Faculty illustrate the importance of research and how it progresses the field of school psychology. Opportunities for students to get involved in research are provided and encouraged by faculty. The practitioner aspects of the program are learned in the practicum courses which occur at the Center of Psychological Services and Clinical Studies, field placements in the third and fourth years of the program, accompanied with professional seminars, and finally, with the internship. Students apply their psychological skills in university based practicum, field placements, and finally, at the internship level. The ethical principles that guide psychological practice and a concern for cultural and social diversity are considered at each level of the program.
Every effort is made to encourage students to complete the requirements.
The doctoral dissertation, however, should reflect the objectives of the degree and, therefore, be distinct from the Ph.D. dissertation. There is considerable variation in the dissertation requirements among Psy. D. programs nationally. D. programs in New York State require some data collection as part of the doctoral dissertation. Students will be required to prepare a professional work sample.