School Psychology
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 Applied Psychology and Counselor Education 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 March15.
Applications are evaluated competitively for a limited number of positions. The application must demonstrate clear potential for success in a School Psychology program.
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. Courses in abnormal psychology and psychological testing and measurement are prerequisite to the program and must be completed by any student who has not had them. 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 the student to be a professional school psychologist.
For degree and program requirements, see:
The principal goal of the doctoral program is the training of a scientist-practitioner who possesses general practitioner skills and has developed proficiency in the areas of advanced intervention, assessment, consultation, research, and evaluation. Doctoral graduates, in addition to being eligible for licensure as psychologists and school psychologists, 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. Courses in abnormal psychology and psychological testing and measurement are prerequisite to the program and must be completed by any student who has not had them. 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:
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.