The demand for trained, caring, school psychologists is at an all-time high at both public and private schools, due to the growing social, emotional, cognitive, and mental health needs of children and families. The Chicago Campus' Ed.S. in School Psychology program is based on an integrative-systemic model aimed at enhancing the educational experience for diverse youth populations. Students benefit from superior theoretical preparation, coupled with an unrivaled amount of real-world experience, and spend almost half of their time working in a school setting over the duration of the program.
Graduates emerge from the program with in-depth understanding of the impact various mental health treatments have on children and adolescents and the skills to help this population succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. The program also teaches essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills; prevention and crisis practice and theory; research and program evaluation methodologies; the impact of diversity and cultural issues in the field; and the legal, ethical, and professional guidelines of school psychology.
The program qualifies graduates to sit for the National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP) examination and earn a Type 73 certification/endorsement with a specialization in School Psychology in the state of Illinois.
School Psychology Program
• Qualifies graduates to sit for the National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP) examination • Prepares graduates to earn a Type 73 certification/endorsement with a specialization in School Psychology in the state of Illinois
• One-year, full-time internship• Two semesters practicum• One year of service learning in a school
Psychology of the Child and Adolescent
Examines normal development from infancy to early adulthood. Areas of study include the development of perceptual and cognitive processes, psychosexual roles, and familial interpersonal processes. Current clinical approaches are examined from diverse theoretical viewpoints and in view of recent research findings.
Prevention and Crisis Intervention in Schools
The history and theoretical models of prevention are examined. Crisis intervention theory and strategies in school settings are the focus of secondary intervention strategies. Emphasis on a prevention and crisis application to child-centered issues such as abuse, divorce, family violence, loss, school-based violence, and suicide is stressed.
Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents
Examines the relevant therapeutic and developmental considerations encountered in psychotherapy with children and adolescents. In addition to a survey of the basic techniques of child and adolescent psychotherapy, topics considered include: brief therapy, psychological triage, working with parents and schools, the importance of the context of referral and treatment and the relationship between a child's developmental stage and therapeutic activities and goals.
View full course catalog »