Educational and School Psychology, School Counseling

Educational psychology focuses on the study of learning outcomes, student attributes, and instructional processes directly related to the classroom and the school, such as amount of instructional time or individual differences in school learning. An educational psychologist helps gather information for teachers and parents when students have academic or behavioral problems. They assist by evaluating students' thinking abilities and assessing individual strengths and weaknesses. Together, the parents, teachers, and educational psychologist formulate plans to help students learn more effectively. Educational psychologists work mostly in elementary and secondary school classrooms. They also may work in other settings such as colleges, consulting organizations, corporations, industry, the military, and religious institutions.

School psychologists work directly with public and private schools. They assess and counsel students, consult with parents and school staff, and conduct behavioral interventions when appropriate. They evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs, behavior management procedures, and other services provided in school setting.

Human Services / School Counseling - MS
The demand for qualified school counselors is expected to grow as school enrollments increase, more states pass counseling mandates, and school counselors take on expanded roles. This School Counseling master’s specialization is built on the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and includes course work, field training, and residencies. It is designed to prepare you to deliver and manage contemporary school counseling programs, and act as a school leader who can advocate for the personal, educational, and social needs of students. People who choose this specialization are often interested in pursuing licensure as school counselors.

Psychology / Educational - MS
This online master's degree specialization will prepare you for a career teaching at the community college level or working with agencies serving a broad spectrum of age levels. You will gain an understanding of computer-mediated instructional strategies in education, adult learning, instructional design, and stages of development for different ages.

Psychology / School - MS
The school psychology specialization will prepare you to be an advocate for school-age children and adolescents, stressing respect for individual differences, collaborative problem solving, and empirically-based interventions. Upon graduation, learners are prepared to apply a systems-based approach to address the social, emotional, academic, behavioral, and cognitive well-being of students. Graduates of this program are typically employed by public school districts, but may also seek employment with community agencies, in specialized school settings, or in education cooperatives. Learners interested in applying for state licensure or national certification as a school psychologist will need to enroll in both this master's degree specialization and the specialist certificate in school psychology.

Psychology / Educational - PhD
The General Psychology specialization--with tracks in Educational Psychology and in Research and Evaluation--prepares individuals to teach, mentor, and/or conduct culturally and contextually relevant research in psychology in institutions of higher education and to engage their knowledge and skills in applied settings.

Psychology / General Educational - PhD
The General Psychology specialization, with tracks in Educational Psychology and in Research and Evaluation, prepares individuals to teach, mentor, and/or conduct culturally and contextually relevant research in psychology in institutions of higher education and to engage their knowledge and skills in applied settings.

Psychology / School - PhD
School Psychology students develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to provide quality and contextually relevant educational and mental health services to children (birth-21 years) and their families. School psychologists practice in school settings and private practice, teach at the university level, and conduct applied research. A specialization in School Psychology provides training in both psychology and education and emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning, behavior, and motivation.

Behavioral Intervention in Autism - Certificate
UMass Online's Behavioral Intervention in Autism Certificate is a four course certificate is designed to provide professionals in psychology, education, child care, and human services with an understanding of autism and related developmental disorders. It introduces behavioral methods and details how such methods can be used and evaluated. The certificate was developed in partnership with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, a pioneer for over three decades in research, education, and service for people with developmental disabilities and their families, the University of Massachusetts Medical School who formed a partnership with the Shriver Center in 2001, and UMass Lowell, to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth in an effort to reduce the impact of disease and disability, address inequalities in health and human service systems, and educate and develop compassionate healthcare and human service professionals. All courses BACB approved.

School Counseling - MEd
UMass Online's Master of Education in School Counseling is designed to meet the needs of a local, national and international audience of adults wishing to enter the School Guidance field. The program operates on a cohort model whereby all participants complete the same program of study over a two-year period. Clinical courses are taught during the first summer and all participants must be present on campus for the months of July and August. (Housing information will be provided by the program upon request).The remaining courses are delivered in a web-based on-line format following a semester calendar. Participants must follow the program of study exactly.