The nationally recognized school psychology graduate program offers master's and doctoral degrees and provides service courses to other College of Education and university programs.
Both the SPSY doctoral and master's (specialist-level) programs have program approval from the National Association of School Psychologists and are approved by the Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commission for the educational licensure of school psychologists in the state of Oregon. The doctoral program is also accredited by the American Psychological Association.
The program's focus is on prevention and early intervention. It prepares psychologists as leaders and innovators who can identify, assess, and remedy the social and educational problems of children and adults.
Students are trained to be scientists and practitioners from an ecological, data-oriented perspective. Each student's program of study is tailored to allow the development of individual strengths and interests.
Master's and doctoral students take course work in the following general areas:
- Psychological and educational foundations of school psychology:
- Psychometrics
- Assessment
- Research
- Methods of school-based intervention; professional school psychology
- Application of research skills
- Practicum experiences
Every student must complete a one-year, full-time internship. Doctoral students also complete a supervised college teaching experience.
Graduates of the school psychology program find positions in the United States and abroad, in schools and in other settings. These positions include:
- Teaching and providing services at infant, preschool, school-age, and adult levels
- Conducting individual and group intervention programs
- Coordinating in-service training programs
- Consulting with teachers about educating children with disabilities and other at-risk students
- Conducting research, teaching, and coordinating school psychology training programs in colleges and universities
- Working in the administration of special education programs
- Delivering a range of psychological and educational services in collaboration with a variety of professionals
Graduates of this program meet school psychologist licensure requirements through the Oregon Teacher Standards & Practices and are eligible for the nationally certified school psychologist credential offered by the National Association of School Psychologists.
