Doctor of Psychology, School Psychology
School of Education & Human Development
Overview
Degree: PsyD License
Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes
CU Denver's APA-accredited PsyD program prepares innovative school psychologists to be culturally responsive practitioners in diverse settings.
Application​ deadlines
November 15
Program Details
Interest Categories: Education Mental Health
Campus: CU Denver
Accreditation: APA Accredited (on contingency) and NASP approved
The School Psychology Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program offers comprehensive, supervised training and a solid foundation in school psychological theory and clinical practices. Graduates will gain an evidence-based, culturally responsive, socially just, and collaborative approach. This program is one of only 14 School Psychology PsyD programs in the country to receive APA accreditation. It is one of only a handful of APA-accredited programs in the country that offers an optional bilingual (Spanish-English) school psychologist concentration.
The program has a 100 percent job placement rate and is considered the best value in Colorado for this type of degree. The foundational mission of the program is to train culturally and linguistically responsive school psychologists. All the courses revolve around themes of equity and social justice. Students obtain supervised training and a solid foundation in theory and clinical practices.
As a Student, You Will:
- Engage in supervised clinical experience with youth and families with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
- Participate in a practitioner-scholar training model. This prepares school psychologists through rigorous study integrated with intensive supervised clinical practice.
- Learn from nationally recognized faculty who reflect best practices in the field of school psychology
- Engage with schools and members of the community on important issues such as youth suicide prevention.
Students in the optional Spanish/English bilingual school psychologist concentration will:
- Learn how to approach bilingual learners, families, and communities with an asset orientation. Besides the two required courses and practicum component, the bilingual school psychologist concentration consists of Spanish language proficiency assessments. This ensures that graduates are proficient in another language to provide psychoeducational services.
Students in the optional NME Graduate Credential program will:
- Learn about basic brain structure and organization. Observe the stress response system and how NME concepts can be applied in educational and clinical settings. Students will also receive an official certificate of completion in NME from the
Neurosequential Network.
Our graduates earn a PsyD degree and are eligible for licensure in School Psychology by the Colorado Department of Education. Graduates also have the option of pursuing licensure by the State Board of Psychologist Examiners. Graduates work in school systems, hospital and medical pediatric clinics, and community mental health centers. Additionally, graduates find roles in public policy, public education, and health agencies.
Program Highlights:
- 100-percent job placement rate
- Best value in Colorado for a School Psychology doctoral degree
- Program graduates are recognized as among the most prepared in the nation to support individuals with diverse languages, cultures and abilities
- The PsyD program is accredited on contingency by the American Psychological Association. The program is also fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Sample Courses
- SPSY 5010 - Introduction to Counseling in School Psychology 3 credits
- SPSY 7500 - Biological and Neuropsychological Bases of Behavior 3 credits
- SPSY 5900 - School-Based Multicultural Interventions 3 credits
- SPSY 6917 - Advanced Practicum in Psychological Assessment 3 credits
Recommended Completion Time:4 years
Required Credits for Completion:100
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines
Due to the competitive nature of this program, faculty are only able to review complete applications. In order to secure your application as “complete” in sufficient time for faculty review and consideration we highly recommend submitting your application at least one to two months prior to the deadline to ensure we have ample time to work with you on your application should items be missing. To avoid your application remaining incomplete at the time of the posted deadline please be sure to complete the steps below as early as possible.
Fall Semester: November 15
Application Requirements
- 3 recommendation letters: Letters should be from present or former professors/instructors, supervisors/employers, coworkers, etc. Recommendations should not be more than two years old
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resume/CV: Please include all mental health, teaching and/or other educational certificates or licenses held and the state that issued them
- Written Statement: Guidelines available within the online application
- $50.00 application fee
- Admissions Interview: Upon successful completion and review of your application, qualified applicants are invited to attend a required interview. Participation in the interview is mandatory and you will not be accepted into the program without attending. The interview date for Fall 2023 is Monday, January 30, 2023 and the interview will be virtual.
The Program is accredited, on contingency by the American Psychological Association (APA).
This status, available to new doctoral programs, is effective beginning 04/15/18 and was granted through April 2023. We have a site visit scheduled for Fall 2022 to review our program for full accreditation status. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to:
University of Colorado Denver
303-315-6315
Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists