School Psychology, Ph.D.

Program Description

Overview

The School Psychology Doctoral Program prepares school psychologists as scientist-practitioners for leadership positions in academic, research and applied settings. The program is based on the scientist-practitioner model with a strong problem-solving focus and is defined by the following goals:

Goal 1: To prepare students who demonstrate knowledge and skills in the science and practice of school psychology using a problem solving model in assessment, intervention, consultation, and evaluation activities, and competence in working with diverse populations in multiple environments to promote positive development.

Goal 2: To prepare students who demonstrate knowledge and skills in a systems approach to professional practice and research, with an emphasis on prevention procedures for children and youth.

Goal 3: To prepare students who demonstrate knowledge and skills in the application of professional and ethical standards, best practices, and legal and legislative mandates.

Goal 4: To prepare students who demonstrate professional dispositions including respect for others, integrity, responsibility, initiative, and reliability, and strong written and oral communication skills essential to establish collaborative professional relationships and provide effective psychological services.

The UNC Doctoral Program is fully approved and accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), and the National Association of School Psychologists.

The doctoral program typically involves 5 or 6 years of study where students participate in a variety of activities designed to prepare them as scientist-practitioners. Academic course work is usually completed within the first three years. Concurrent field-based practicum experiences are coordinated with course work across the first three years of academic study; these experiences are planned so that the student acquires increasingly more complex skills within school, clinical, and community settings. During the first and second years, placements are made in local school systems. The first year placement consists of a one day per week assignment each semester to one of these school systems. The second year placement is for two days each week for both semesters in a different system. Third year placements are for two days per week, Fall and Spring semesters, either in a school-related setting of the student's choice or in a different school system from the first two years. An optional fourth year of practicum experience is available. Students are encouraged to obtain teaching experience as part of their program of study, usually in the third or fourth year.

All doctoral students are expected to become involved in research with members of the faculty early in their graduate career and to continue this involvement throughout their program. Most doctoral candidates follow the option of preparing a dissertation proposal and/or collecting dissertation data during their fourth year and schedule the required internship for the fifth year. The yearlong doctoral internship requirement consists of a full-time, 1500-hour internship of the student's choice.

The Praxis II examination is required of all School Psychology students, whether they intend to work in North Carolina or not.

Admissions

Program Contact

Nadya Yuskaev, Office Assistant
nyuskaev@email.unc.edu
(919) 966-5266

Barbara Wasik, Program Coordinator
wasik@unc.edu
(919) 962-9197