Both our master's and doctoral programs are fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Our doctoral program(Ph.D.) is also fully approved by the American Psychological Association (APA).
These programs focus on the application of cognitive and developmental psychology to the promotion of competence in learning and mental health in schools and other educational contexts. Coursework provides students with a strong foundation in the theory and research of cognitive and developmental psychology and its application to: (a) the instruction and learning of school related subjects, particularly reading, and (b) the understanding and treatment of mental health problems. Practica and internship experiences provide students with the opportunity to apply this knowledge directly to their work with clients.
Clients are seen in a variety of contexts, including our collaborating schools (we provide school psychological services to children and youth in four schools that serve children from racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse low and middle income environments). Faculty research, all of which is cognitively and/or development-ally oriented, provides yet another vehicle for students (doctoral primarily) to develop and apply their knowledge.
The overall goal of the program is to educate school psychologists who can promote the cognitive, behavioral, and social growth and development of children, youth and families from diverse linguistic, cultural or racial backgrounds. Specifically, we prepare scientist/practitioners who:
Goal 2: Effectively participate in their community by promoting cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional, and educational growth of children and families.
Goal 3: Understand and respect individual differences and differences in culture, race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation and can work effectively in multicultural and pluralistic social contexts.
Goal 4: Have a breadth of knowledge and variety of skills to plan and conduct psychological and educational research and program evaluations.
Goal 5: Are actively involved in the profession, committed to professional ethics and standards, and to life long learning.
