Department of School Psychology
Chair: Robyn S. Hess, Ph.D.
Location: McKee 248
Telephone: 970.351.2731
School Psychology Faculty: Michelle S. Athanasiou, Ph.D.; Achilles N. Bardos, Ph.D.; John Mark Froiland, Ph.D.; Robyn S. Hess, Ph.D.; Kathrine Koehler Hak, Ph.D.
The doctoral program in School Psychology is accredited, on probation, by the American Psychological Association and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists. The educational specialist degree program in School Psychology is also approved by the National Association of School Psychologists.
The Programs in School Psychology are housed within the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and offer graduate training at two levels:
- Specialist (Ed.S.)
- Doctoral (Ph.D.)
The aim of these programs is to develop professionals who are able to apply psychological and educational principles to improve the psychosocial environments of children (ages birth-21) and their families. Attention is directed toward the development of skills in the assessment of the intellectual, emotional, and social development of children; planning and implementing direct academic and social/emotional interventions with a focus on evidence-based and culturally sensitive practice; and providing individual and systems consultation within schools and the larger community. Students who successfully complete either the Ed.S. or Ph.D. are eligible for state licensure and national certification.
Admission Requirements. The Graduate School application must be submitted by December 15. In addition to meeting the admission requirements of the Graduate School, the student must submit the following data to the School Psychology Office by December 15. The master's degree is not required for admission. Educational Specialist - admission decisions are announced by March 30. Doctoral - admission decisions are announced by March 15.
- Supplementary Data Sheet (included in departmental application packet).
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic skills and relevant experience.
- Current vita.
- A written statement regarding the relationship of the program to the personal and professional goals of the applicant. This statement should be forwarded to the School Psychology Admissions coordinator.
- An official report of scores on the Graduate Record Examination. A minimum of 1000 combined score on the Verbal and Quantitative subtests is recommended, with no score below 450, and a minimum of 3.5 on the analytical writing subtest.
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (minimum 3.25 GPA recommended).
Applications are evaluated competitively for a limited number of positions. The application must demonstrate clear potential for success in a School Psychology program.
School Psychology Ed.S.
The Specialist program is designed for those students who wish to become school psychologist practitioners. Training is primarily oriented toward the acquisition of those skills necessary for effective functioning in the educational environment as a school psychologist. The program is based on the student's entering with a bachelor's degree. A student with a master's degree in psychology or professional psychology should meet with his or her advisor to develop a specific plan of study. A course in abnormal psychology is prerequisite to the program and must be completed by any student who has not had one.
For degree and program requirements, see:
School Psychology Ed.S.
School Psychology Ph.D.
The principal goal of the doctoral program is the training of a scientist-practitioner who possesses a broad and general knowledge of psychology and is able to apply these skills with proficiency in the areas of advanced intervention, assessment, consultation, research and evaluation. Doctoral graduates are eligible for licensure as psychologists through the state licensure board and as school psychologists through the state Department of Education. Additionally, graduates may also be qualified to assume positions as university professors, educational evaluators, private consultants, and therapists.
The program is based on the student entering with a bachelor's degree. A student with a master's or specialist's degree in psychology or professional psychology should meet with his or her advisor to develop a specific plan of study. A course in abnormal psychology is prerequisite to the program and must be completed by any student who has not had it. In consultation with the advisor a student should select the number of hours and specific courses to meet licensure requirements, complete the program and prepare to be a professional school psychologist.
For degree and program requirements, see:
School Psychology Ph.D.
School Psychologist Licensure
Institutional recommendation for endorsement in School Psychology is based on the completion of the Ed.S. or the Ph.D. program in School Psychology. No prior teaching experience is necessary.
Students wishing to obtain Colorado licensure in this area are required to successfully complete the National School Psychology exam through the Education Testing Service (ETS/PRAXIS).
Students desiring licensure in states other than Colorado should note that requirements for licensure are set by each state's Department of Education and should become familiar with the requirements for any other state from which they seek licensure.
Near the end of the semester that the licensure program is to be completed, the candidate should complete application forms in the Teaching/Special Services Licensing Office in McKee 216. Applications are processed as soon as official transcripts, ordered by the applicant, are received from the Registrar showing completion of requirements. School recommendations are required before institutional endorsement is granted.