SPECIALIST
DEGREE
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.
School Psychology Specialist Description
Admissions Information
Program Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
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