, MPA) or national (e.g., National Association of School Psychologists) conferences 
• 100% of students complete practicum experiences through externally funded partnerships with school and community-based organizations 

The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Additionally, the program includes a course sequence verified by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB), enabling students to complete the coursework required for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential. Students completing the doctoral degree program with an emphasis in School Psychology will be eligible for licensure as a psychologist through the Mississippi Board of Psychology and as a school psychologist through the Mississippi State Department of Education.