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Join a hands-on graduate program that emphasizes data-based decision making and experiential learning. LSUS’ Specialist in School Psychology program is a three-year, full-time course of academic study, practicum experiences and a paid internship leading to national certification as a school psychologist. The program is fully accredited by the  For information about the program, please review the SSP Student Handbook.

Why LSUS’ Specialist in School Psychology program? 

One of the unique features of LSUS’ school psychology degree is the balanced training model. When you graduate, you’ll be equally prepared to address academic and mental health challenges, with children and adolescents, across assessment and intervention-based service delivery. Second, the small cohort/in-person training model allows cohesiveness among students, collaboration with faculty, and enhances your ability to learn how to effectively assist children/youth, educators, and families. And finally, the diverse faculty at LSUS have expertise in academic assessment and intervention, applied behavior analysis, consultation, and mental health interventions to prepare you to make positive impacts in the lives of children/youth.

Experiential learning in the school psychology program 

Each year of the SSP program offers you opportunities for hands-on learning in schools and in the on-campus clinic. The first year focuses on observation, shadowing, and practice. During the second year, you’ll take part in closely supervised field experiences in addition to continued classroom training. The final year is spent in a full-time paid internship in an approved school setting. The average internship salary is $51,000. Applied experiences result in a portfolio of comprehensive cases that demonstrate a positive impact on the achievement and social behaviors of referred children.  

LSUS SSP Admissions Requirements

Application to the SSP Program is a two-part process. First, applicants must apply to the LSUS Office of Graduate Studies through the , submitting all official transcripts from colleges/universities attended, official scores on the GRE exam (optional), and immunization records. Acceptance by Graduate Studies does not mean that you have been admitted into the SSP program, only that you have been admitted to take graduate coursework.

Second, applicants must also apply directly to the SSP Program. Applicants should send a personal letter of intent and resume/vita directly to the SSP Program Director, as well as request at least two letters of recommendation sent to SSP Director directly from references. Upon receipt of your application, materials are reviewed by the School Psychology Training Committee to determine whether minimum admission requirements are met. This includes: (1) an undergraduate degree in psychology from an accredited institution or a BA/BS degree from an accredited institution with 12 or more hours of psychology coursework including behavioral sciences (psychology) statistics; (2) undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 point scale). Following review of application materials, applicants may be invited for a face-to-face or phone interview which is the final step of application process. The interview with faculty and current students focuses on the applicant's academic and career goals, as well as familiarity with the profession of school psychology.

Application Deadlines: March 31 is early Fall admission; June 30^th is the final deadline set by LSUS Graduate Studies. The SSP Program, however, begins reviewing applications and strives to complete admission decisions by April 15. Admission decisions are made by the SSP Program Training Committee on a competitive basis and enrollment is limited.