Master of Science
with Certificate of Advanced Studies in School Psychology
School psychologists are highly trained in both psychology and education with specialized preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning theory and behavioral science. School psychologists help youth succeed academically, socially, and emotionally through a range of direct services to children and their families and through collaboration with educators, parents, and other professionals. Training emphasizes skills in consultation, psychoeducational assessment, intervention, prevention, and individual and group counseling. Degree candidates must complete a minimum of a 60 credit-hour program that includes a year-long internship. School psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which they work. They also may be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB).
The majority of school psychologists work in schools. However, they can practice in a variety of settings including:
● Public and private school systems
● School-based health centers
● Clinics and hospitals
● Private practice
● Universities
Professional associations for School Psychologists:
www.nasponline.org
www.apa.org (see Division 16 School Psychology)
Advisor: Dr. Augustyniak - kma@niagara.edu - 716-286-8548
School Psychology Program Statement
The school psychology program in the College of Education is founded on a commitment to developing school psychologists who, in the Vincentian tradition, individually and systemically foster human growth and development, and spiritual and emotional well being within a culturally diverse context. Graduates of this program are expected to demonstrate the qualities of outstanding, reflective practitioners such as the dispositions of caring and respect for self and others, and a commitment to equity, social justice, open-mindedness, and fairness. Additionally, candidates within are expected to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions as set forth by National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Upon completion of the program candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the following NASP-recognized areas:
- Data-based Decision-making and Accountability
- Consultation and Collaboration
- Effective Instruction and Development of Cognitive/Academic Skills
- Socialization and Development of Life Skills
- Student Diversity in Development and Learning
- School and Systems Organization. Policy Development. and Climate
- Prevention, Crisis intervention and Mental Health
- Home/School/Community Collaboration
- Research and Program Evaluation
- School Psychology Practice and Development
- Information Technology
Course Requirements
Required courses and recommended sequence:
Fall
Spring
EDU 536 Human Learning, Development & Motivation OR
EDU 539 Characteristics of Students with Exceptional Needs
EDU 658 Counseling Process
EDU 802 Psychological Assessment of Children & Adolescents
EDU 803 Counseling & Behavior Therapy with Children
Fall
EDU 572 Reading Difficulties: Identification & Intervention
EDU 669 Group Theory & Applications
EDU 804 Psychological Assessment of Infants & Preschoolers
EDU 805 Practicum I
Spring
EDU 652 Multicultural Counseling
EDU 655 Lifespan Development
EDU 671 Psychopharmacology EDU 806 Practicum II
Summer
EDU 670 Differential Diagnosis
Fall
EDU 807 Internship I
Spring
EDU 808 Internship II
Notes:
- Practicum clock hours must total 400 by the end of two semesters.
- Internship clock hours must total 1200 by the end of two semesters.
- Successful completion of a comprehensive examination, as described in course requirements for EDU 806, is required prior to enrollment in internship.
- Successful completion of a comprehensive portfolio, as described in course requirements for EDU 808, is required in order to attain degree.
How long will it take to complete the program of study?
Students can complete the master of science degree program in school psychology in three years by taking courses in the fall, spring and summer sessions.
What it the deadline for applying?
March 1st is the early application deadline.
What is the advisement process?
Students will be assigned a faculty adviser upon completion of the application for admission. Students should meet with the assigned adviser prior to beginning their program of study and periodically thereafter. The adviser will assist the student in planning his/her program.
All individuals, including Niagara University students, applying to School Psychology must take the GRE.
Full Time School Psychology Faculty:
Kristine Augustyniak, Ph.D., LP, Associate Professor
Dr. Augustyniak is a licensed psychologist and founder of Niagara University’s School Psychology program. She earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and M.A. degree in School Psychology from The State University of New York at Buffalo, and B.S. degrees in Elementary Education and Business from Buffalo State College.
Her course offerings have focused on a variety topics related to psychological assessment, individual and group psychotherapy, and child and adolescent mental health issues. The primary subject of Dr. Augustyniak’s research interests and publications include evidence-based approaches in assessment and intervention planning for children and adolescents suffering from eating disorders, learning disabilities, and neuromuscular disorders. Her scholarship also includes publications, research grants, and presentations related to topics of school-based violence prevention, kindergarten readiness assessment, and the methodologies of school-based needs assessments. Along with participation in several regional and national professional organizations that promote best practices in school psychology, Dr. Augustyniak is routinely involved in a number of community efforts to foster youth services and advocate for the mentally disabled. She was also recently appointed to a second term as medical panel member of the Surrogate Decision-Making Committee of the State of New York Commission on Quality of Care for the Mentally Disabled. Dr. Augustyniak coordinates the School Psychology program.
Lisa Kilanoski-Press M.S., CAS, Doctoral candidate, Assistant Professor:
Lisa Kilanowski-Press, our newest faculty member is a School Psychologist previously employed by the Aiken County School District in Aiken South Carolina. Presently, she is completing her doctorate in School Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology at Indiana University-Pennsylvania. Prior to attending IUP, Professor Kilanowski-Press earned a B.A. in Psychology at the University of Buffalo and her M.S. and CAS in School Psychology at Niagara University (and was in the program’s first graduating class). Her principle research interests surround the functioning of sexual minority youth in K-12 schools, cognitive assessments with a problem solving approach to intervention, and disability identification, and metacognition as an academic intervention. Professor Kilanowski-Press’ primary teaching responsibility is in the graduate School Psychology program.
Alumni:
"Although I had experience working with children and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, I was not sure where to go from there. The school psychology program at Niagara University helped me find some answers. Coming from a small private undergraduate college, I knew that I wanted a graduate school that could provide small class sizes and personal attention. I found all this and more in the Niagara University School Psychology program. Niagara gave me the focus and the skills required to work as a professional in a school environment. An involved staff helped me pick up many skills in preparation for the future ranging from how to administer cognitive testing to consulting with families and professionals. Lectures, research, role-playing, and hands on experience have given me a rewarding and promising future as a school psychologist. Not only has this program given me focus toward a future, but it has helped me become a productive contributing member of society."
Adam Kehrer
School Psychology Alumnus
"The words that come to mind when I describe The School Psychology Program at Niagara University are innovative, intensive, and competitive. Combine this with the luxury of a small class setting and this is what I feel sets NU's program apart from the others. In addition, the theories of education and background incorporated into the program curriculum are extensive and have provided me with the strong conceptual framework that must be mastered in order to excel in this profession. My journey at NU has been a challenging and exciting one, which I feel has confidently prepared me to begin my next journey into the workforce. The close relationships that have been fostered between my professors and fellow classmates have allowed me to grow personally as well as professionally. I believe these assets of Niagara’s close knit program will continue to influence me throughout my career."
Michele Diamond
School Psychology Alumnus
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