School Psychology
Program Leader: Franci Crepeau-Hobson, PhD
Office: Lawrence Street Center, 1113
Phone: 303-315-6315
Email: franci.crepeau-hobson@ucdenver.edu
Website: https://education.ucdenver.edu/academics/doctoral/detail/School-Psychology-PsyD
Overview
The doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree in school psychology is a 100 graduate semester-hour program that leads to eligibility for licensure as a school psychologist by the Colorado Department of Education and licensure as a psychologist by the Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners.
The PsyD program at CU Denver is currently Accredited, on Contingency by the American Psychological Association (see the APA Accreditation website for further details). The program is also approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
The CU Denver School Psychology Program, guided by the belief that all children can learn, is dedicated to providing both breadth and depth of professional training in a theoretically integrated, research-based learning environment. Consistent with a practitioner-scholar model, the PsyD Program in School Psychology prepares professional school psychologists through rigorous academic study integrated with intensive supervised clinical practice. The program includes an emphasis on prevention and the ecological influences on behavior, as well as respect for all aspects of diversity. Students also receive substantial training and preparation to work in diverse environments and the program infuses the promotion of advocacy and social justice throughout training experiences.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) School Psychologist Concentration Option
This optional specialization provides School Psychology students with the knowledge and skills to effectively serve bilingual learners in the school setting. In addition to the three required courses and practicum component, the Bilingual School Psychologist concentration consists of language proficiency assessments to ensure that candidates are adequately proficient in Spanish to provide psychoeducational services. CU Denver provides one of the few bilingual school psychology concentration areas in the country making our graduates even more desirable to potential employers.
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.
School of Psychology Admission Requirements
Successful applicants to the school psychology (SPSY) program will have obtained a minimum 3.2 undergraduate GPA. Applicants will also submit a current resume or vita, a personal statement that outlines their reasons for pursuing a degree in school psychology at CU Denver, and three letters of recommendation. The highest ranked applicants will be invited to a mandatory full-day group interview that includes a program orientation, a writing assignment, small group interviews, and an optional campus tour.
Application materials are available at: http://www.ucdenver.edu/admissions/. All materials must be submitted online by December 1 for fall semester admissions. Application materials include the following:
- $50 application fee for domestic students, $75 application fee for international students (may be paid via credit card, e-check or by mailing in a check)
- letter of intent/personal statement
- resume or vita
- three letters of recommendation
- one official transcript from each higher education institution attended (in the original, sealed envelope)
Faculty
Professors:
Franci Crepeau-Hobson PhD, NCSP, LP, University of Northern Colorado | Director of Clinical Training
Bryn Harris PhD, NCSP, LP, Indiana University | Program Director
Clinical Assistant Professor
School Psychology (SPSY) Courses
Provides an overview of the counseling theories relevant to the practice of school psychology and an understanding of the role of theory in practice. Includes consideration of legal/ethical issues and both the cultural and developmental context of the major theories. Max Hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Introduction to the core concepts of the Neurosequential Model™ (NM) that impact learning. Core concepts include basics of brain organization, brain development, understanding state-dependent learning, the stress response systems, and the impact of trauma and neglect on children. Typically offered: fall. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Typically Offered: Fall.
Focuses on helping educators and other school personnel better understand and teach challenging children by offering practical strategies and classroom practices related to structuring classroom schedules, activities and interactions that can help all children (not just children impacted by trauma and adversity) learn in an optimal way. Prereq: SPSY 5100. Typically offered: spring. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: SPSY 5100.
Typically Offered: Spring.
This course introduces knowledge and skills necessary for school psychologists to proactively address child problem behaviors. Content includes application of Positive Behavioral Support (PBS), functional behavior analysis and intervention, evaluation of behavior change. Relevant federal, state regulations are also addressed. Restriction: Restricted to SPSY majors within the School of Education and Human Development or consent of the instructor. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to SPSY majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
Repeatable. Max hours: 15 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 15.
Repeatable. Max Hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
The course will foster students' understanding and appreciation of diversity and its applications for school psychology practice, educational contexts, and mental health policy. Students will learn to evaluate and implement school-based mental health and educational interventions with a multicultural lens. Prereq: SPSY 6100. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Repeatable. Max Credits: 3.
Prereq: SPSY 6100
This course covers topics related to the practice of school psychology, both past and present, including legal/ethical obligations/issues, accreditation, certification/licensure, culturally competent practice, roles/responsibilities, and evaluation and accountability. Observation in schools and related settings is required. Prereq: Admission to School Psychology Program. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to SPSY majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
Focuses on assessment of cognitive ability, cognitive processes, and achievement in children and adolescents. Topics include selection, administration, and interpretation of ability and achievement tests; psychological report writing, and psychometric, historical, theoretical, and cultural issues in assessment. Test administration required. Restriction: SPSY PsyD: Restricted to SPSY PsyD majors within the School of Education and Human Development. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to SPSY majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
Focuses on the assessment of adaptive behavior, personality, and social-emotional functioning in children and adolescents. Topics include selection, administration, and interpretation of these types of measures; cultural considerations in psychological assessment, psychological report writing, and developing interventions. Test administration required. Prereq: SPSY 6150. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: SPSY 6150.
Examines theories and research in developmental psychology to provide a foundation for clinical services to children and families in applied settings. Includes coverage of developmental assessments and services for infants/toddlers. Prereq: SPSY 6150. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: SPSY 6150.
Provides theoretical and practice-oriented introduction to child therapy in schools. Weaves together skills and techniques essential to theory and implementation of psychotherapeutic techniques. Course activities compliment the systemic and group-based interventions examined in SPSY 6400. Prereq: SPSY 5010. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: SPSY 5010.
Provides students with advanced study of research on and techniques of classroom and small group interventions. Includes instruction on the evaluation of intervention effectiveness. Systemic, school-wide interventions are addressed. Prereq: SPSY 5010. Restriction: Restricted to SPSY majors within the School of Education and Human Development. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: SPSY 5010. Restriction: Restricted to SPSY majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
Prepares students to provide psychoeducational assessments to children who are culturally and/or linguistically diverse. Content includes differentiation of language disorders versus language acquisition, and developing recommendations for accommodations and interventions to meet the unique psychoeducational needs of diverse children and youth. Prereq: SPSY 6150. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: SPSY 6150.
Introduces students to crisis theory, prevention research, and intervention strategies. The course is designed for school mental health professionals interested in developing advanced crisis counseling and intervention skills sufficient for use in school settings. The course emphasizes the importance of practical hands-on opportunities for skills development. Prereq: COUN 5010 or SPSY 5010. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
A wide range of traditional or emerging consultation models emphasizing practical application of empirically-based approaches to advance the social or academic competence of students, classrooms, schools and districts. Hands-on experience supplement course content as students develop, refine, and practice their own eclectic consultation approach. Prereq: SPSY 6100. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: SPSY 6100
This course provides students with advanced concentrated study of the affective bases of behavior, including affect, mood, and emotion. This course also includes coverage of psychopathology and the diagnosis of mental disorders. Restriction: Restricted to SPSY majors within the School of Education and Human Development or consent of the instructor. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Restriction: Restricted to SPSY majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
Provides training in knowledge and skills for the use of educational intervention practices in school psychology, including the development, implementation, and evaluation of academic interventions in the areas of reading, math, and written language; curriculum based measurement and progress monitoring. Prereq: SPSY 6150. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: SPSY 6150.
This course covers advanced topics related to the practice of school psychology including applying and interviewing for internship, certification/ licensure, capstone preparation and completion, and the development of a professional identity. Prereq: SPSY 6911. Restriction: Restricted to School Psychology majors. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: SPSY 6911 Restriction: Restricted to SPSY majors
Supervised practice in providing comprehensive psychological services to children in grades preschool to 12. Students are placed in public schools or affiliated school-related agencies and supervised by practicing, licensed school psychologists. Prereq: SPSY 5600, SPSY 6100, SPSY 6150, SPSY 6160 or consent of instructor. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
This school psychology practicum experience is focused on developing multicultural competencies with culturally and linguistically diverse students through either a cultural immersion experience in Mexico or a local practicum placement in a culturally and linguistically diverse setting. Prereq: SPSY 6100 and SPSY 6150 and consent of the instructor. Repeatable. Max hours: 9 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 9.
Clinical experience under supervision of licensed mental health professionals. Students participate in assessment and/or intervention in a variety of settings. Note: All field placements must be approved by the SPSY Program Director in advance of registration. Prereq: SPSY 6911. Repeatable. Max Hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Prereq: SPSY 6911
Supervised experience in the practice of school psychology with children and adolescents in a school or clinic setting. Prereq: SPSY 5900, SPSY 6100, SPSY 6410, SPSY 6911, SPSY 6350, SPSY 6400, SPSY 6450, SPSY 6500, or instructor consent. Repeatable. Max hours: 6 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 6.
Prereq: SPSY 5900, SPSY 6100, SPSY 6410, SPSY 6911, SPSY 6350, SPSY 6400, SPSY 6450, and SPSY 6500
Examines the biological basis of behavior emphasizing the relationship between the functions and structures of the brain including neuroanatomy, brain development, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and psychopharmacology; and neuropsychological assessment principles. Prereq: SPSY 6150. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: SPSY 6150.
Course prepares school psychologists to function in supervisory and administrative capacities in delivering mental health services. Content includes examination of clinical supervision theories, models, techniques; focus on development of skills for administrative roles, and understanding organizations from a systems perspective. Prereq: SPSY 6918. Max hours: 3 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Prereq: SPSY 6918 Restriction: Restricted to SPSY PsyD majors within the School of Education and Human Development
The Capstone Project is a culminating component of the program. Production of a scholarly project that illustrates the student’s understanding of relevant topics in school psychology, the scope of contemporary practice, and the various roles of the professional school psychologist. Prereq: SPSY 6911 and SPSY 6700. Restriction: Restricted to SPSY-PSYD majors within the School of Education and Human Development or consent of the instructor. Repeatable. Max hours: 4 Credits.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade with IP
Repeatable. Max Credits: 4.
Prereq: SPSY 6911 and SPSY 6700. Restriction: Restricted to SPSY-PSYD majors within the School of Education and Human Development.
Additional Information: Report as Full Time.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.