Our school psychology programs integrate coursework and field experiences for an authentic learning experience that prepares students to provide comprehensive school psychology services. All students complete supervised practicum and internship experiences, and faculty work individually with students to arrange experiences that align with their professional strengths, needs, and goals.
Supervised Fieldwork Highlights
- Master’s-level students complete at least 1,600 hours of supervised experience, and doctoral-level students complete at least 2,100 hours of supervised experience.
- Students have opportunities to pursue supervised experiences across diverse settings to gain competency in all domains of practice established by the National Association of School Psychologists.
- Students benefit from supervision provided by credentialed school psychologists at their field placement sites and group supervision provided by University faculty.
Practicum and Internship Overview
Practicum I is an introductory 100-hour supervised experience. Students dedicate 1 day per week to this experience during the spring semester of their first year in the program to gain familiarity with the culture, systems, and educational practices in local schools.
Practicum II involves 300 hours of supervised experience within a school or related setting. Students dedicate 1 day per week to this experience during their second year in the program to develop skills in psychological assessment, intervention, consultation, and other aspects of school psychology practice.
Advanced Practicum is an advanced 200-hour training experience for doctoral-level school psychology students. Doctoral students dedicate 1 day per week over two semesters to this experience to expand their clinical skills and develop an emerging area of specialization. Placements include schools and related settings such as hospitals and clinics.
Internship is the culminating training experience. Students complete internship on a full-time basis during their final year of the program. Master’s level students complete 1200+ hours during one academic year, and doctoral-level students complete 1500+ hours during one calendar year. At least 600 hours of internship must be completed within PK-12 schools, and doctoral students occasionally supplement a traditional school-based training experience with placements in related settings such as clinics and hospitals. Internship provides an opportunity for students to develop professional-level competency in the areas of assessment, intervention, consultation, and applied research.
Field Placement Sites
The University has an extensive and growing network of partners for field-based training. These partners include over 45 public school districts, private schools, and clinics/organizations that provide assessment and intervention services for individuals from birth through age 22. Faculty match students to practicum sites based on their geographical location and professional goals, and they support students in the process of applying for internships.