9 Reasons to Choose School Psychology at William James College

School psychology is a growing field where you will be able to provide much-needed resources and expertise to K-12 students, parents, and teachers. If you are considering this rewarding field, read on to see the top nine reasons to choose the MA/CAGS in School Psychology program at William James College.

1. Enroll in a NASP-Approved Program

The MA/CAGS in School Psychology at William James College is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). It fulfills all the educational requirements for licensure as a school psychologist in Massachusetts and many other states. You will be certified to work in K-12 public, private, charter, or other school settings.

2. Learn from Expert, Practitioner Faculty

The school psychology program is taught by practitioner faculty who have worked in school psychology roles. They bring evidence-based curriculum, real-world experiences, and expertise across many domains of psychology including social emotional learning, bullying, substance use, learning disabilities, diversity, equity, and inclusion, crisis intervention, and assessment.

3. Start Working in the Field in Your First Semester

First-year school psychology students at William James College are able to work in the field starting in their first semester. Through Primary Project, a nationally-known and evidenced-based preventive mental health program for PreK-3 children, you will help students enhance positive skills and reduce difficulties. Under the supervision of William James College faculty, you will be trained as a Child Associate, gaining experience conducting screenings and consultations, facilitating meetings, gathering and analyzing data, and providing feedback to the school and the families.

4. Engage in a Variety of Hands-On Learning Experiences

During the school psychology MA/CAGS program, you will engage in a variety of field education opportunities throughout your entire time in the program. In year one, you will work one and a half days per week in an elementary school setting. In year two, you will work two and a half days per work in a secondary school setting. Finally, in year three, you will complete a full-time internship in the setting of your choice, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals.

5. Become Part of a Close-Knit Cohort of Professionals

The MA/CAGS in school psychology program typically enrolls cohorts of approximately 15 students. Because the class sizes remain small, you are able to form close relationships with your peers and professors. At William James College, you are not a number. Your professors know you and will help you with course planning, research, professional development and more.

Through class discussions, conferences, events outside of the classroom, and much more, you will have many opportunities to connect and collaborate with not only the WJC school psychology department, but also the larger field of school psychology professionals. For example, the William James has two school psychology students each year who serve as NASP represetatives.

6. Choose an Institution with a Commitment to Social Responsibility

William James College trains professionals to be culturally responsive providers and meet the evolving mental health needs of our society. Throughout the MA/CAGS school psychology program, you will find a curriculum that is rooted in social justice, respect for diversity, and a multicultural perspective.

7. Engage in Research and Professional Opportunities

While William James College is a practitioner-focused institution, it also provides many opportunities for research. Each year, school psychology students and faculty attend (and often present at) the annual National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) conference.

Additionally, the William James College school psychology department has a close connection with the Massachusetts School Psychology Association (MSPA). The program has 1-2 students each year who serve as MSPA representatives as well as students and faculty who attend their annual conference.

8. Find Robust and Responsive Student Services at WJC

At William James College, you will not be alone. In addition to your faculty advisor within the school psychology program, you will have access to the College’s robust and responsive student services. The following are just some of the services offered at WJC:

• An Academic Resource Center which offers tutoring, study skills support, writing tips, and more
• A Library which provides comprehensive information services and assistance with research skills
• Career Services to help with resumes, interviewing, networking, and other professional development skills
• Accessibility Services which helps create an inclusive learning environment where students with disabilities can participate effectively, thrive and succeed.

9. Join a Field with a High-Demand for Clinicians

Graduates of the William James College school psychology MA/CAGS program will be prepared to work as a school psychologist in a variety of K-12 settings. There is a critical shortage of school psychologists throughout the country, meaning the field is looking for dedicated and highly skilled professionals like you. Nearly 100% of William James College MA/CAGS in school psychology graduates were employed within one year of graduating.

 

If you would like to learn more about the rewarding field of school psychology, reach out to our admissions office at info@williamjames.edu or schedule a 1/1 phone consultation with an admissions counselor. 

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