School Psychology is an option in the M.S. in Applied Psychology program. The option is designed to provide training in school psychology in preparation for subsequent admission to the Specialist in School Psychology (S.S.P.). Consistent with this purpose, the program involves training in diagnostics, assessment, intervention, consultation, and research.

Students who complete the school psychology option of the MSAP but who do not continue to completion of the SSP degree are not eligible for state or national certification as a school psychologist. The school psychology option of the MSAP is not a terminal degree, but is preparatory for further specialist level training in school psychology.

Students must complete the S.S.P. degree in addition to M.S. to be eligible for certification.

Enrollment in the program is limited. Students must apply to be admitted to the program.  Courses offer a blend of classroom activities and experiential training designed to acquaint students with both theory and practical applications of psychological knowledge.

The School Psychology option is accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). Additionally, it is nationally approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and nationally recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

• All documents and forms for School Psychology have been relocated to blackboard.fmarion.edu.
• They are located in the Perpetual Course entitled “School Psychology Graduate Program”.
• If you are currently enrolled in the School Psychology Graduate Program and do not have access to this course, please contact Brian Smith at 843-661-1640 or Charlotte Stephens at 843-661-1641.

For more detailed information about required coursework, course offerings, program sequencing, practica, and internship, applicants are encouraged to view the appropriate section of the FMU Catalog.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIALIST DEGREE IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY (S.S.P.)

To receive a Specialist Degree in School Psychology from Francis Marion University, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

1.  Complete the MSAP (School Psychology Option) from FMU, or possess a documented master’s degree in school psychology or closely related field from another university, and be accepted as a S.S.P. degree seeking student in school psychology.
2.  Complete the appropriate group of courses, practica, and internship. NOTE: Students with master’s degrees from other programs who are accepted into the S.S.P. program may have additional coursework or practica to be completed. Please see the current MSAP/S.S.P. program of study here.