Specialist degree

Specialist degree in the Commonwealth of Independent States

The specialist degree (Russian: специалист) was the only first degree in the former Soviet Union. It was traditionally inherited from the Engineering education of Russian empire, and currently is being phased out by the bakalavr's (Bachelor's) - magistr's (Master's) degrees.

In the early 1990s bakalavr (Bachelor's) and magistr (Master's) degrees were introduced in all countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, except in Turkmenistan. However, the specialist degree remains the most often granted degree in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Ukraine to this day. The specialist degrees in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan were renamed to diplom degrees. A similar degree in the German-speaking countries is called the Diplom degree. According to Russian federal educational legislation, the specialist degree requires at least five years of full-time study (whereas bachelor's and master's degrees require at least four and two years respectively).

Psy-S

Psy・S [sáiz] (often written as "Psy-S" or "Psy S" in English due to the lack of the Japanese dot "・" on most western keyboards) was a popular Japanese progressive pop/rock band, formed in 1983 by Masaya Matsuura alongside female vocal powerhouse Chaka (a pseudonym used by Mami Yasunori). After Japanese hits and successes throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, they disbanded in 1996.

The musical style of Psy・S was an experimental mixture of electronic synthesizers, highly accomplished electric guitar riffs, and haunting, piercing vocals. Psy・S is perhaps best known in the West for their significant role in the soundtrack of the cult anime title To-Y (adapted from Atsushi Kamijo's popular 1980s manga). The anime's opening theme, Lemon no Yuuki, and ending song Cubic Lovers are seen amongst Western anime fans and Jpop enthusiasts as two of Psy・S' all-time greatest songs. Frontman Masaya Matsuura went on to create several famous video games for the Sony PlayStation.

Members

Masaya Matsuura 松浦雅也

PsyS

The PsyS is a post-masters specialist degree in psychology, and is usually specialized in school psychology. The PsyS degree is a four-year program, the first two years earning an MS (usually in general psychology, developmental psychology, or school psychology) and the last two earning the specialist degree. As a whole, the degree includes three years of course work (including practice) and a one year internship.

This degree is primarily designed for practicing in the school setting, although after three years of post-grad field work one can operate in private practice. This degree is not designed for those who would like to attain a PhD, however, it is possible to switch over some credits in search of an EdD after the PsyS is completed.

In addition, this degree is used in clinical psychology. In this application it is a two-year post-masters degree. This degree entails two years of course work including a clinical practicum and is often the first part of a four-year PsyD degree. The PsyD is a degree specializing in clinical psychology training, in lieu of the more research based PhD.