Course Overview!

The Master of Arts/Specialist in Education (MA/EdS) in School Psychology program at Ball State University is a three-year, on-campus program designed to prepare students for careers as school psychologists. The program emphasizes a scientist-practitioner-advocate model, focusing on developing students' competencies in culturally relevant assessment, intervention, consultation, and prevention. Students gain practical experience through supervised practica and a full-time internship in diverse school settings. The curriculum covers various topics, including human development, individual differences, learning, research methods, statistics, psychological assessment, consultation, intervention strategies (including Response to Intervention, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports), youth crisis and trauma counseling, and applied behavior analysis. The program also prepares students to meet Indiana school psychology licensure requirements and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) standards. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from leading faculty experts.

Course Structure

The MA/EdS program consists of coursework, practica, and an internship. Coursework covers a broad range of topics related to school psychology, such as human development, individual differences, learning, research methods, statistics, assessment, intervention, consultation, and ethical practice. Practica provide hands-on experience in school settings, and the internship is a full-time, third-year experience. The program also integrates an inclusive focus, equity, and social justice principles into its curriculum, ensuring students are prepared to work with diverse populations.