School Psychology, M.S. & Psy.S.

School psychologists are mental health providers who collaborate with school professionals to improve academic and behavior outcomes. The graduate program in School Psychology offers extensive training in the assessment, prevention, and intervention of academic, social, and mental health problems that affect a wide range of youth in school settings.

The full-time program spans three years, and includes extensive coursework and practicum experiences. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for licensure as a school psychologist. Every student is automatically admitted to the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certificate program.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The program requires a minimum of 68 credit hours including an internship. Students complete coursework and 600 practicum hours in school and clinical settings during the first two years of the program followed by a 1200 hour internship in a school setting during the third year.

WHY STUDY SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY AT GRAND VALLEY?

The program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

All required coursework is provided to pursue certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

The program offers the K-12 School Psychologist Certification.

The program is connected to state projects, field experiences, and national standards in which students participate through high-quality and meaningful experiences.

There is a critical shortage at both the state and national level for psychologists of all disciplines, with faster than average job growth; and school psychologist is listed on the "100 Best Jobs" report by U.S. News.

LOCATION & FORMAT

Graduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus and the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Format: Face To Face

CAREER OPTIONS

School psychologists work directly with students, as well as teachers, administrators, parents and other professionals to impact school buildings, classrooms and student outcomes. There are many career opportunities for school psychologists; and, The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average job growth in the field.

MISSION

What is the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' reason for being?

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life.

VISION

What is the desired future for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences?

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will set a standard of excellence in liberal education. We will prepare our students to be responsible citizens, productive professionals, and lifelong learners with global perspective. We will foster a diverse community of inquiry, discourse, discovery, expression and reflection.

VALUE STATEMENTS

What are the core values for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences that guide our actions and priority-setting?

We value excellence in liberal education facilitated through active student-teacher engagement and academic achievement supported by appropriate class size and a high proportion of permanent faculty. We believe in the value of intellectual inquiry and discourse fostered by an engaged and diverse community of learners which rests upon academic freedom, integrity, collaboration, and collegiality.

Access to a quality education for a broad range of students.

Excellence in a broad range of scholarly and artistic activities supported by appropriate resources.

University and community service valued for its contribution and effectiveness.

Student development as citizens in a democratic society and as members of the global community of the 21st century.