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Program Information

Please note that the information below was collected for the 2006-07 academic year. For the most current information, we encourage you to contact the program directly.

University: University of Southern Maine
Program's Mailing Address: 400 Bailey Hall
City:Gorham
State:ME
Zip:04038
Phone: 207-780-5220
Fax: 207-780-5043
Website: www.usm.maine.edu/cehd/school-psychology
Department in which program is housed: Human Resource Development
College in which program is housed: College of Education and Human Development
Program director: Rachel Brown-Chidsey, Ph.D.
E-mail: rbrown@usm.maine.edu
Phone: 207-228-8322
Additional Program Director: Office of Graduate Admission

Degrees Offered, Program Approvals, and General Requirements

Master's Degree (36-45 hours)

Degree name:
Total Graduate Credit Hours:
Comprehensive qualifying exams required:
Thesis required:
Professional paper in lieu of thesis required:
Professional project in lieu of thesis required:
State Department of Education approved: na
NCATE approved program:
Other approval/accreditation:
Other agency:

Specialist Level (60+ hours)

Degree name: Master of Science in School Psychology
Total graduate credit hours: 72
Thesis required: no
Professional paper in lieu of thesis required: yes
Professional project in lieu of thesis required: yes
NASP approved program: yes
State Department of Education approved: na
NCATE approved: yes
Other approval/accreditation:
Other agency:

Doctoral Degree

Degree name: Doctorate in School Psychology
Total graduate credit hours: 66
Comprehensive quailfying exams required: yes
Thesis required: no
Professional paper in lieu of thesis required: no
Professional project in lieu of thesis required: no
Dissertation required: yes
NASP approved program: no
State Department of Education approved: na
NCATE approved: no
APA accredited: no
Other approval/accreditation:
Other agency:

Respecialization Degree

Degree name:
Total graduate credit hours:
Comprehensive qualifying exams required:
Thesis required:
Professional paper in lieu of thesis required:
Professional project in lieu of thesis required:

Program(s) Philosophy

The University of Southern Maine's school psychology program is based on three fundamental conceptual models. The first is the Data-Based Decision-Making and Accountability model (Kratochwill & Stoiber, 2002; National Association of School Psychologists, 2000). This is the organizing theme that permeates the training of school psychology practitioners and defines a best practices approach to service delivery. Within this model, school psychology practitioners utilize assessment methods and interventions that are empirically-based. This means that assessments have been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. Moreover, school psychology practitioners use and endorse only those interventions that have been subjected to scientific analysis and have yielded socially meaningful outcomes. In short, the program endorses a practitioner-scientist orientation to the training and practice of school psychology. The second conceptual foundation is the problem solving model (Brown-Chidsey, 2005). Within this model, school psychology practitioners utilize a collaborative problem solving approach in offering a continuum of services that include assessment, interventions (e.g., consultation, social skills training, positive behavioral supports) and program evaluation. While norm-referenced diagnostic assessment may be a part of this process, an emphasis is placed on the use of criterion-referenced, curriculum-based, and functional behavior assessments to address academic, social-emotional, and behavioral issues of referred students. The final conceptual framework is based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response-Consequence (S-0-R-C) model of human behavior (Nelson & Hayes, 1985; Shapiro & Kratochwill, 2000). Within this model, human behavior is viewed as a complex interaction of external and internal variables. The primary purpose of assessment is to identify and accurately measure those variables that interfere with and/or contribute to a person's acquisition of academic, social, and behavioral skills. The results of assessments are used as the basis for designing individually tailored interventions that promote the development of socially meaningful behaviors.

Student Enrollment Data

Master's Level

Total number of students:
Number of full-time students:
Number of part-time students:
Number of students who applied for the 2006-2007 year:
Number of students accepted for the 2006-2007 year:

Specialist Level

Total number of students: 37
Number of full-time students: 17
Number of part-time students: 20
Number of students who applied for the 2006-2007 year: 30
Number of students accepted for the 2006-2007 year: 15

Doctoral Level

Total number of students: 0
Number of full-time students: 0
Number of part-time students: 0
Number of students who applied for the 2006-2007 year: 0
Number of students accepted for the 2006-2007 year: 0

Respecialization

Total number of students:
Number of full-time students: 17
Number of part-time students:
Number of students who applied for the 2006-2007 year:
Number of students accepted for the 2006-2007 year:

Student Characteristics

Master's Level

Total number of students:
Number of females in program:
Number of males in program:
Number of American Indian or Alaskan Natives in program:
Number of Asians in program:
Number of African Americans in program:
Number of Hispanics or Latinos in program:
Number of Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders in program:
Number of Whites in program:
Number of students with mixed ethnicities in program:
Number of international students in program:
Number of students with unknown ethnicities in program:

Specialist Level

Total number of students: 37
Number of female students in program: 29
Number of male students in program: 8
Number of American Indian or Alaskan Natives in program: 0
Number of Asians in program: 0
Number of African Americans in program: 0
Number of Latinos in program: 0
Number of Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders in program: 0
Number of Whites in program: 37
Number of students with mixed ethnicities in program: 0
Number of international students in program: 0
Number of students with unknown ethnicities in program: 0

Doctoral Level

Total number of students: 0
Number of female students in program: 0
Number of male students in program: 0
Number of American Indian or Alaskan Natives in program: 0
Number of Asians in program: 0
Number of African Americans in program: 0
Number of Latinos in program: 0
Number of Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders in program: 0
Number of Whites in program: 0
Number of students with mixed ethnicities in program: 0
Number of international students in program: 0
Number of students with unknown ethnicities in program: 0

Respecialization

Total number of students in program:
Number of female students in program:
Number of male students in program:
Number of American Indians or Alaskan Natives in program:
Number of Asians in program:
Number of African Americans in program:
Number of Latinos in program:
Number of Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders in program:
Number of Whites in program:
Number of students with mixed ethnicities in program:
Number of international students in program:
Number of students with unknown ethnicities in program:

Admission Deadlines

Master's Level

Fall admissions?
If yes, deadline for admissions:
Spring admissions?
If yes, deadline for admissions:
Summer admissions:
If yes, deadline for admissions:
Application fee:

Specialist Level

Fall admissions? yes
If yes, deadline for admissions: 30 December
Spring admissions? no
If yes, deadline for admissions:
Summer admissions? no
If yes, deadline for admissions:
Application fee: $50.00

Doctoral Level

Fall admissions? yes
If yes, deadline for admissions: 30 December
Spring admissions? no
If yes, deadline for admissions:
Summer admissions? no
If yes, deadline for admissions:
Application fee: $50.00

Respecialization

Fall admissions?
If yes, deadline for admissions:
Spring admissions?
If yes, deadline for admissions:
Summer admissions?
If yes, deadline for admissions:
Application fee:

Whom to contact to apply? Office of Graduate Admission
Application address (if different from program's mailing address): Office of Graduate Admissions, 134 School Street
Application city: Gorham
Application state: ME
Application zip/postal code: 04038

Admission Requirements

Master's Level

Require a written goals statement?
Require letters of recommendation?
Require personal or phone interview?
Require minimum overall undergraduate GPA on 4.0 scale?
If yes, minimum overall GPA:
Require minimum GPA for undergraduate major?
If yes, minimum GPA for major:
Require specific undergraduate major?
If yes, specific major required:
Require minimum number of undergrad psychology prerequisites?

Specialist Level

Require a written goals statement? yes
Require letters of recommendation? yes
Require personal or phone interview? yes
Require minimum overall undergraduate GPA on 4.0 scale? yes
If yes, minimum overall GPA: 2.5
Require minimum GPA for undergraduate major: no
If yes, minimum GPA for major:
Require specific undergraduate major? no
If yes, specific major required:
Require minimum number of undergraduate psychology prerequisites? no

Doctoral Level

Require a written goals statement? yes
Require letters of recommendation? yes
Require personal or phone interview? yes
Require minimum overall undergraduate GPA on 4.0 scale? yes
If yes, minimum overall GPA: 2.5
Require minimum GPA for undergraduate major?
If yes, minimum GPA for major:
Require specific undergraduate major? no
If yes, specific major required:
Require minimum number of undergraduate psychology prerequisites? no

Respecialization

Require a written goals statement?
Require letters of recommendation?
Require personal or phone interview?
Require minimum overall undergraduate GPA on 4.0 scale?
If yes, minimum overall GPA:
Require minimum GPA for undergraduate major? no
If yes, minimum GPA for major:
Require specific undergraduate major?
If yes, specific major required:
Require minimum number of undergraduate psychology prerequisites?

Entrance Tests for Program Admission

Master's Level

GRE Verbal
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Quantitative
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Analytic
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Verbal + Quantitative
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Advanced Area
Advanced area:
Minimum:
Preferred
Average:
Miller's Analogy Test
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:

Specialist Level

GRE Verbal
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Quantitative
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Analytic
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Verbal + Quantitative
Minimum: 900
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Advanced Area
Advanced area:
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
Miller's Analogy Test
Minimum: 390
Preferred:
Average:

Doctoral Level

GRE Verbal
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Quantitative
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Analytic
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Verbal + Quantitative
Minimum: 1000
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Advanced Area
Advanced area:
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
Miller's Analogy Test
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:

Respecialization

GRE Verbal
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Quantitative
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Analytic
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Verbal + Quantitative
Minimum
Preferred:
Average:
GRE Advanced Area
Advanced area:
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:
Miller's Analogy Test
Minimum:
Preferred:
Average:

Tuition and Fees

Master's Level

State Residents
Per credit hour tuition:
Total full-time tuition per semester (based on 12 credit hours):
Non-State Residents
Per credit hour tuition:
Total full-time tuition per semester (based on 12 credit hours):

Specialist Level

State Residents
Per credit hour tuition: 248.00
Total full-time tuition per semester (based on 12 credit hours):
Non-State Residents
Per credit hour tuition: 642.00
Total full-time tuition per semester (based on 12 credit hours):

Doctoral Level

State Residents
Per credit hour tuition: 248.00
Total full-time tuition per semester (based on 12 credit hours):
Non-State Residents
Per credit hour tuition: 642.00
Total full-time tuition per semester (based on 12 credit hours):

Respecialization

State Residents
Per credit hour tuition:
Total full-time tuition per semester (based on 12 credit hours):
Non-State Residents
Per credit hour tuition:
Total full-time tuition per semester (based on 12 credit hours):

Financial Assistance

Master's Level

Total percentage of students receiving aid for current year:
Is there any financial assistance directed toward minority recruitment?
Out-of-state students receive in-state tuition?
Tuition waiver included:
Teaching Assistantships
Percentage of students receiving:
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Research Assistantships
Percentage of students receiving:
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Traineeships/Training Grants From Foundations or Governments
Percentage of students receiving:
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Other Assistantships and Grants
Percentage of students receiving:
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Fellowships and Scholarships
Percentage of students receiving:
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:

Specialist Level

Total percentage of students receiving aid for current year: 19
Is there any financial assistance directed toward minority recruitment? yes
Out-of-state students receive in-state tuition? full
Tuition waiver included: full
Teaching Assistantships
Percentage of students receiving: 0
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Research Assistantships
Percentage of students receiving: 15
Annual full-time amount: 8,500.00
Average number of hours per week: 10
Traineeships/Training Grants From Foundations or Governments
Percentage of students receiving: 0
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Other Assistantships and Grants
Percentage of students receiving: 0
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Fellowships and Scholarships
Percentage of students receiving: 5
Annual full-time amount: Full tuition
Average number of hours per week: 0

Doctoral Level

Total percentage of students receiving aid for current year: 40
Is there any financial assistance directed toward minority recruitment? yes
Out-of-state students receive in-state tuition? full
Tuition waiver included: full
Teaching Assistantships
Percentage of students receiving: 1
Annual full-time amount: 8,500.00
Average number of hours per week: 10
Research Assistantships
Percentage of students receiving: 20
Annual full-time amount: 8,500.00
Average number of hours per week: 10
Traineeships/Training Grants From Foundations or Governments
Percentage of students receiving: 0
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Other Assistantships and Grants
Percentage of students receiving: 0
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Fellowships and Scholarships
Percentage of students receiving:
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:

Respecialization

Total percentage of students receiving aid for current year:
Is there any financial assistance directed toward minority recruitment?
Out-of-state students receive in-state tuition?
Tuition waiver included:
Teaching Assistantships
Percentage of students receiving:
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Research Assistantships
Percentage of students receiving:
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Traineeships/Training Grants From Foundations or Governments
Percentage of students receiving:
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Other Assistantships and Grants
Percentage of students receiving:
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:
Fellowships and Scholarships
Percentage of students receiving:
Annual full-time amount:
Average number of hours per week:

Other Support

Field-Based Experiences

Master's Level

Total practicum hours:
Total minimum in-school practicum hours:
Total minimum internship hours:
Total minimum in-school internship hours:
Percentage of paid internships:
Minimum internship salary:
Average internship salary for current interns:

Specialist Level

Total practicum hours: 200
Total minimum in-school practicum hours: 100
Total minimum internship hours: 1500
Total minimum in-school internship hours: 750
Percentage of paid internships: 86
Minimum internship salary: $14,000.00
Average internship salary for current interns: $18,000.00

Doctoral Level

Total practicum hours: 300
Total minimum in-school practicum hours: 150
Total minimum internship hours: 1500
Total minimum in-school internship hours: 750
Percentage of paid internships:

0
Minimum internship salary:
Average internship salary for current interns:



Respecialization

Total practicum hours:
Total minimum in-school practicum hours:
Total minimum internship hours:
Total minimum in-school internship hours:
Percentage of paid internships:
Minimum internship salary:
Average internship salary for current interns:

Competency-Based Exam Scores

Note: These are based on the prior year's graduates.

Master's Level

Total number of students who graduated during the prior year:
Average total Praxis II score for those students who graduated during the designated time period:
How many graduates applied for the NCSP within one year after graduation?
What percentage of the applicants above attained the NCSP?

Specialist Level

Total number of students who graduated during the prior year: 8
Average total Praxis II score for those students who graduated during the designated time period: 610
How many graduates applied for the NCSP within one year after graduation? 8
What percentage of the applicants above attained the NCSP? 100

Doctoral Level

Total number of students who graduated during the prior year: 0
Average total Praxis II score for those students who graduated during the designated time period: 0
How many graduates applied for the NCSP within one year after graduation?
What percentage of the applicants above attained the NCSP?