This area of concentration includes coursework in cognitive assessment, academic assessment, social-emotional assessment, and advanced practicum experiences. The focus is on building students? assessment skills, and providing coursework that students can apply towards the Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) credential, which is governed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. The LPA credential currently requires 42 hours of graduate coursework in Psychology (including 450 hours of practicum); thus, students who wish to pursue the LPA should take 6 hours of elective courses in addition to the 36 hours required for the M.A. degree. Upon completion of the degree plus 6 hours of electives (to equal a total of 42 hours), students will be prepared to apply for the LPA and sit for the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology.?