Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
The Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP), in collaboration with the Graduate School of Education (GSE), led the development of a series of courses dedicated to translating leading-edge science into effective implementation of MTSS in K-12 settings.
What is MTSS?
Pioneered by scholars in education and school psychology, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is a framework for providing comprehensive academic and behavioral health services for K-12 students. Use of this framework has been strongly advocated by school systems, policymakers, and researchers at the state and national levels. To effectively implement MTSS, school districts may need to provide more comprehensive school-wide programming that requires additional professional development to build or expand their efforts. Training in MTSS Is more essential than ever for Teachers, Academic Coaches, Instructional Leaders, School Counselors, School Psychologists, Child Study Team Members and Administrators to address the ongoing academic and behavior health needs of students.
Why MTSS?
Now, more than ever, students approach school with vastly different learning, social emotional, and behavioral needs. Teachers, specialists, and other professionals in school settings need knowledge and tools to help them identify students’ learning and social emotional needs to implement evidence-based practices that are closely linked to those needs.
MTSS Enables:
- Rapid, strategic identification of student needs
- Matching intensity of interventions to the level of student need
- Ongoing progress monitoring
- Data-driven decision-making
- Equitable intervention access for ALL students
Benefits by Role:
- Educators and Specialists:
- Become an expert in tiered supports, data-driven decision-making, and progress monitoring. Strengthen student engagement, reduce behavior concerns, and support emotional health. Gain strategies for diverse learners, including ELLs and students with disabilities, with ongoing professional development.
- Counselors and Psychologists:
- Master tiered behavioral and social-emotional supports. Improve school climate, promote equity, reduce caseloads, and minimize unnecessary special education referrals.
- Administrators and Leaders:
- Lead MTSS implementation to boost academic performance and engagement. Prevent problems early, reduce discipline and special education referrals, improve attendance, and ensure equity across classrooms.
MTSS: A Framework for Improving the Delivery of Student Support Services
MTSS ensures all students get the right support at the right time. Build your skills in collecting and analyzing data to pinpoint needs, select evidence‑based interventions, make informed tier transitions, and close gaps between general and special education.
Intensive Individual Intervention
Includes individualized intensive instruction/intervention when students demonstrate the need for a higher level of support than previously offered. Students’ needs are highly specific and often require direct one-to-one support, frequent monitoring, and coordination across supports.
Targeted Group Intervention
Includes small group instruction/intervention when students demonstrate the need for support beyond prevention programming. Students are typically identified through a screening process to determine what additional support is needed.
Universal Prevention
Includes core instruction, social emotional learning, and school-wide positive behavior supports. All Tier 1, every student has access to schoolwide and classroom prevention programming.
Admissions and Coursework
GSAPP offers two convenient, fully online learning paths: an 18-credit certificate program and a 30-credit master’s degree in applied psychology focused exclusively on MTSS in school settings. These programs have been designed for current or future professionals in education (e.g., general or special educators, instructional leaders, administrators, counselors, psychologists, or other support professionals) who are looking to become change agents in their schools or districts.
Please Note: The MAP‑MTSS program is NOT a master’s degree in Applied Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or School Psychology.
Student Perspective
Have questions? We have answers. Watch this Q&A session facilitated by students in our School PsyD program for more information. Learn how MTSS can be the right fit for your professional career and school district!
Elevate Your District's Success
Discover the transformative power of Rutgers GSAPP's MTSS program! Empower your educators with cutting-edge strategies, personalized support, and evidence-based practices to foster student growth and well-being. Join us on the journey to excellence!
Former RU President, Jonathan Holloway, Supports MTSS Benefits and Collaboration
FAQs
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MTSS Certificate:
- Bachelor’s degree (or advanced undergraduate), or higher degree in education, psychology, or related field
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Brief Personal Statement
Master of Applied Psychology-MTSS:
- Bachelor’s degree (or advanced undergraduate), or higher degree in education, psychology, or related field
- Undergraduate transcripts, demonstrating 3.0+ GPA; attach graduate transcripts if available
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Interest
- Two letters of recommendation
NOTE: Both programs require access to reliable internet
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Applications for both the Certificate and Master’s programs are accepted on a rolling admissions schedule. However, we do recommend the following deadlines for each semester:
Master of Applied Psychology in MTSS:
Fall Admission:
- Applicants should plan to apply by August 1st
Spring Admission:
- Applicants should plan to apply by December 1st
Certificate in MTSS:
Fall Admission:
- Applicants should plan to apply by August 15st
Spring Admission:
- Applicants should plan to apply by December 15th
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Yes, both programs offer classes in a fully online, asynchronous format. Students work to complete online learning activities and assignments on their own time within weekly deadlines.
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The MTSS Certificate Program is 18-Credits, The Master of Applied Psychology in MTSS is 30-Credits
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We recommend the following three courses in the sequence below first; the remaining courses can be taken in any sequence.
- Prevention and Intervention in Tiered System
- Assessment & Data-Based Decision-Making
- Systems & Behavioral Consultation
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Most of the students completing the certificate take 1-2 courses per semester. Master’s students should plan on taking two courses per semester.
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The difference between MTSS and RTI, is the scope of service. RTI focuses primarily on providing academic supports to at-risk students, while MTSS has a broader, more holistic framework that focuses on academics, behavior, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and mental health.
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No, the MAP-MTSS program is not a master’s degree in school psychology.
Apply
(For additional information, please visit our Application Instructions)
Please Note: The MAP-MTSS Program is not a master’s degree in School Psychology.
Start Your Journey Today
MTSS Leadership
Dr. Letty DiLeo
Dr. Jennifer Foster
Dr. Todd Glover
