General Information
The Master of Arts Program in School Psychology is a clinical, speciality program which prepares students to enter the profession of school psychology. The program is designed to address the academic, research and professional practice requirements for certification as a psychologist in provinces/territories where masters level preparation is permitted. As well, the program is designed to enable participants to move to PhD level programs.
The two year full-time program balances research, theory and practice. It follows a holistic approach to children, youth, and young adults as key collaborators, along with their parents/guardians and other professionals, in addressing their individual strengths and needs within the context of home, school and community.
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in psychology, preferably an honours degree in psychology or equivalent, with a high academic standing (normally a minimum of a B+ (GPA3.3) is required. In addition, a degree in education with a high academic standing (normally a minimum of a B+ (GPA 3.3) is also preferred and considered necessary in some provinces in order to work in the schools.
- Related work/volunteer experience.
- Three letters of reference attesting to academic and work experiences, and personal characteristics.
- Prior to admission the most promising applicants may be interviewed to evaluate their understanding of and motivation for entry into the field of school psychology.
Note to Applicants regarding the Psychology and Education Certification Requirements: Applicants to the program should be aware that certification requirements vary in each province/territory. Furthermore, some provinces do not permit school psychologists to work in the schools without an undergraduate degree in education in addition to their preparation in psychology. Applicants are advised to consult with the provincial/territorial Board of Examiners in Psychology and Teacher Certification Departments to determine specific requirements.
Students are responsible for ensuring that they have fulfilled the course requirements in the four areas of foundational knowledge as required by the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA). All applicants for registration with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology (NSBEP) must have at least 1.0 unit (graduate and/or undergraduate beyond introductory courses) in each of the following four general areas of study in psychology:
1. Knowledge of the biological bases of behaviour;
2. Knowledge of the cognitive-affective bases of behaviour;
3. Knowledge of the social bases of behaviour;
4. Knowledge of psychology of the individual.
For more information, consult the NSBEP website: http://www.nsbep.org/pages/requirements.html