School Psychology Specialist
Description
The University of Detroit Mercy offers a program designed to provide academic and professional training to those who wish to pursue careers as school psychologists. The curriculum is designed to be completed in two and one-half years by full-time students and three and one-half years by part-time students, with graduates eligible for credentialing as school psychologists from the Michigan Department of Education. Certification requirements in most other states are also met. The program's curriculum is organized and sequenced so that as students move through the program, they initially acquire basic information and skills which are then integrated and applied during the later part of the program.The program values developing a greater understanding of human diversity, from an individual as well as an ethnic and cultural perspective. We actively guide our students to recognize the dignity and intrinsic worth of all individuals and the importance of social justice. The program values working collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team. We believe school psychologists should use a problem-solving model and make decisions which are data-based and driven by best practices. In line with the mission of the University, the program also stresses ethics and values. Consequently, the legal and ethical guidelines of our profession are explored and used as a foundation for practice.
Consequently, we train school psychologists who are able to:
- Show a sound understanding of basic psychological and educational principles and processes;
- Practice in a manner driven by ethical principles and state and federal laws;
- Intervene in direct and indirect ways through such means as counseling, consultation, academic and behavioral planning, in-service training, and social skills training;
- Assess children and youth using a variety of assessment techniques such as interviews, observations, and standardized tests.
- Function in collaborative ways as members of multidisciplinary teams.
Special features of the program include the opportunities for a variety of field experiences in school systems and community agencies, both rural and urban, private and public.
The University Psychology Clinic is operated by the Psychology Department and is an important on-campus resource for the training of graduate students. In addition, interdisciplinary courses, drawing upon the resources of the Department of Education, are offered. Within the Psychology Department, masters and doctoral programs in industrial psychology and clinical psychology contribute to a rich and stimulating learning environment. Most importantly, the relatively small size of the School Psychology program is conducive to frequent and congenial student-faculty interactions.
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