Published:
The “bible of school psychology” has a new lead editor: Professor Lea Theodore, PhD, whose work is helping to guide practitioners in this evolving field.
Master of Arts in School Psychology
Make a life-changing impact on school-aged children as you help them master academic, social and emotional challenges with an MA in School Psychology from Adelphi in NY on Long Island.
What Can I Do with a Master’s in School Psychology?
With a master’s degree in school psychology, you will develop the expertise to evaluate the learning and behavior patterns of children, consulting with both their parents and teachers. Additionally, you will learn to counsel children who are experiencing difficulties in school and to develop and implement appropriate intervention and prevention services.
Why Earn Your MA in School Psychology at Adelphi in New York on Long Island?
- Benefit from hands-on opportunities like working in school settings with youth who have special needs.
- Gain cultural competence and the ability to meet the needs of diverse populations and schools.
- Tailor your studies to your interests with opportunities, including a specialization for working with children on the autism spectrum and their families or gaining bilingual certification.
Robert F. Bornstein, PhD, whose achievements as a scholar have earned him the distinguished title of University Professor, works closely with students. More than 60 undergraduate and graduate students have co-authored peer-reviewed papers originating in his research lab.
90%*
* based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022
of our master’s graduates say that Adelphi University increased their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of professionals in their field
based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2022
My time in the program allowed me to develop a well-rounded skill set to become a successful practitioner through the teachings of experienced and caring professors, excellent internship opportunities and a wide variety of related field opportunities.
School Psychology Master’s Program Options & Certification Information
Adelphi offers additional credits to allow for the opportunity to pursue a certificate in bilingual school psychology or a specialization in autism.
Recognized by the Psychologist-In-Training (PIT) program of the NYC Department of Education, the Bilingual School Psychology certification requires students to complete 15 graduate credits (five courses) in areas related to bilingual assessment, education and counseling. Three of the courses students need to take are offered in the School Psychology program and two are in the TESOL program in the School of Education. Specifically:
- Multicultural Issues in Psychology
- Internship (bilingual setting)
- Counseling and Assessment of the Multicultural Child
- Foundations of Bilingual Multicultural Education
- Assessment Considerations for ESL and Bilingual Population
Students who are pursuing a bilingual certification in school psychology are eligible to apply for a paid internship position.
The School Psychology graduate program at Adelphi offers a specialization track in autism for students interested in broadening their knowledge in this area. To obtain the specialization in autism, students need to take the following four courses:
- Diagnosis of and Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Autism I: Students with Severe to Moderate Autism
- Autism II: Students with AS, HFA and Related Disorders
- Counseling Students on the Autism Spectrum
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
At Adelphi University, we believe hands-on experience is key to setting our students up for future career success. Our students have gained valuable experience outside the classroom, through graduate student assistantships and field placement opportunities, conference and presentation participation.
Opportunities for additional training in school neuropsychological evaluation and individual child and group psychotherapy are available through the school psychology program’s partnership with the Bronx Community Charter School and the Derner Hempstead Child Clinic.
Program Info
Courses & Requirements
Application Requirements and Deadlines
The priority application deadline for Fall admission is March 1. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and should submit the following:
- Graduate application and $60 fee
- Three letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
- Personal essay
- Applicants should have 15 credits in psychology, including a course in statistics
- Official transcripts from all prior institutions and proof of bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
- Résumé (preferred)
Admissions
Awards & Recognition
National Association of School Psychologists
Derner’s master’s program in school psychology is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), which represents and supports the profession by advancing effective practices and maintaining essential standards for ethics and practice.
NASP Website
Center for World University Rankings
Adelphi University’s Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology has been ranked fourth worldwide for psychology–psychoanalysis by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). More than 27,000 degree-granting institutions were included in the annual ranking.
CWUR website
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse
Adelphi is the highest-ranked university on Long Island in the 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best Colleges. It also ranks #7 in New York, with outstanding scores for student outcomes including graduation rate and salary impact.
Ranked one of the best
Colleges of Distinction: Career Development
Adelphi University has been recognized as a Career Development college for the exceptional way in which our institution is equipping students with the skills to succeed in their lifelong career journey.
Expert Career Guidance
Abound
Adelphi has been recognized among the nation’s top professional graduate degree programs by Abound: Grad School for providing affordable and flexible options, accessibility to professors and campus support services, opportunities to accelerate graduation, and prep for sustained career growth.
A Top Grad School
U.S. News & World Report
Adelphi University has been named a Best College among National Universities for seven consecutive years. Adelphi remains the top-ranked private university on Long Island.
A Best College
Times Higher Education
Adelphi ranked in the top 4 percent of universities in the nation by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, receiving the highest scores in academic reputation and international outlook.
Global Recognition
Francesca Ruggiano
Location
Hy Weinberg Center 326
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Location
Nexus Building First Floor
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