Northern Illinois University
Department of Psychology
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

A "typical" program of study (non-thesis option) leading to an M.A. degree (Specialist-Level) and certification in school psychology is presented below. Other significant program milestones are also noted with an *. Please check Appendix F for the TLSE and ETR course rotation BEFORE planning your schedule. 

Fall Semester 1:

PSYC 604 - Advanced Psychological Statistics 
PSYC 639 - Professional School Psychology
PSYC 640 - Theory and Assessment of Intellectual Functioning 
ETR 534 - Dynamic Assessment for Students with High Incidence Disabilities
PSYC 690 - Psychological Research

*Faculty mentor assigned
*Complete M.A. program of courses form 

Spring Semester 1:

PSYC 606 - Experimental Design
PSYC 611 - Cognitive Psychology
IPSYC 646 - Psychological Assessment (Social/Emotional) (EVEN years) OR 
PSYC 648 - Consultative Interventions (ODD years)
PSYC 653 - First Year Practicum PSYC 690 - Psychological Research

*ISPA conference
*NASP conference
*Take/pass ISBE Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) test (if necessary)

Summer Semester 1:

Choose 1 or 2 of the following classes, depending on course availability (Appendix F)

TLSE 560 - Functional Analysis 
TLSE 562 - Curricular and Instructional Design and Adaptation for Inclusive Settings OR
TLSE 563 - Methods for Teaching Students with Emotional Dist. 

*Complete second-year Competency Exam (August)

Fall Semester 2:

PSYC 647 - Interventions with Children & Their Families
PSYC 645 - Child Psychopathology 
PSYC 653 - Second Year Practicum
PSYC 665 - Behavioral Development
PSYC 690 - Psychological Research

*Students may be eligible for M.A. graduation (apply for Student-At-Large)

Spring Semester 2:

PSYC 646 - Psychological Assessment (Social/Emotional) (EVEN years) OR 
PSYC 648 - Consultative Interventions (ODD years)
PSYC 653 - Second Year Practicum
PSYC 676 - Social Personality Development
PSYC 690 - Psychological Research
TLSE 560, 562 or 563

*Internship interviews begin at ISPA (January)
*NASP conference
*Students may be eligible for M.A. graduation (apply for Student-At-Large)
*Must take/pass ISBE School Psychology Content Exam before second semester of internship begins

Summer Semester 2:

Choose 1 or 2 of the following classes, depending on course availability (Appendix F)

TLSE 560 - Functional Analysis 
TLSE 562 - Curricular and Instructional Design and Adaptation for Inclusive Settings  OR
TLSE 563 - Methods for Teaching Students with Emotional Dist. 

Fall and Spring Semester 3:

PSYC 656 - Internship
PSYC 690 - Psychological Research

*Internship site visits (Fall, Spring)
*On-campus intern meetings (Fall, Spring)
*Complete portfolio

In addition to the content related courses and required practica, students also enroll in PSYC 690: Psychological Research during each semester they are in the program.  PSYC 690 is designed to develop students' research and professional skills related to their areas of specialty and is graded on a satisfactory - unsatisfactory basis. 

The student's assigned faculty mentor will provide ongoing advisement regarding necessary course work, practicum experiences, and certification requirements.