School Psychology

(Note. Application materials for the School Psychology Program are different from those provided by the Department of Psychology. For the correct form, please contact the School Psychology Program office at lavoi003@umn.edu, 612-624-4156, http://www.education.umn.edu/edpsych/schoolpsych/default.html.)

The University of Minnesota School Psychology Program is designed to prepare future psychologists who have a strong and broad-based knowledge of psychology, educational psychology, and child development, and are prepared to apply that knowledge to school settings. The program aims to educate individuals who are committed to facilitating the process of data-based educational change within schools and community settings, as well as promoting the educational and developmental competence of children and youth.

As a doctoral student in this program, you may choose your major from one of three cooperating departments (Psychology, Educational Psychology, Child Psychology). Through our program, you will learn ways to assess a pupil's psychological and educational growth and development in context; consult with teachers and other school personnel to plan programs of remediation and development that "match" the evaluation; provide direct and indirect services for children and parents that improve students’ academic, social and emotional learning; participate in planning and implementing interventions; coordinate the contributions of other professionals in problem-solving within the school and the community; conduct staff development that disseminates information concerning child development, optimal learning conditions, and positive mental health principles; provide leadership in training programs; promote teaching competency; recognize research opportunities; and conduct research and program evaluations.

Core Faculty and Staff (Educational Psychology)
James Ysseldyke, Ph.D., Professor and Coordinator
Matthew Burns, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Theodore Christ, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Sandra Christenson, Ph.D., Professor
Matthew Lau, Ph.D., Practica/Internship Coordinator
Deborah Lavoie, Principal Administrative Assistant

Adjunct Faculty
Nicki Crick, Ph.D., Professor, Institute of Child Development
Byron Egeland, Ph.D., Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Psychology, Institute of Child Development
Scott McConnell, Ph.D., Professor, Special Education
Richard Weinberg, Ph.D., Professor, Institute of Child Development

Program Affiliates
Brian Abery, Ph.D., Institute on Community Integration
Ann Casey, Ph.D., Special Education Assistant Director of Minneapolis Public Schools
Yvonne Godber, Ph.D., Center of Excellence in Children's Mental Health
Arthur Reynolds, Ph.D., Professor of Social Work
Mark Sander, Psy.D., Clinical Child Psychologist