Program Overview

School Psychology M.S.

The Master of Science in School Psychology is a nationally accredited program that prepares graduates to work as school psychologists in elementary or secondary schools and other exempt agencies.

Program Overview

This program collaborates with teachers, parents, and school personnel to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students. The goals include addressing students' learning and behavior problems, improving classroom management strategies or parenting skills, countering substance abuse, assessing students with learning disabilities and gifted and talented students, and improving teaching, learning, and socialization strategies.

Program Details

• Credits: 66 credits for the general program, or 72 credits with the Bilingual Extension program.
• School: School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
• Location: Westchester.

Career Opportunities

Students with a degree and certification in School Psychology can pursue careers as school psychologists in elementary or secondary schools or other settings considered exempt by New York State law. The average annual pay for School Psychologists nationally is $79,820, with a 3% growth expected through 2029.

The Mercy Advantage

• No GRE Required: To apply for the program.
• Flexibility: Full or part-time enrollment, with scheduling designed to support professionals with multiple responsibilities.
• Mentorship and Career Development: Faculty are experienced School Psychologists, consultants, educators, and are available as mentors.
• Outside the Classroom: Fieldwork and internship experiences allow graduates to gain field experience and hone their specialties.

Program Accreditation

The Master of Science program in School Psychology is nationally recognized by the National Association of School Psychologists and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Admissions Requirements

1. Baccalaureate Transcript: Showing a major in psychology, sociology, behavioral science, or education. In special cases, other majors will be considered.
2. Interview: With the program director and completion of an on-site essay.
3. Letters of Reference: Two letters from instructors or appropriate professionals.
4. Personal Statement: Tell us about yourself, including any significant or meaningful experiences or life events that influenced you to choose school psychology as a profession.
5. Current Résumé: Applicants should have completed undergraduate statistics with a grade of B or higher and some coursework related to either experimental psychology or research methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does a School Psychologist do? School psychologists work with students in elementary and secondary schools, collaborating with teachers, parents, and school personnel to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments.
• What can I expect as a starting salary? It varies by district, contract, settlements, etc. For example, the NYC Department of Education Salary for a School Psychologist (for those with a Master's degree) was $63,722.00.
• How do I pursue the Bilingual Extension program? To be eligible, you should be able to conduct professional business in the chosen language other than English. New York State assesses your proficiency in the language by requiring you to take the BEA (Bilingual Education Assessment) exam.

Program Details & Curriculum

• Curriculum Overview: 66 credits total, or 72 credits with the bilingual extension. Courses are divided into sections: Psychological Foundation, Assessment, Intervention, Professional Practice, and Bilingual Extension Education.
• Program Outcomes: By the end of this program, students should be able to demonstrate mastery of major concepts, theories, and factual information related to the cognitive, academic, behavioral, social/emotional, and adaptive development of school-aged children.

Full-Time Faculty

• Jeff J Cohen: Associate Professor and Director, School Psychology.
• Amber A Saracino: Assistant Professor, Psychology.

Part-Time Faculty

• Jessica J Davis: Senior Instructor, School Psychology.
• Christine M. Ricevuto: Senior Lecturer, School Psychology.
• Janet Rivera: Senior Lecturer, School Psychology.

Admissions Counselor

• Debra E Greig: Manager, Graduate Admissions Operations, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.