Certificate in Disability Services

Program Description

Faulkner University’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers two graduate degree options, and one graduate certificate option. The Master of Science in Psychology program is fully online program. Students choose between the General Psychology track, and the Disability Services track. A Graduate Certificate in Disability Services is also offered for those whose career aspirations do not require the full degree, or who already have a Master’s degree. The certificate is completed in less than one year, and the degrees can be completed in either one year (two courses at a time) or two years (one course at a time). Courses are taught by caring faculty with diverse experiences, who embody Faulkner University’s mission “where every student matters every day.”

Admissions Requirements

Regular Admissions

Students must meet University admissions and eligibility requirements applicable to all graduate programs. In addition, applicants must meet department requirements specific to the graduate program in psychology except the specified prerequisite courses are not required for the Graduate Certificate in Disability Services. Admissions are processed through graduate enrollment, with final admissions decisions being made by the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The following are required for admission to the program:

• A completed graduate application
• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA from an accredited university.
• Applicants with a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 hours, and in their major will be considered.
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted. Hand-delivered copies, photocopies, and printouts of a grade report are not acceptable.
• A short 500-600 word personal essay in APA professional format (with title page) briefly discussing the following:
  • Why do you want to pursue this degree? How will it fit with your personal or career goals?
  • How is a degree from a Christian university such as Faulkner a good fit for you? (consider Faulkner’s mission statement in your answer)
  • How have you navigated challenges that have come in your life, academics, career, etc. What do you anticipate may be the most difficult adjustment you will need to make as you pursue this degree?
  • What is one thing about yourself you wish everybody knew, but you are often reluctant to share?
• Students not meeting the minimum admissions requirements may be considered under the Conditional Admissions path.

Conditional Admissions

Students not meeting the regular admissions requirements may submit any or all of the following additional items for consideration.  

• Letters of recommendations from professional or academic sources 
• Submission of standardized admissions exams (e.g. GRE, MAT, LSAT, etc.) 
• Resume demonstrating relevant professional experience 
• Other evidence indicating academic preparedness 

Please note that none of the psychology degrees offered at Faulkner lead directly to state licensure in Alabama nor in most other states. Licensure as a psychologist typically requires a doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and additional supervised clinical experience. Some states may allow limited licensure at the master’s level for roles such as psychological associates, but these often require specific programs that meet strict regulatory criteria.

Our psychology degree programs are intended to provide a strong academic foundation in psychological science and can help prepare students for advanced graduate study that may lead to licensure, as well as  to equip students with valuable skills applicable to a wide range of non-licensure careers in areas such as human services, psychological support, life skills, social services, business, education, research, and more.

Students interested in pursuing licensure should consult the specific requirements of the state in which they intend to practice and consider further graduate education tailored to meet those requirements.

Technology Requirements

In order to be successful, students must have regular access to a home or laptop computer with the following minimum requirements. Technology requirements are essential to successful participation and completion of online courses, and completion of timely assignments. The use of mobile devices may be sufficient, but they are generally less predictable.

Technology Requirements

Students must have access to the following technology resources in order to successfully complete the program: 

• Mac computer or PC that is less than five years old with storage and unrestricted access 

• High-speed internet and a supported Internet browser 

• Windows 10 or higher 

• Webcam (720p minimum; 1080hd recommended) 

• Microsoft Word  

• Additional policies and requirements outlined in our Online Student Handbook Supplement. 

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

A student who has completed all required coursework must meet the following conditions before a degree or certificate will be awarded: 

• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 

• No grade below C in any courses 

• No more than two C grades in the program of study 

• Pay applicable graduation fees 

• No holds on any financial accounts 

Please note: Students may retake a course up to two times to earn a passing grade. 

Tuition/Costs

The tuition for the Master in Psychology program is a unique “all-inclusive” tuition structure that includes all tuition, fees, and textbooks/resources (electronic). Students may purchase physical copies of textbooks at their option through the Faulkner e-Campus bookstore. See “Tuition and Fees” in the “Student Accounts” section elsewhere in this catalog for specific tuition rates.

Academic Policies

The University’s academic policies found elsewhere in this catalog apply to the graduate psychology programs. These policies include the class/online attendance policy, academic progress policies, conduct policies, as well as all financial aid, payment, and refund policies. In addition, students with disabilities are encouraged to review the disability policy, and contact the Center for Disability Services office if applicable for assistance in requesting applicable accommodations. See the course syllabi for additional course and/or program policies.

Student Load Policies

Full-time status for this program is six graduate semester hours per semester. Two modules are offered in each semester, therefore students choosing either the one year or the two-year option will normally meet the full-time status. Students who choose the one year option will enroll in six hours per module, for a total of 12 hours per semester. Students choosing the one year option will enroll in three hours per module, for a total of six hours per semester. Students pursuing the graduate certificate will enroll in three hours per module, for a total of six hours per semester except the last semester in which students take only three hours as the program is completed in module one of that semester.

Licensure/Certification Information

The Master degrees in psychology do not meet requirements for any state licensure in the state of Alabama. It may meet partial requirements in other states for Masters level licenses or certifications (e.g. psychology technicians, psychology associates, psychology assistance, psychology examiners), but no claim or guarantee is made regarding any state acceptance of any of the Master degrees in psychology. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their states of interest for verification of requirements regarding any desired licensure or certification requirements.

Certificate

• PSY 6371 - Neurodiversity and Concepts of Disabilities
• PSY 6372 - Assistive Technologies in Disability Services
• PSY 6373 - Legal and Sociocultural Aspects of Disability Serv
• PSY 6374 - Disability Services Administration and Application
• PSY 6377 - Autism, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilitie

Total Hours Required 15 hours