Doctor of Psychology, School Psychology

Program Details

What you'll learn

University of Colorado Denver's School Psychology Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program offers comprehensive, supervised training and a strong foundation in school psychological theory and clinical practices that are evidence-based, culturally responsive, socially just and collaborative. The foundational mission of the program is to train culturally and linguistically responsive school psychologists. All of the courses revolve around themes of equity and social justice. We meet the highest standards in the profession. 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 school psychologist concentration. The program has a 100 percent job placement rate.

Many of our out-of-state students qualify for the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) program. Residents of WICHE member states qualify to pay resident tuition. See if you qualify for WICHE.

Students in this degree program will:

• Engage in supervised clinical experience with children, youth and families with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Participate in a practitioner-scholar training model that prepares professional school psychologists through rigorous academic study integrated with intensive supervised clinical practice.
• Learn directly 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 bilingual school psychologist concentration will:

• Learn how to approach bilingual learners, families and communities with an asset orientation. In addition to the two required courses and practicum component, the bilingual school psychologist concentration consists of language proficiency assessments to ensure that school psychologists are adequately proficient in another language to provide psychoeducational services.

Optional NME Graduate Credential:

• The Neurosequential Model in Education™ (NME) is an evidence-based framework that brings a neurodevelopmental and trauma-informed approach to educational and clinical settings. It is informed by what is known about neurobiology and the impact of trauma on the brain and in its applicability. Students who complete the two required courses in the NME credential will learn about basic brain structure and organization and the stress response system and how NME concepts can be applied in the classroom. Students will also receive an official certificate of completion in NME from the Neurosequential Network.

Our graduates earn a Doctor of Psychology (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. School psychologists work in public and nonpublic school systems, hospital and medical pediatric clinics, community mental health centers, and 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 Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program at CU Denver is accredited on contingency by the American Psychological Association (effective through 2023). The program is also fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists.

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development

You can trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare you for excellence in your career as a school psychologist. The university and school are recognized for preparing leaders of distinction who value educational excellence and social justice. Additionally, CU Denver's School of Education and Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top schools in the country.

Courses

This 100-credit-hour program is based on the Accreditation Domains and Standards of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services endorsed by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

The program requires:

• 75 credit hours of coursework
• Seven credit hours of practica (600 hours in the field)
• Six credit hours of externship (500 clock hours in the field)
• Eight credit hours of internship (1500 clock hours in the field)
• Four capstone project hours

Students also must earn a passing score on the School Psychology Praxis exam as well as a written comprehensive examination. For detailed course requirements, please visit the School Psychology Student Resources page.