Program Overview
The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) The program prepares students to become licensed school psychologists, providing a comprehensive curriculum in assessment, intervention, research, and professional ethics. Graduates are qualified to work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and community agencies, providing services to children and adolescents.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) The program offers both a general track and a bilingual track of study.
Objectives:
- Prepare doctoral candidates to be psychologists who can:
- Review the theoretical and empirical literature on a professional topic and draw conclusions concerning how research will drive professional practice.
- Conceptualize psychological problems of children, adolescents, and their families, and construct professional assessment or treatment plans to resolve their problems.
- Answer professional questions with the collection of empirical data.
- Develop programs that meet the educational and mental health needs of children and their families.
- Base all professional activities on sound scientific theory and data.
- Perform all professional activities with the highest professional standards in compliance with ethical principles.
- Be committed to service to the community.
- Appreciate and consider the diversity of social and cultural experiences that influence human behavior.
Outline:
General Track
First Year
- Fall Semester
- Psychoeducational Assessment I
- Introduction to School Psychology
- Interviewing and Case Formulation
- Psychopathology Across the Lifespan I or Psychopathology Across the Lifespan II
- Spring Semester
- Psychoeducational Assessment II
- Child & Adolescent Personality Assessment
- Psychopathology Across the Lifespan I or Psychopathology Across the Lifespan II
- Behavior Therapy: Assessment, Treatment, & Consultation
Second Year
- Fall Semester
- Statistical Design in Research
- Research Methods in School Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Assessment Diagnosis, & Remediation of Learning Disabilities or Psychoeducational Consultation
- Psychological Assessment Practicum I
- Spring Semester
- Multivariate Analysis for Psychological Research
- Cultural Diversity in Psychological Services
- Physiological Psychology
- Assessment Diagnosis, & Remediation of Learning Disabilities or Psychoeducational Consultation
- Psychological Assessment Practicum II
Third Year
- Fall Semester
- Social Basis of Behavior
- School Psychology Internship Seminar I: Professional Issues
- School Psychology Intervention Practicum II
- Elective
- Spring Semester
- Comprehensive Examination
- School Psychology Internship Seminar II: Psychological Interventions
- Psychometrics
- School Psychology Intervention Practicum III
- Elective
Fourth Year
- Fall Semester
- Cognitive and Affective Basis of Behavior
- School Psychology Internship Seminar III: Supervision and Advanced Clinical Field Placement
- Elective
- Spring Semester
- Comprehensive Exam
- History and Systems
- School Psychology Internship Seminar IV: Exploration of Current Research and Controversies in School Psychology and Field Placement
- Doctoral Research
- Elective
Fifth Year
- Fall Semester
- Internship I
- Doctoral Research
- Spring Semester
- Internship II
- Doctoral Research
Bilingual Track
The bilingual track meets the requirements for Bilingual Certification by the New York State Department of Education. The following four courses in the program were altered to reflect material required by the New York State Department of Education for Bilingual Certification:
- Developmental Psychology (PSY 624) includes extensive discussion of cross-cultural perspectives in child development.
- Interviewing and Case Formulation (PSY 666) includes readings in counseling and interviewing culturally diverse children.
- Child and Adolescent Personality Assessment I (PSY 671) includes instruction on the use of personality tests and their standardization with African American and Hispanic youth.
- School Psychology Internship Seminar I (PSY 752B) includes instruction on the State Education Department’s regulations concerning the assessment and placement of bilingual children.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Papers
- Projects
- Presentations
- Practicums
- Internships
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their field. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Case studies
- Role-playing
- Simulations
Careers:
Graduates of the program are qualified to work as school psychologists in a variety of settings, including:
- Public schools
- Private schools
- hospitals
- clinics
- community agencies School psychologists can work with children and adolescents of all ages, and they can provide a variety of services, including:
- Assessment
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Consultation
St. John’s University has not determined requirements for individual states beyond New York. If you reside or plan to reside outside New York you are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing agency in that state to seek information and guidance before beginning the program.