The faculty is committed to developing, integrating, and transmitting theories, research, and practices regarding learning and development over the life span as these apply to individuals, groups, families, and institutions in educational and community organizations. The faculty particularly emphasizes these areas as they relate to elementary and secondary teacher preparation and the teacher education curriculum of the College of Education. A further thrust is the preparation of educational researchers, consultants and practitioners, and teachers in higher and adult education. These individuals develop knowledge, teach research skills, and disseminate knowledge related to the educational process.
Psychological practitioners are important in facilitating the lifelong educational process.
The department trains professional psychologists for service, prevention, teaching, research and the application of psychological principles as related to learning and development of children, adults, families, groups, and organizations. Equally important is the training of counselors and consultants to provide prevention, remediation, and developmental services within schools and various public and nonprofit agencies. The program is concerned with adult training, program development, and organizational consultation in diverse settings, such as educational, community-based and governmental organizations, associations and the workplace. Its mission is to prepare practitioners capable of facilitating learning and change for adults, as individuals, as well as for communities and organizations in which they function. The AOD program is intended for adult educators and administrators, trainers, consultants, program and instructional developers, and facilitators.