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Philosophy & Goals
Both our master’s and doctoral programs are fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Our Ph.D. pro-gram 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. Course-work 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 several schools that serve children from racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse low, and middle income environments). Faculty research, all of which is cognitively and/or developmentally 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 and families from diverse linguistic, cultural or racial backgrounds.
*In addition to the Ph.D., the program in School Psychology also has a New York State Department of Education registered Ed.D. option. However, that degree is not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), and the program has not accepted applications or admitted students to the Ed.D. program in many years.
Program Goals:
Goal 1: Have a sound theoretical foundation in cognitive and developmental psychology; access and diagnose learning, behavior, and social-emotional problems and strengths; and plan, implement, and evaluate effectiveness of psychological and educational prevention and intervention programs that promote cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional growth of children and families.
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 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 evaluation programs.
Goal 5: Be actively involved in the profession and committed to professional ethics and standards and to life-long learning.
