Join the Specialist in School Psychology program at Louisiana State University Shreveport, a 3-year program that includes practicum experiences and an internship.
Join a hands-on graduate program that emphasizes data-based decision making and experiential learning. LSUS's Specialist in School Psychology program is a three-year, full-time course of academic study, practicum experiences and a paid internship leading to national certification as a school psychologist. The program is fully accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists. For information about the program, please review the SSP Student Handbook.
LSUS's specialist in school psychology program utilizes a balanced training model. When you graduate, you'll be equally prepared to address academic and mental health challenges, with children and adolescents, across assessment and intervention-based service delivery. The small cohort/in-person training model also allows cohesiveness among students, collaboration with faculty, and enhances your ability to learn how to effectively assist children/youth, educators, and families. Finally, the faculty at LSUS have expertise in academic assessment and intervention, applied behavior analysis, consultation, and mental health interventions to prepare you to make positive impacts in the lives of children/youth.
Each year of the SSP program offers you opportunities for hands-on learning in schools and in the on-campus clinic. The first year focuses on observation, shadowing, and practice. During the second year, you'll take part in closely supervised field experiences in addition to continued classroom training. The final year is spent in a full-time paid internship in an approved school setting. The average salary for school psychologists is $71,000. Applied experiences result in a portfolio of comprehensive cases that demonstrate a positive impact on the achievement and social behaviors of referred children.
Application to the SSP Program involves completing the LSUS admissions process. Applicants will need official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, GRE scores (if applicable), immunization records, and a personal statement, a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) and at least two letters of recommendation. Applicants who are accepted by LSUS admissions will then be considered for admission to the program by the program faculty and contacted for an interview. If you have questions about the application process, please reach out to Dr. Amber Harris, Admissions Coordinator, at Amber.Harris@lsus.edu.
For consideration, applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements: an undergraduate degree in psychology from an accredited institution OR a BA/BS from an accredited institution with 12+ semester hours of psychology coursework (including behavioral sciences statistics); and an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
The early fall admission deadline is March 31; the final application deadline is June 30. The SSP Program strives to complete admission decisions by April 15. Apply early for best consideration. Admission decisions are made by the SSP Program Training Committee on a competitive basis and enrollment is limited.
Schools psychologists work closely with children, parents, teachers and school administrators to develop an educational program that meets children's specific needs. These are some of the ways that LSUS's specialist in school psychology degree will prepare you for your career.
Research and hands-on experience
The School of Reading and Organization for Cool Kids (R.O.C.K.) is a clinic-based tutoring program offered to the community. School psychology students gain valuable experience in the clinic, working with a range of academic and social concerns. Faculty and students present joint research projects every year at state and national conventions.
Student life
The Specialist in School Psychology Graduate Student Organization is involved with several fundraising and service activities on campus and in the community. The program also hosts a student reception, training seminar and student research poster session every year at the Louisiana School Psychological Association's annual convention.
Set up for success
Students successfully secure internships in highly competitive markets, including Houston, Dallas, Denver, and Las Vegas. Three students in the past eight years have received the prestigious Will Bergeron Award, which is awarded to the top graduate student in Louisiana. The pass rate for the national Praxis exam is 100%.
Financial aid for school psychology graduate students
More than $12.4 million in scholarship money is awarded to LSUS students each year. Take some time to explore the types of financial aid you could qualify for
Praxis Exam Pass Rate
Average Salary
Faculty to Student Ratio
All core courses are taught by faculty with degrees in School Psychology.
Students have opportunities to work with children, educators, and families in school and clinic-based settings.
The Director of the SSP Program, Dr. Kevin Jones, mentors student research in the area of reading intervention as part of the School of R.O.C.K. program in the campus clinic.
Graduates of the Specialist in School Psychology program typically work in public school systems and are often assigned to several schools. Job responsibilities include providing psychological evaluations, conducting individual and group counseling sessions with children, and measuring the success of programs. School psychologists also develop academic and behavioral interventions for classrooms. Other potential career paths for professionals with school psychology experience include school administration, private practice, and university teaching.
Thinking about a specialist in school psychology degree? Here are some other graduate programs at LSUS you might like to explore.
Starting a successful career is closer than you think. With exceptional academics and generous financial aid, LSUS allows you to get your degree close to home while launching you to new heights.