This part of the Handbook delineates the curricular requirements of the School Psychology Program and describes alternative sequences for completing those requirements. Students must work collaboratively with their advisors in designing their programs and sequences of study. Make an appointment with your advisor each semester to review and revise your program as needed.

 The School Psychology Program is an integrated degree-and-credential program. When we refer to "program requirements" we are generally referring to the total requirements for both the degree and credential. There are, however, four sets of requirements: (1) degree requirements, (2) credential requirements, (3) general program requirements, and (4) specialty project requirements. While these four sets of requirements overlap, they also have substantial differences. Each set of requirements, then, is presented separately.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The requirements for the 62-unit Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in School Psychology are delineated in the Graduate Bulletin. Contrary to popular belief, the course listing in the Graduate Bulletin does not constitute a contract between the student and SDSU. Instead, the contract for the degree is the student's Official Program of Studies.

 Official Program of Studies

 Following this section you will find a worksheet for the Official Program of Studies for the M.S. degree. This worksheet lists the required courses and options that are to be included on the Official Program of Studies. It does not include all of the requirements for the program - there are additional requirements for the credential. All degree candidates must complete the Official Program of Studies. (Credential-only students should not complete this form.)

 Complete the worksheet in consultation with your advisor. Then, as soon as you achieved classified graduate standing request the Official Program form from the department office. You must type this form! Submit the typed Official Program signed by your advisor to the department office. Your proposed Official Program is then reviewed by the department chair and sent on to the Graduate Division. The Official Program must be approved by the Graduate Division before it can be considered a contract between student, program, department, and the Graduate Division for the degree.

 IMPORTANT: The Official Program of Studies should be filed as soon as you have classified graduate standing. A minimum of 18 units must be completed after advancement to candidacy; coursework in progress can count as part of these 18 units. Any changes to your program must be made through a Change in Program Form. Generally speaking, this form should be completed by the end of the first year of studies.

 Plan A or Plan B?

 The Graduate Division and the Department of Counseling and School Psychology will accept either Plan A (thesis/project) or Plan B (comprehensive examination) as the culminating requirement for the M.S. degree.

 Under Plan A, students complete their research experience under the guidance of a "major professor" and a "thesis committee." The composition of the committee is regulated by Graduate Division policies. Students considering a thesis should (a) purchase the Department Thesis Policies and Procedures, (b) purchase the SDSU Thesis Manual, and (c) thoroughly discuss this option with their advisors. Students should not indicate Plan A unless they have a faculty member who is willing to serve as major professor.

 "The aim of the thesis or project is not only to pursue research and investigation in a rigorous and perceptive fashion, but also to write an extended scholarly statement in clear, direct, and concise English" (Graduate Division & Research and Thesis Review Service, 1988).

 Under Plan B, students complete their research experience in fulfilling requirements for the advanced research courses. A comprehensive examination (which is your professional portfolio) is also required. Almost all students complete their degree requirements under Plan B.

 Comprehensive Examination: The comprehensive examination in School Psychology consists of a review of the students' culminating professional portfolio (see Section VI). This portfolio will be mentored by the faculty supervisor of internship and reviewed by that person plus one additional faculty member, selected at random. This review process serves the dual purposes for the faculty review and recommendation needed for the degree and the credential.

Field Experience

 Three phases of field experience across three academic years is required. These experiences are graded in both scope and intensity. Section III of this Handbook is devoted to the policies, procedures, and requirements associated with the supervised field experiences.

"SP" and "S" Courses

 Several of the CSP course numbers are followed by "SP" or "S" in the department schedule and on the lists of requirements included in this Handbook. The "SP" designates a special section of the course for School Psychology. "SP" sections must be taken for the following courses: 640SP, 710ASP, 710BSP, 730SP, 780SP. The "S" designates a special section for "school" focus (i.e., school psychology and school counseling). Beginning in 1991, "S" sections must be taken for CSP 662 Counseling Intervention for Children and Adolescents. Generic sections or sections offered by other programs in the department will not meet the school psychology requirements.

 ED 690 Procedures of Investigation & Report

 This introductory research class is strongly recommended during the fall semester during the first academic year. Winter session offerings of ED 690 will not be accepted. Under special circumstances, the student may complete ED 690 in a six-week or eight-week summer session. If taken in the summer, the student will need to document that the course was at least six weeks long. Beginning in 1996, students are expected to take the specific CSP section of ED 690.

 ED 690 should be taken as early as possible in the student's sequence of studies because it is a prerequisite for several other courses. Because the content of ED 690 varies widely across instructors, it is important to consult with your advisor to find a section which will best prepare you for future program requirements. The preparation of a research proposal is often an option in ED 690; school psychology students are encouraged to complete this option.

Federal training projects associated with the School Psychology Program have required "specialty" courses and experiences. Students supported by these projects need to meet with their project director to clarify requirements. Satisfactory progress toward meeting project requirements is usually a prerequisite to continued funding by the project. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all project requirements are met.