Northern Illinois University

Department of Psychology

Typical MA/Certification Program of Study

Below you will find a typical program of study for a MA/Specialist-level certification student including a typical progression of courses, practicum hours, and other requirements. Other significant program milestones are also noted. Please note that this is an example program of study.  Please see the Program Handbook for more detailed information.

Fall Semester 1:

PSYC 639 - Professional School Psychology
PSYC 640 - Theory and Assessment of Intellectual Functioning
PSYC 604 - Advanced Psychological Statistics
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 646 - Psychological Assessment (Social/Emotional)
PSYC 611 - Cognitive Psychology I
PSYC 606 - Experimental Design
PSYC 653 - First Year Practicum
PSYC 690 - Psychological Research

ISPA conference

Summer Semester 1:

TLSE 540 - Foundations of Special Education
TLSE 560 - Functional Analysis

Students interested in Ph.D. enroll in Independent Study
Prepare for second-year exam

Fall Semester 2:

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

Complete second-year exam (August)
Students interested in Ph.D. enroll for thesis credit
Non-thesis students may be eligible for and should apply for M.A. graduation

Spring Semester 2:

PSYC 648 - Consultation Interventions
PSYC 653 - Second Year Practicum
PSYC 676 - Social Personality Development
PSYC 690 - Psychological Research

Internship interviews at ISPA (February)
Non-thesis students may be eligible for and should apply for M.A. graduation
Consider taking ISBE Basic Skills and School Psychology exam (must be completed by end of internship)

Summer Semester 2:

TLSE 562 - Curricular and Intructional Design and Adaptation for Inclusive Settings

Fall and Spring Semester 3:

PSYC 656 - Internship
PSYC 690 - Psychological Research

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

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.