The School Psychology program at Castleton University prepares students for careers as highly qualified school psychologists. Students graduate from this three-year program with a Masters Degree and a Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study. Graduates will work with children, adolescents, families, and other professionals in schools and related fields. They will provide direct educational, behavioral, and mental health services for-and collaborate with-school administrators, educators, and other professionals to create supportive learning and social environments for students.
This is a residency based program following the training standards provided by the National Association of School Psychologists. The program requires two full years of coursework followed by one year of internship, resulting in a total of 72 credits. The program is grounded in a scientist-practitioner philosophy of training and education. The integration of science and practice is accomplished through a program of study that emphasizes the use of scientific methods to inform prevention and intervention-oriented problem solving approaches.
This program is consistent with the broader Castleton University goals of close student-faculty interactions, outside-the-classroom learning and deep integration with and support for the surrounding community. Fieldwork experience provides opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in a variety of settings that may include, but are not limited to: public or private educational settings, working with at-risk youth involved in the legal system, and community mental health agencies.
As the first School Psychology graduate program in the state of Vermont, we are deeply committed to supporting and improving the state's communities and schools by serving as a local resource to children, families, schools and community agencies.
The Masters program is structured to educate students in accordance with Vermont school psychologist endorsement requirements as administered by the Vermont Agency of Education. The program has been developed using the National Association of School Psychologists training guidelines; therefore, graduates will be eligible to apply for National Certification through the National Association School Psychology Certification System for non-NASP approved program.
The School Psychology program prepares professionals who:
- are capable of providing direct and indirect psychological services to children, parents, and teachers in a variety of education settings;
- possess knowledge within the areas of psychological foundations including development, learning, exceptionalities, psychopathology, and biological, social, and cultural influences;
- are competent in the use of major psychological and educational techniques including consultation, counseling, and assessment with advanced skills in cognitive behavioral approaches;
- are capable of functioning in a professional manner in educational settings and have had successful experiences in working effectively in a variety of school settings, including regular and special education, with preschool and different programs and levels of exceptionality, including referred and non-referred students;
- are knowledgeable of and possess operational competence with specialized school psychology roles and with legal and ethical guidelines;
- are committed to non-traditional services (pre-evaluation interventions, consultation and counseling, intervention-oriented assessment, and alternative delivery systems) as well as competence with traditional services;
- are competent as problem solvers, change agents, and advocates;
- are skilled in demonstrating an orientation as a consultant and mental health resource person in identifying and meeting the mental health, learning, and overall educational needs of individuals and educational systems;
- are knowledgeable about information technology and uses to safeguard work and to enhance the quality of services.
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