Specialist Program
Why study School Psychology at TWU?
TWU's Specialist in School Psychology Program is fully accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists through February 1, 2028.
School psychologists are a valued part of the transdisciplinary teams that help students succeed in school settings. In Texas, school psychologists are known as Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSP). As an LSSP, you will coordinate with teachers, family members, school personnel, and other professionals to create optimal learning environments for children and adolescents. The TWU Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) degree provides specialized training in the cognitive, social-emotional, and behavioral development of children and youth. Emphasis is placed on training students in the assessment of learning, behavioral, and emotional difficulties; consultation with teachers and parents; and intervention with academic, social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Our faculty is easily accessible and invested in the success of every student. With a small student-to-faculty classroom ratio, you are guaranteed personalized attention as you pursue your SSP degree in school psychology.
The SSP program is modeled after the National Association of School Psychologist’s entry-level training standards for the practice of school psychology. Entry level practice as school psychologists requires a minimum 60 credit hour graduate degree. In Texas, graduates of the SSP Program are eligible to apply for the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential from NASP and become licensed as an LSSP by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. The LSSP is a license for practice in the public schools only and does not extend to private practice.
For those who may be interested in working outside the schools, our LSSP program provides excellent preparation for those wishing to pursue doctoral training in school psychology.
Admission to the Specialist in School Psychology
Program Contact
Julie Herbstrith, PhD
940-898-2315
jherbstrith@twu.edu
Application Deadlines
Fall admission only - January 5th
Please note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials are received by the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to confirm receipt of their materials by contacting the Office of Admissions Processing at 940-898-3076, and the Department of Psychology & Philosophy at gradpsych@twu.edu or 940-898-2306.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree, preferably in psychology or a related field.
- At least 18 semester hours of undergraduate coursework in psychology, including:
- Introduction to Psychology/General Psychology
- Developmental Psychology/Lifespan
- Statistics
- Experimental Psychology/Research Design/Research Methods
- Cognitive Psychology/Psychology of Learning
- Physiological Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience
- Applicants without the required undergraduate coursework, if accepted into the program, would be required to complete the coursework prior to beginning their graduate work.
- A GPA of 3.0 overall or higher in the last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate coursework of their major program.
- The GRE is not required.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to the TWU Graduate School.
- Collect and submit the following documents as separate pdf files in ONE email to gradpsych@twu.edu with the subject line (YOUR LAST NAME)-(YOUR FIRST NAME)-(SSP). Please attach all items as PDFs.
- School Psychology Program Application: Download and complete the School Psychology Program Application Form.
- Résumé or vita.
- Three academic or professional references should submit letters of recommendation as PDFs on institutional or organization letterhead to gradpsych@twu.edu. Recommenders should include student name and "SSP" in the subject line.
The SSP in School Psychology prepares graduates to meet Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) training requirements for the Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) license, as set forth in TSBEP Board rule 463.9. Graduates must also pass the required exams, the National School Psychology Examination and Jurisprudence Examination, and complete the requisite LSSP application. If you are a resident of another state, contact our department to determine whether our program fulfills licensure training requirements in your home state.
Page last updated 4:54 PM, April 26, 2023