School Psychology and Maryland (MD)
School psychologists play a critical role in the educational system by helping students overcome challenges and reach their full potential. In the state of Maryland, the demand for qualified professionals in this field has been steadily growing, making it an excellent career choice for individuals passionate about supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of students.
Maryland has many school districts, each with their own unique needs. As a school psychologist in this state, you can make a big difference in the lives of students in various settings such as cities, suburbs, and rural areas.
Let’s discover the path to becoming a school psychologist in Maryland and start this fulfilling journey together.
What are the Requirements to Become a Certified School Psychologist in Maryland?
Below is a quick breakdown of requirements to become a licensed (certified) school psychologist in Maryland:
- Complete your bachelor’s degree
- Obtain a master’s degree or higher in school psychology
- Complete master’s degree internship requirements
- Pass the Praxis 5402 test
- Submit your application
To become a certified school psychologist in Maryland, you need to qualify for one of the following certification options:
Option I
- Master’s degree or higher in school psychology from a Maryland-approved program that leads to certification; and
- Successfully complete master’s degree internship requirements
- Achieve the required scores (147) on the Maryland-approved Praxis 5402 test for school psychologists.
Option II
- Master’s degree or higher and completion of an out-of-state program in school psychology that leads to certification in that state, including at least a 1,200-hour internship in school psychology; and
- Required scores (147) on the Maryland-approved Praxis 5402 test for school psychologists or the test accepted by the state where the program is located.
Option III
Hold a valid Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) certificate issued by the National School Psychology Certification Board. This certification demonstrates that you meet the national standards for the profession.
Option IV
- Obtain a Master’s degree or higher in a related field; and
- Possess a valid certificate in school psychology from another state; and
- Proof of 27 months of work experience as a school psychologist during the past seven (7) years, demonstrating your experience and competence in the field.
Certification Renewal and Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
You must complete 90 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours (or 6 graduate semester hours) every 5 years to maintain your license. If you are employed by a Maryland local school system, the renewal process and accumulation of CPD hours will be managed by your local school system.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified School Psychologist in Maryland?
The time needed to become a licensed school psychologist in Maryland can vary depending on your education and chosen path. Here is a general idea of the time required:
- Bachelor’s degree: Usually, it takes about 4 years to finish a bachelor’s degree, which is often needed before going for a Master’s or specialist degree in school psychology.
- Master’s or specialist degree: A Master’s degree in school psychology generally takes 2-3 years, while a specialist degree (Ed.S.) takes around 3-4 years. These programs include classes and hands-on experience, like internships or practicums.
- Certification and licensing: Depending on the option you pick for certification, getting a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) certificate, passing the Maryland-approved test, or meeting the requirements for out-of-state certification might take extra time, usually a few months.
- Getting experience: If you choose Option IV for certification, you need to have 27 months of work experience as a school psychologist within the past 7 years.
Altogether, it can take about 6-9 years to become a certified school psychologist in Maryland, depending on your education, certification choice, and work experience.
Can I Become a Certified School Psychologist in Maryland With a Bachelor’s Degree?
In Maryland, a bachelor’s degree alone is not sufficient to become a certified school psychologist. To become certified, you typically need a Master’s degree or higher in school psychology, or a related field in some cases, from an approved program. Additionally, you must meet other certification requirements, such as passing the Maryland-approved test for school psychologists.
What is the Role of School Psychologists in Maryland?
School psychologists in Maryland play a key role in supporting the well-being and success of students by offering a wide range of services and activities. Their focus is on providing educational, behavioral, and mental health services for children and youth. They also collaborate with families, school administrators, educators, and other professionals to create a caring and supportive learning environment for all students.
In Maryland, school psychologists carry out services and interventions across various areas of practice:
- Data-based decision making and accountability: They use assessment models and data collection methods to identify strengths and needs, develop effective services and programs, and measure progress and outcomes.
- Consultation and collaboration: They work with individuals, families, and groups using different consultation and communication models and strategies to ensure the effective implementation of services.
- Academic and cognitive development: School psychologists apply their knowledge of cultural and social influences on academic skills, learning processes, and instructional strategies to support students’ mental and academic strengths.
- Social and life skills development: They utilize their understanding of biological, cultural, developmental, and social influences on behavior and mental health to provide interventions and mental health services that promote social, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
- Schoolwide practices to promote learning and mental health: School psychologists collaborate with schools to implement evidence-based practices that promote learning and mental health by addressing school and school system structures, general and special education, and technology resources.
- Preventive and responsive services: They offer services in schools and communities to support multi-tiered prevention and effective crisis response, using principles and research related to resilience and risk factors in learning and mental health.
- Family-school collaboration services: School psychologists work to strengthen collaboration between families and schools by understanding family systems, strengths, needs, and culture. They implementing evidence-based strategies to support family influences on children’s learning and mental health.
- Addressing diversity in development and learning: They consider individual differences, abilities, disabilities, and other diverse student characteristics, as well as factors related to culture, context, and family system to enhance services.
- Research and program evaluation: They are skilled in research design, statistics, measurement, data collection, and analysis techniques, enabling them to understand research and interpret data in applied settings.
- Legal, ethical, and professional practice: They follow the history and foundations of school psychology, ethical, legal, and professional standards, and other factors related to the professional identity and effective practice of school psychology.
By collaborating closely with teachers, administrators, and families, school psychologists in Maryland ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally throughout their educational journey.
What is the Average Salary for a Certified School Psychologist in Maryland?
As of April 2023, the average salary for a school psychologist in Maryland is $97,408 per year. More experience school psychologists earn well over $115,000 per year.
What are the Requirements to Become a School Counselor in Maryland?
To become a school counselor in Maryland, you must meet the requirements of one of the following options:
Option I
- A master’s degree in school or guidance counseling; and
- A National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) certificate; and
- Two years of full-time work experience as a teacher or school counselor in a public or private school setting.
Option II
A master’s degree in school counseling or guidance counseling from a Maryland approved program. The program should include a minimum of 500 hour of supervised practicum.
Option III
A master’s degree in school counseling or guidance counseling from a program approved by the CACREP.
Option IV
- A master’s degree in school counseling or guidance counseling, leading to certification in the state where the program is located; and
- Two years of full-time work experience as a teacher or school counselor, or complete a minimum of 500 hours in a supervised practicum related to school counseling.
Option V
- A master’s degree; and
- A valid and active school counseling certificate from another state; and
- Proof of at least 27 months of full-time work experience as a school counselor during the past seven (7) years.
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