Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, another degree in School Psychology? (PhD, doctorate)

[roxylu]

My current major is Special Education at Texas Woman's University. I am getting more interested now in School Psychology, but I realize that by now (I am in my junior year) it is too late to change my major unless I want to start all over. I am wondering if anyone knows if I can get a master's degree in school psychology with my bachelor degree being in Special Education.

I am not very familiar with the way those programs work (bachelor, master, doctorate). So, could I also completely change fields?
Ex: Go from Special Education to Anthropology.

I appreciate any help.

-Roxanna

[maf763]

Absolutely - in fact, at least in my neck of the woods I don't believe you can major in school psychology as an undergraduate. Don't know what to tell you about anthropology.

[SomeThings]

Originally Posted by roxylu

My current major is Special Education at Texas Woman's University. I am getting more interested now in School Psychology, but I realize that by now (I am in my junior year) it is too late to change my major unless I want to start all over. I am wondering if anyone knows if I can get a master's degree in school psychology with my bachelor degree being in Special Education.

I am not very familiar with the way those programs work (bachelor, master, doctorate). So, could I also completely change fields?
Ex: Go from Special Education to Anthropology.

I appreciate any help.

-Roxanna

Yes, you can change areas when you go for an advanced degree. In fact, a special education background coupled with school psychology might be very marketable. You may have to take a background course or two, but you could most likely get these to count toward the master's, and could start them before you are officially admitted to the program. You may also be able to work towards your teaching credential in special ed, and have some of those courses count toward the masters.

Essentially, when you go for a higher-level degree, you are focusing on the core content area at a higher intensity, and don't have the gen. ed. courses to deal with, though every program will have a handful of core classes that ALL students take.

I would always, always encourage someone to go out and get some work experience, too, even if it's just a part-time position or internship while in school. IMO it provides a better frame of reference for an advanced degree program, plus helps improve employment opportunities later.

If you think school psychology is your field, find one or two to talk to, and also go talk to people in that department at a university and ask questions. You could do the same with Anthropology.

FWIW, I'm working on my 3rd degree (BS, MA, now PhD) all of which are in different fields. In my PhD program (education) we have a couple of students who are switching from psychology to education and doing just fine.

[cutequeenslady]

Originally Posted by roxylu

My current major is Special Education at Texas Woman's University. I am getting more interested now in School Psychology, but I realize that by now (I am in my junior year) it is too late to change my major unless I want to start all over. I am wondering if anyone knows if I can get a master's degree in school psychology with my bachelor degree being in Special Education.

I am not very familiar with the way those programs work (bachelor, master, doctorate). So, could I also completely change fields?
Ex: Go from Special Education to Anthropology.

I appreciate any help.

-Roxanna

I realize this is an old thread but thought I would respond anyway. It is not necessary to be a psych major, but make sure you have the prerequisites required for a grad program in school psych. And make sure you also understand that you will not be interacting with the kids in the same way as a special ed teacher. School psych is different, highly specialized, and takes longer. But well worth it if it truly interests you.