Research, Practice and Experiential Learning
Help children succeed academically, socially and emotionally as a school psychologist. Our graduate School Psychology programs provide the skilled mentoring and hands-on learning you need to lead. You’ll work with students, educators, parents and other mental health professionals in extensive practicum and field experiences. You’ll also work closely with top psychology and education faculty, gaining diverse experiences and perspectives, at Colorado’s primary institution for teacher education. The results speak for themselves: Our School Psychology graduates have enjoyed a 100 percent employment rate over the last 20 years.
Opportunities for Real-World Learning
Our School Psychology programs offer extensive field experiences. Both Ed.S. and Ph.D. students complete a 500-hour practicum in a school over the course of an academic year. Ed.S. students also complete a 1,200-hour full-time internship in their final year. In addition to the school practicum, Ph.D. students complete two semesters of externship and a 2,000-hour doctoral internship.
Degree Options
Pursue an Educational Specialist or Doctor of Philosophy degree in School Psychology at UNC.
Ph.D. in School Psychology
We offer the only APA-accredited Ph.D. program in school psychology at a public institution in Colorado and currently one of only 63 in the United States. For our graduates, this means a competitive edge in the job market, including eligibility for licensure and academic positions. The Ph.D. program is also approved by the National Association of School Psychologists. The aim of the doctoral program is to develop health service providers who are able to apply both psychological and educational principles to improve the psychosocial environments of children (age birth-21) and their families.
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Ed.S. in School Psychology
One of only two such programs in Colorado approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), our Educational Specialist degree makes it easier for you to get your National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP) credential. Training focuses on skills necessary to lead in an educational environment.
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Related Programs
Your Future in School Psychology
At UNC, you’ll get the strongest possible career preparation, working alongside skilled psychologists who are both noted researchers in their fields and caring educators committed to helping you succeed.
Consider UNC's School Psychology graduate programs if you are:
- Dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children, their families and teachers
- Interested in working with students with learning disabilities, special needs and behavioral issues
You’ll learn:
- Principles of student learning and behavior
- Consultation with educators, families and school personnel
- Assessment of cognitive and academic skills and social-emotional functioning.
- Counseling with children, adolescents and families
Sample courses:
- Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
- School-Based Psychological Consultation
- Advanced Psychopathology
- Social and Behavioral Assessment in the Schools
- Legal and Professional Foundations of School Psychology
- Evaluation of Psychological Services
Where can your degree take you?
Our programs will prepare you to work in a variety of settings, including schools, private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, universities and academic research. As a graduate of the doctoral program, you’ll also be eligible for licensure as a psychologist.
School Psychologist was recently ranked first in Best Social Services Jobs, and 17th in “The 100 Best Jobs” by U.S. News and World Report. With low unemployment and rapid growth in the Colorado region and nationally, there is a tremendous need for school psychologists, and a growing shortage of qualified professionals in the field.
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Still not completely sold? We understand. Here's more information on costs and funding and how to apply.
