Beginning in August, Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) will offer Puerto Rico’s newest Master of Science (MS) in School Psychology degree. The program will provide graduates with the education, practical training, and credentials to offer their services as a social worker or psychologist in an elementary school, middle school, high school, or college setting.
“Every level of public school, by law, must have a certified clinical psychology professional on their staff,” says Dr. Viviana Hoyos, Coordinator of the Health Psychology Program at PHSU. “There’s a significant need across Puerto Rico for certified school psychology professionals, and PHSU’s new MS in School Psychology program will allow our graduates – upon licensing – to confidently apply for, and competently fill, these important job opportunities.”
PHSU’s two and a half year MS in School Psychology program is open to students who have a BA in any major from a college or university approved by the Council on Higher Education and 15 credits in psychology coursework. Enrolled students will have the option of completing a concentration in Neuropsychology (NP) or in Neuroscience of Learning (NSL) as part of their studies. After earning their degrees, students will be able to seek licensing in Puerto Rico and in most states across America.
“Students who earn their MS in School Psychology degrees from PHSU and wish to pursue a PsyD in Clinical Psychology will be able to transfer all of their earned credits, as well as apply two and a half years of their schooling, towards these advanced five year degree programs,” says Hoyos. “PHSU is the first and only medical school in Puerto Rico to make this opportunity available for its MS in School Psychology graduates.”
Enrollment is open for the August launch of PHSU’s MS in School Psychology program. For more information about the admission requirements, the application process, or specific details about the program, contact Dr. Hoyos (787-840-2575 X 2584, vhoyos@psm.edu).
About Ponce Health Sciences University
Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU), a fully accredited university, is dedicated to providing the highest quality graduate education programs available in medicine, clinical psychology, biomedical sciences, and public health in order to prepare world-class, culturally competent health professionals to better serve a growing population of diverse patients across the United States. Located in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and St. Louis, MO, PHSU is recognized around the world for its educational service and research achievements.
