Nov 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Educational Psychology, School Psychology Concentration, M.S.


The Master of Science (MS) in Educational Psychology with a Concentration in School Psychology program prepares graduates for careers as professionally credentialed, specialist-level school psychologists. Specialist-level school psychologists typically deliver assessment, intervention, and consultation services within school settings to promote children’s academic, social-emotional, and behavioral success.

The program of study is designed to align with the standards for professional credentialing established by the Maine Department of Education and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The program integrates coursework and field-based experiences to promote general knowledge in the fields of education and psychology and targeted competencies in assessment, intervention, consultation, and applied research. Students also gain competencies in data-based decision-making, collaborative problem-solving, applied behavior analysis, and ethical-legal standards.

The program of study requires a total of 67 graduate credits, which include 400 hours of practica and a culminating 1,200 hour internship. All courses are scheduled on weekdays in the late afternoon/early evening to accommodate students’ work schedules, and approximately one-third of the required courses may be completed online. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for both state and national certification as specialist-level school psychologists.

Transfer Credit Policy


A maximum of two courses (6 graduate credits) required for the MS in Educational Psychology, School Psychology Concentration program of study may be completed prior to matriculation.

Admitted students may request permission to transfer up to 30 graduate credits toward the degree. In order for credits to be eligible for transfer, the following criteria must be met:

  • The credits must have been earned as part of a graduate course (e.g., 500 level or higher) offered at a United States institution of higher learning accredited by a regional and/or national accrediting body.
  • The credits must have been earned for a course that is equivalent, in terms of content knowledge and skill requirements, to one required within the program.
  • The earned grade for the course must be a B or higher (GPA equivalent of 3.0).
  • The credits must have been earned within 6 years from the date when transfer credit is requested.
    • The program may, at its discretion, consider coursework completed more than 6 years prior to a request for transfer credit when students: (a) developed initial competence in the professional practice area through coursework and (b) continued to update their competency through professional experiences, which may include relevant professional employment, supervision, and continuing education.
  • The credits for behavior analytic courses must have been earned for a course that was part of an ABAI Verified Course Sequence aligned with current task list standards.

To request transfer credits, students must complete a course equivalency request form and submit the relevant course syllabi and official transcripts to the Chair of the Department of Educational and School Psychology. Course equivalency requests will be reviewed by the Department Chair and referred to the faculty designee who has expertise in the area of instruction. The faculty designee may ask for additional information from the student or request to consult with the previous instructor. The designee will then make a recommendation to the school psychology faculty, and the faculty will vote to determine whether the course is considered equivalent. The student will be informed about the faculty’s decision by the Department Chair.

If transfer credits are approved, the program will notify the USM Registrar to enter the official transfer onto the student’s record. Transferred credits will be noted on the student’s USM transcript and counted toward the student’s degree program of study.

Recommended Course Sequence


The following course sequence is recommended for students pursuing full-time study. Part-time options are also available.