Graduate Certificate
Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Specialist Certificate in School Psychology
This online specialist certificate is designed for graduates of Capella University's master's specialization in School Psychology. This specialization is part of Capella's Professional Education Unit, which has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). It includes a rigorous combination of online course work, part II of a year-in-residence, and field training experiences. The master's specialization in School Psychology and the Specialist Certificate in School Psychology in combination are designed to prepare you to apply for a license or a certificate to practice as a school psychologist.‡
Licensure information: Begin to research and understand your state's licensure requirements right away, find answers to common questions, explore how Capella programs fit with your state's standards and requirements, and get links to important state resources. Visit the licensure website for mental health professionals.
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher
Education (NCATE)- Accredited
NCATE-accredited programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for the preparation of P-12 teachers and other professional school personnel. Graduates of these programs are highly regarded by many school districts, licensing authorities, and teaching professionals.
 Read the news release announcing our NCATE accreditation.
Learn why NCATE accreditation is important.
Clinical Training Requirements: 350 practicum hours and 1,200 internship hours.
Residency Requirements: The full School Psychology year-in-residence is divided into 2 parts and typically begins the upcoming summer. Part I is required for MS learners and Part II is required for Specialist Certificate learners.
Part I (MS) consists of a 2-week extended seminar (typically held in June), and 2 additional weeks-in-residence (typically 1 held in summer quarter and 1 held in fall quarter).
Part II (Certificate) consists of 1 week-in-residence (typically held in spring quarter) and a final 2-week extended seminar (again, typically held in June). It's in the Part II portion of your program that you'll do the 1.25 years of practicum (350 hours) and internship (1,200 hours).
See year-in-residence details.
Residency requirements: The full School Psychology year-in-residence is divided into 2 parts and typically begins the summer after the start of your program. Part I is required for MS learners and Part II is required for Specialist Certificate learners (most students complete both the master’s degree and the specialist certificate).
- Learn about the experience.
- Part I (MS) consists of a 2-week extended seminar (usually in June), and 2 additional weeks-in-residence (usually 1 in summer quarter and 1 in fall quarter).
Part II (Certificate) consists of 1 week-in-residence (usually in spring quarter) and a final 2-week extended seminar (usually in June). It’s in the Part II portion of your program that you’ll do the 1.25 years of practicum (350 hours) and internship (1,200 hours).
What do they cost?
Year-in-residence extended seminars are $2,990; weeks-in-residence are $1,495 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment). This does not include costs for evening meals or travel. You’ll be responsible for making your hotel reservations and travel arrangements.
- Learn more about residency requirements.
- Get more detailed information and learn how the residency experiences will enrich your learning at Capella University. Speak with an enrollment counselor at 1.888.227.3552.
Required Courses (each course 5 quarter credits unless noted)
- PSY7310 - Biological Basis of Behavior
- PSY8150 - Exceptional Children in the Classroom
- PSY8211 - Psychopathology of Children and Adolescents
- PSY8235 - Psychological Assessments for School Psychologists III*
- PSY8332 - Advanced Methods in School Psychology
- PSY8336 - Organization and Operation of the School
- PSY8377 - School Psychology Practicum I - 3 quarter credits
- PSY8378 - School Psychology Practicum II* - 2 quarter credits
- PSY8385 - School Psychology Internship I*
- PSY8386 - School Psychology Internship II*
- PSY8387 - School Psychology Internship III*
NASP Approved with Conditions
Capella University is approved with conditions by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) for completion of its specialist certificate in School Psychology.
The specialist certificate program, when preceded by the master's program with a specialization in School Psychology, holds NASP approval with conditions for the period of January 1, 2010 to August 1, 2013. You must complete both the requirements for the master's program with a specialization in School Psychology and the specialist certificate program to be eligible for licensure and credentialing in school psychology. As a stand-alone program, the master's program with a specialization in School Psychology is not NASP-approved and completing that program does not lead to eligibility for certification as a school psychologist. NASP program approval is your assurance that the key professional association in the field recognizes the content and quality of Capella's School Psychology offerings.
Continuing Professional Development for School Psychologists
Ethics and Law for School Psychologists is now being offered on a monthly basis. This course is designed to meet the requirements set forth in the certification renewal guidelines for school psychologists who hold the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential. To register, email ProfessionalDevelopment@capella.edu or call (888) 277-3552, Option 1, Option 4.
Learn more
This specialization has not been reviewed or approved by Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania residents will have to apply and meet requirements for certification as out-of-state candidates.
†Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states. Where applicable, teachers are advised to contact their school districts as to whether a program may qualify for salary advancement.
(Washington State learners are advised to go to: http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information)
New York and North Carolina residents are currently not eligible to enroll in this specialization.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
Course Descriptions
Receive via email a full description of all Capella University courses.
Thank you for your interest in Capella University.
An email with instructions for accessing course descriptions will be sent shortly to the address you provided.
Thank you for your interest in Capella University .
An email with instructions for accessing course descriptions will be sent shortly to the address you provided.
Learn more about our related specializations:
Master's degree
Certificate
|
Learning & Career Outcomes
|