Psychometry, Master of Science (MS)
Program Description
This distance-learning program is designed for individuals who wish to achieve a position as a psychometrist; working in either a school or clinical setting. Under the direction of a licensed psychologist or certified school psychologist, a psychometrist is responsible for the administration and scoring of psychological, social/behavioral/personality, and neuropsychological measures and may aid in collection of background and social/developmental history information and test interpretation. This program is designed to provide the necessary coursework, training, and supervision to administer and score psychometric measures. The program includes online coursework with synchronous training requirements.
Admission Requirements/Preparation
The application deadline is March 1st for a summer start. All application materials must be received by the deadline for consideration of an interview for admission to the program. All interviews will be conducted via video conferencing. Applicants must use a web-camera and a headset with a microphone to complete the interview. Candidates are required to apply for the Pre-Residency Clearance in Washington State through the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Certification Office during the first quarter of the program, which includes fingerprinting and background checks.
To be considered for the program, students must:
- have a bachelor’s degree, in psychology, special education, education, speech pathology, or related fields, with the applicant’s transcript showing evidence of courses in research methods, inferential statistics, tests and measurements, and abnormal psychology (evidence of biopsychology is strongly recommended);
- have a GPA ≥3.0 in the last 90 quarter or 60 semester-graded credits;
- meet the requirements of the Graduate School;
- submit the program-specific application to GradCAS;
- provide three references for recommendation within GradCas.
We adhere to a scientist-practitioner model that prepares students for practice as a psychometrist. The psychometrist is skilled in the administration and scoring of objective neuropsychological, educational, and psychological test batteries. The psychometrist may only perform duties under the general supervision of licensed/certified neuropsychologists, school psychologists, and clinical psychologists. The supervising neuropsychologist/psychologist provides technical and clinical guidance and uses the assessments and reports that the psychometrist performs and prepares to assist in diagnosing and preparing treatment plans and recommendations for clients. Psychometrists’ assessments and records are also used to advance the field by using the test data for research. Knowledge and skills are developed through integrated coursework, lab, and practicum experiences.
Students complete a four quarter sequential program of study, beginning in summer quarter. For working professionals, the program can be spread out over eight quarters, with practicum in the second year of study. After completion of the MS and a minimum of 2,000 hours of testing, scoring, and associated administrative experience under the supervision of a licensed/certified professional, a graduate may elect to sit for the Certified Specialist in Psychometry examination.
Technology Requirements for Participation
High bandwidth required; computer and browser requirements should follow program recommendations; webcam, a headset with microphone, and access to a personal scanner or printer that scans to PDF. Full participation throughout the web-conferencing activities and on-campus training is required to participate.