School Psychology Specialist

Program Description

The Specialist-level Program in School Psychology is part of the Department of Psychology, within the College of Liberal Arts & Education. The School Psychology Program is fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).  The Specialist Degree (Psy.S.) is a three year, 64 credit hour program of full-time study.  This includes a two-semester practicum during the second year, and a 9-month, full-time (minimum 1200 hours) internship in a school setting completed during the third year.

 Program Objectives

The Program is designed to provide a strong and broad-based knowledge of both psychology and education, and to prepare students to apply that knowledge within school settings.  Objectives are as follows:

1. Graduates recognize the dignity and intrinsic worth of all individuals, and demonstrate respect for human diversity  and individual differences.

2. Graduates are able to deliver a full range of school psychological services, including:

(a.) Assessment of individuals as well as systems,
(b.) Intervention design, and
(c.) Provision of both direct and indirect services.

3. Graduates are advocates for children on both the individual and the group levels.

4. Graduates communicate clearly and effectively and demonstrate appropriate, respectful conduct in their professional interactions with others.

5. Graduates adhere to legal and ethical standards in their professional practice.

1. Evidence-based practices
2. Consultation-based services
3. Behavior analytic intervention design
4. Social-cognitive/eco-behavioral orientation

Program Foundational Skills and Knowledge

The School Psychology Program at the University of Detroit Mercy is designed to prepare school psychologists who have a strong and broad-based knowledge of psychology and education, and enable them to apply that knowledge within the school setting.  The nationally recognized standards for training and practice, established by the National Association of School Psychologists, are articulated in the Standards for Training and Field Program in School Psychology.  This document also specifies 11 domains of knowledge requisite to the practice of school psychology; these domains are further elaborated upon in School Psychology: A Blueprint for Training and Practice.  The 11 domains are:

• Data-Based Decision-Making and Accountability
• Consultation and Collaboration
• Effective Instruction and Development of Cognitive/Academic Skills
• Socialization and Development of Life Skills
• Student Diversity in Development and Learning
• School and Systems Organization, Policy Development, and Climate
• Prevention, Crisis Intervention, and Mental Health
• Home/School/Community Collaboration
• Research and Program Evaluation
• School Psychology Practice and Development
• Information Technology

For more information about UDM, or to apply online, go to www.udmercy.edu/apply.