About Us

The Master of Science program in psychometry is a non-terminal degree designed to begin in the fall semester and requires two full years of study (i.e., fall, spring, and summer semesters).  The M.S. in psychometry allows individuals to obtain AA licensure from the Mississippi State Department of Education.  This degree is currently a 43-hour program with a 300 hour practicum primarily in assessment. Students in the M.S. in psychometry program are expected to continue their education at MSU in pursuit of either the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) or Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) in School Psychology.  MSU does NOT offer an add-on certificate in psychometry.

The Ed.S. program, a major in Education with a concentration in School Psychology, is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) through 2027. This degree qualifies students to become Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP) and allows individuals to obtain AAA licensure from the Mississippi State Department of Education. This degree begins in the fall semester and requires at least three years of full time course work (i.e., fall, spring, and summer semesters). This degree is currently an 84-hour program with required practica experiences and a minimum of a 1500-hour school-based internship (as required by NASP for the NCSP credential) to be completed during the individual’s last year in the program. Ed.S. students are required to complete a graded portfolio of professional work and pass the Praxis specialty examination in School Psychology.

The Ph.D. program in Educational Psychology with a concentration in School Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) through 2021 and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) through 2021. This degree qualifies students to become licensed psychologists and Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP). It also allows individuals to obtain AAAA licensure from the Mississippi State Department of Education. Students accepted into the PhD program in School Psychology should either hold a master’s degree in school psychology/psychometry or obtain AA licensure in school psychometry within the first three years in the program. For students entering with a baccalaureate degree, the program requires at least five years of full time study (i.e., fall, spring, and summer semesters), which begins in the fall semester and culminates in a full year internship experience. A minimum of 120 hours beyond the baccalaureate degree is required to earn a doctorate from the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Foundations. In addition to required coursework, students are required to present a minimum of one refereed presentation at a regional or national conference and submit at least one publication to a refereed journal. Students must pass four comprehensive examinations which include 1) the master’s exam, 2) written doctoral comprehensive exam, 3) oral doctoral comprehensive exam, and 4) the Praxis specialty exam for School Psychology. Students must also successfully propose and defend the dissertation. Finally, students must successfully complete a 2000-hour pre-doctoral internship (APA accredited is preferred).