1. Where are your classes held?

   70% of our coursework is taught online via Blackboard. The other 30% of our courses are offered either in person or via hybrid methods (combination of online and face to face components). Face to face courses are typically held in the evenings (7-9:45 pm) to accommodate working professionals, except for practicum supervision which is typically offered from 4-6:45 pm. Please refer to the and the plan of study to reference course sequence, teaching methods for each course and the course location.

2. Can I enroll in the program part-time?

   Part-time enrollment is available; however, it is important you work closely with School Psychology faculty regarding your course progression as the course sequence often builds upon one another and courses are only offered once per year. If you plan on enrolling in the program part-time please email the program director prior to enrolling for courses so that an individualized course sequence can be created for you.

3. What types of practical experience do I receive while in the program?

   During the program, you will complete a practicum and a yearlong internship. Practicum takes place during your second year of the program after particular courses have been completed. Practicum students work beside an LSSP in a school district of their choosing for a minimum of 20 hours per week (300 hours during the Spring of the 2^nd year). During your practicum, you are also completing coursework. Please read the for a detailed description of the practicum experience. Internship is the culminating experience of the program and takes place after all coursework has been completed, typically during your 3^rd year. Interns are full-time employees of a school district of their choosing and intern positions are typically paid. Please refer to the for more information.

4. Can I hold a full-time job while enrolled in the program?

   Past students have held full-time jobs and successfully completed the program. However, please note that past students typically report spending 20-30 hours per week on course requirements. This should be factored into your decision when considering outside employment. Please be aware that traditional full-time employment (Monday-Friday from 8-5) is not possible during your 2^nd year in the program when you are required to work in the school setting for your practicum (e.g.,20 hours a week). Practicum positions are unpaid but required by the program. Most students drop to part-time employment if their current job/role is not flexible around their practicum experience. During your 3^rd year internship, this becomes your full-time job, as you are employed as an LSSP Intern by a school district. Internships are typically paid and interns generally earn $20-50,000 per year, depending on the district.

5. What are students in your program like?

   We pride ourselves on recruiting diverse students with an array of experiences who contribute to our program and surrounding school districts. The majority of our students live in the Houston area, although many live in Victoria and within rural communities in the Gulf Coast area. About 50% of our students are full-time students, while 50% are part-time. The majority of our students have families, children and prior careers before deciding to come back to school. We have past teachers, speech-language assistants, and businessmen and women who have been successful in our program.

6. I already have a Master’s degree. Can I transfer credits towards the School Psychology program?

   Per the UHV graduate handbook, credit may be transferred only for graduate credit courses completed with a grade of A or B and completed in residence under a graduate degree program at a college or university with recognition in some form from the U.S. Department of Education or the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. These courses must be certified as graduate level by the Office of the Registrar and Student Records of UHV. Credits must be obtained within the last ten years at the time of graduation from the school psychology program to qualify.

   If you are transferring credit from another UH institution, up to 50% of the program’s hours could be transferred (a maximum of 31 transfer credit hours). If you are transferring credit from an institution outside of the UH system, up to 25% of the program’s hours could be transferred (a maximum of 15 transfer credit hours).

   After being admitted to the program, you will work with the program director and other School Psychology faculty to determine which courses may meet our requirements for transfer credit.

7. I’ve never heard of a Specialist in School Psychology degree. What is this degree?

   Starting in 2006, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board allowed graduate School Psychology programs to grant the Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) degree. The degree reflects the increased number of hours that students obtain, as most School Psychology programs are a minimum of 60 hours. The degree is often viewed as more than a Master’s degree, but less than a Doctorate degree.

8. UHV sounds great but I’m also interested in other programs. Why should I choose UHV to continue my education?

   We pride ourselves on making sure that our students have a wonderful learning experience and become strong school psychology practitioners. Here are some of the reasons our students love our program-

Small cohorts and class sizes make it easier to get to know your professors on a personal level
Core faculty members have worked in the schools and continue to work as LSSP’s in the field. They know the challenges you will face and prepare you adequately for your future roles.
Core faculty members do school-based research. They understand the problems facing children and you have opportunities to get involved in this research if that interests you.
Our program cost is significantly lower than other graduate programs.