They use their psychological knowledge, insight, and skills to promote human welfare and educational success, and to improve the institutions and programs in which they are involved. Preparation includes training in educational and psychodiagnostic evaluations, written and oral communication of results, developing individual educational interventions, making recommendations for remedial action, participation in special education and research programs, consultation, counseling, and other related activities. All general state and university teacher education admission and certification requirements described earlier in this catalog also pertain to the school psychology program. Those who do not have sufficient background in psychology may need to take additional courses before being accepted into the program. To be considered for admission, applications must be completed and received by February 1.
Admission is once per year.
The school psychology program consists of courses in educational and psychological foundations, assessment, consultation, individual and group counseling, intervention techniques, professional and ethical issues in mental health services, research techniques, and appropriate practicum and internship. Students obtain the master's degree after completion of 36 credits and the comprehensive examination. The sixth year professional diploma program in school psychology provides advanced professional study and training in school psychological services and leads to certification as a school psychologist in the State of Connecticut. The program develops competence in psychological skills to enable its graduates to observe and evaluate human behavior, facilitate behavioral change, and assume consultative roles with teachers, administrators, other school personnel, and parents, in the areas of child development, special education, mental health, curriculum development, and educational research. Students who complete the sixth year degree are prepared to take the Nationally Certified School Psychologist examination, which is used in many states for certification status.