School Psych (Going From Specialist Level To Doctoral Level)

[sackofcrap]

So, I am currently in a specialist level program in school psychology (69 hours, SSP | MA/CAGS level). When I went into the program, I was uncertain about ever getting my doctoral degree, for various reasons, so I decided to go into the specialist level. Now, I am more sure of what I want. My ultimate goal is to go back to school after this program and get my doctorate in psychology (PhD/PsyD). I am hoping to get it in either school psychology or counseling psychology. I am leaning heavily toward school psychology, obviously. 

So, my question is, how many of you guys have gone this route (getting the specialist or masters degree first and then going on to a PhD in school psych)?

Do you have any advice for someone looking to go this route?

I have seen / spoken to a few programs (such as UNC-Chapel Hill, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, St. John's University, and a few others) where they have said that having the specialist degree will give me advanced standing and I will be able to complete the program in a shorter amount of time. The program at UNC-Chapel Hill is designed for students who already have the specialist degree, so it is a shorter program to begin with. Do you guys know of other schools like this? Any help is appreciated.

[biscuitsbiscuits]

Fairleigh Dickinson in NJ also has an advanced standing (starting as a licensed master's-level school psych) PsyD program. I'm sure there are others out there!

[transfatfree]

Instead of applying after completing your MA/CAGS, you can consider applying directly to school psych doctoral programs this year. NASP-approved programs are likely to have similar courses, especially in the first year. You can get some of your 1st year credits transferred. This will certainly save you a year or two compared with your original route.

[sackofcrap]

50 minutes ago, transfatfree said:

Instead of applying after completing your MA/CAGS, you can consider applying directly to school psych doctoral programs this year. NASP-approved programs are likely to have similar courses, especially in the first year. You can get some of your 1st year credits transferred. This will certainly save you a year or two compared with your original route.

Is this really something that people are allowed to do? I did not know that! I am currently in my second year of my program, so all I have left is one more semester and then I go out for my full time internship next year. 

[transfatfree]

1 hour ago, sackofcrap said:

Is this really something that people are allowed to do? I did not know that! I am currently in my second year of my program, so all I have left is one more semester and then I go out for my full time internship next year. 

I thought you were in your first year. Things may then be different.

I've seen people who transferred from an MA/CAGS program to a doctoral program after two years of coursework (within the same department though) as well. This allowed them to do one internship for their doctoral degree only, and because both programs are in the same school, many courses are the same and can be used to satisfy the credit requirements. 

While technically you do have an MA in school psychology, you may have to check with individual schools as some websites clearly state certification as a requirement for advanced standing and some just say master's degree in school psychology or are unclear (e.g. Fordham, Syracuse and Maryland, which I suggest you take a look at and contact). So the routes you can choose include

1. If your current school has a doctoral program, ask them if you can switch to it and complete it faster e.g. (2 years of MA/CAGS + 4 years of PhD/PsyD)
2. Doctoral programs that allow advanced standing in your case (2+4)
3. Normal doctoral programs (2+5)
4. Original route (3+4)
5. Completion of MA/CAGS + normal doctoral programs (3+5)

If you were a first-year student, I would definitely suggest you apply to normal programs so your options won't be limited. But as you're in your second year, you should consider different factors based on what you find important (goals, interests, time, funding etc.)

 

[sackofcrap]

I was able to find this information on the Maryland website.

"Note to Those with Completed Specialist Training in School Psychology: Although individual circumstances vary, students who have previously completed specialist-level preparation as a school psychologist may expect programs that require four years of full-time study at Maryland (including internship); in unusual cases the program for such students can be completed in three years total. The internship year does not, necessarily, require the student to remain in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area."

So, that is helpful. It at least states to me that they have had students go this route before, enough that they added that to their website.