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. Ph.D. graduates are eligible to pursue licensure as psychologists.
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 300 combined score on the Verbal and Quantitative subtests, and a minimum of 3.5 on the Analytical Writing subtest is recommended.
- 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 applicant 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 entering with a bachelor's degree. A student with a master's degree in an area of 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 prior to or during the first year of study.
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. Graduates are also qualified to assume positions as university professors, educational evaluators, private consultants, and psychologists (after obtaining DORA licensure).
The program is based on the student entering with a bachelor's degree. A student with a master's degree in an area of 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 prior to or during the first year of study.
For degree and program requirements, see:
School Psychology Ph.D.