Admissions Questions

• What are the admissions requirements?

  See the admissions requirements for detailed information.

• Can I transfer in credits?

  Yes, 6 credits of relevant prior graduate coursework with a B or better can apply toward elective courses. 

  Additional credits may be transferred in for prior graduate coursework that is similar to or the same course and must be taken within the last 7 years. 

  Coursework taken prior to 7 years will need to be reviewed by program faculty and require graduate school approval.

• What if I already have a Masters degree in Special Education or related field?
  Prior coursework in special education or a related field may apply toward some of the coursework. 

Program Specific Questions

• How is the program delivered?

  The program is offered in a hybrid format with the majority of coursework delivered via synchronous Web Conferencing. Coursework in the fall and spring semesters are distance delivered in the evenings with one required on-campus weekend per semester (total of 3 semesters for both full-time and part-time tracks) and one required summer intensive course during Year 1. 

• How long is the program?
  The program is 3-years of full-time study or 5-years of part-time study. This may be reduced based on the number of transfer in credits. See Course Sequence Plan for more details.
• How many credits is the program?

  The UAA Master of Science in School Psychology - Specialist is 63 credits. The program aligns with the National Association of School Psychologists accreditation standards and Alaska State requirements for professional licensure and certification as a School Psychologist. Total courses taken may be reduced based on the number of transfer in credits. 

• What is the course schedule and when are courses offered?

  Courses are offered during the evenings on Mondays and Wednesdays. See table below for full-time students. For part-time students or those who have transferred in coursework, the schedule will be a combination of the following. For full course sequence see Course Sequence Plan. 

  Days	Class Type	Class Type
  Mondays	Class 1 (4:30 - 7:15)	Class 2 (100% asynchronous)
  Wednesdays	Class 3 (4:30 - 6:00 + 1 hr asynchronous)	Class 4 (4:30 - 6:00 + 1 hr asynchronous)

• How many field hours are required?

  Candidates complete 15-hour field placements linked to courses, a 300 hour Practicum, and a full-time 1,200 hour internship supervised by a licensed School Psychologist (as is required for licensure). See required field experiences table for more details. 

• Do I have to complete the internship full-time?

  Yes, all candidates must complete an approved full-time 1,200 hour internship in a school district with supervision by a licensed School Psychologists (as is required for licensure). 
  

• Can I continue to work full-time in my school district or other job? 

  Yes. This is an individual decision but the program is designed so that one may continue to work as an employee in their school district while completing the program. 

  There is a full-time or part-time pathway. See course sequence question above for more details. 
  

• Can I complete an internship in the school district in which I am already working?

  This will be determined on an individual basis based on the districts ability to provide the required internship opportunities and to provide adequate supervision by a licensed School Psychologist. All candidates are encouraged to have conversations ahead of time with their school district about this option.

Program Accreditation and Licensure Information

• Is the program accredited?

  The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The UAA Master of Science in School Psychology - Specialist is not yet accredited and plans to seek accreditation through the National Association of School Psychologists. 

• What license will I be eligible for upon graduation?

  Successful graduates will be eligible to apply for the Alaska Provisional Type C License - School Psychologist. See Alaska DEED Teacher Certification for more information. 

  Graduate will be eligible to apply for their Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential through the National Association of School Psychologists portfolio process. 

Financial Questions

• How much does the program cost?

  All information regarding tution and fees can be found at UAA Costs and Financial Aid. Eligible students may qualify under the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) exchange for reduced tuition costs for western-region out-of-state students. 

• Are there scholarships or Graduate Student Assistantships available? 
  Yes. A number of scholarships and other financial opportunities are available for eligible students. In addition, a limited number of Graduate Student Assistantships are available for eligible students. See Financial Opportunities for more information.
• What are the technology requirements?

  Students must be able to access the internet, navigate web pages, check and respond to email, and attach files to email. Students need access to word processing software (such as Microsoft Word), presentation software (such as Microsoft PowerPoint), and media playing software (YouTube, Windows Media Player, etc.) as courses often use these programs to complete assignments. Many courses use web conferencing, such as Blackboard Ultra, for the synchronous class meetings. To participate in the UAA Master of Science in School Psychology - Specialist program, students will need a web camera, speakers, and a microphone (or a headset with a built-in microphone).