Program Overview

---

Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology

The Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology program at UAlbany prepares students to integrate psychological theory, research, and established methods of scientific inquiry into effective practice. The program utilizes a practitioner-scholar model of training and focuses on the use of evidence-based practices embedded within a multi-tiered system of support framework.

Program of Study

The program typically takes five to six years to complete. Students may transfer up to 50% of the program credits if applicable to shorten their completion time.

Core Courses

• History and Systems of Educational Psychology
• Introduction to School Psychology
• Social Psychology Foundations in Professional Psychology
• Multicultural Counseling

Human Development

• Individual Differences in Human Behavior
• Developmental Psychopathology
• Developmental Neuropsychology
• Choose two: Advanced Developmental Psychology, Comparative Theories of Human Development, Seminar in Human Development

Cognition and Affect

Choose one: Advanced Educational Psychology: Learning and Instruction, Children's Learning, Advanced Topics

Research Methods

• Statistical Methods II
• Multivariate Methods for Applied Researchers and Evaluators
• Choose two: Educational Research Design, Seminar in Educational Research, Research Issues in School Psychology

Assessment and Diagnosis

• Educational and Psychological Assessment
• Psychoeducational Assessment I, II, and III (Intellectual, Educational, Behavioral and Social-Emotional)

Effective Intervention and Consultation

• School Crisis Preparedness and Intervention
• Instructional Consultation and Intervention
• Psychoeducational Intervention I, III, and IV (Behavioral Intervention and Consultation, Psychotherapy, and Prevention and Health Promotion)

Educational Foundations

• Philosophy of Education
• Introduction to Human Exceptionality
• Emergent Literacy

Field Training in School Psychology

• Practicum: 450 hours
• School Experience: 750 hours
• Advanced School or Agency Fieldwork: 750 hours
• Full-Time Internship in School Psychology: 12 months

One Elective

Choose an additional course that interests you.

Comprehensive Exam

Pass a series of subject exams that indicate your readiness to continue with your proposed dissertation research.

Dissertation

Complete an independent school psychology research project and present your findings in a publishable written report.

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

• Departmental Assistantship Consideration: Fall (December 1), Spring (Not Available), Summer (Not Available)
• No Departmental Assistantship Consideration: Fall (December 1), Spring (Not Available), Summer (Not Available)

Required Application Materials

• Transcripts from all schools attended, listing a cumulative GPA
• Three professional letters of recommendation
• Resume/CV
• Statement of Goals
• GRE scores (optional)

Prerequisites

• 12 credits of psychology coursework
• A cumulative GPA above 3.0

Student Learning Objectives

The aim of the PsyD program is to prepare school psychologists to integrate psychological theory, research, and established methods of scientific inquiry into effective practice. The program has identified the following competencies:

Discipline-Specific Knowledge Category I and II

• To prepare competent school psychologists who demonstrate knowledge across the basic foundational areas of health service psychology to understand and explain human behavior

Profession-Wide Competencies

• Research Methods and Psychometrics
• Ethical and Legal Standards
• Individual and Cultural Diversity
• Professional Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Assessment
• Interventions
• Consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills
• Supervision

Careers in School Psychology

The majority of PsyD graduates pursue careers that do not require a professional license. However, many alumni become licensed psychologists. Common employers include public schools, government agencies, educational service organizations, mental health agencies, and residential treatment facilities. Some graduates also work as independent practitioners.

Accreditation

The PsyD in School Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Conferral of the degree meets the education requirement needed to achieve professional licensure as a practicing psychologist in the state of New York.