Transcript School Psychology at The University of Montana Missoula

School Psychology
at
The University of Montana
Missoula
What do School Psychologist do?
 Assess for learning, emotional and behavioral
difficulties that may impact school functioning
 Consult with other school professionals on
ways to intervene with individual students
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Intervention
 Implement systemic programs and change
 Implement prevention efforts
 Staff, parent, and student education
 Advocacy of their learning and mental health
needs
When Do Children Need A School
Psychologist?
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Learning difficulties
Behavior concerns
Problems at home or with peers
Fears about war, violence, terrorism
Any mental health issues that affect school
functioning
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ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, PDD’s, ODD, CD,
etc., etc.
 Coping with crisis and trauma
 Poverty, violence, or life changing events
Where do School Psychologists Work?
 With an Ed.S.:
 Public and private schools (81%)
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May serve one school or an entire district
School-based health centers
Community or state agencies
 With a Ph.D.:
 Clinics and hospitals
 Private practice
 Universities (academia)
Job Outlook: VERY Promising!
 One of the top ten “best careers” in 2007 by US
News and World Report
 Increasing Demand for Public School based
positions
 Job opportunities are predicted to develop at a
higher than average rate in foreseeable future
 Many current practitioners will retire in next 10
years
 Additionally, academia is currently experiencing a
shortage of Ph.D. level School Psychologists
Applying to a Graduate Program
 GRE: Graduate Record Exam
 Undergraduate transcripts
 Letters of recommendation
 Personal statement(s)
 Practice or research interests
Choosing a Training Program
 Decide on Ph.D. or Ed.S.
 Career Goals
 Determine your specific interests
 Consider faculty research
 Size of program
 NASP and APA accreditation
 Location
 The School Psychologist Program at the
University of Montana is the only one offered
in Montana
Specialist (Ed.S.) vs Doctorate (Ph.D.)
 Ed.S.
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2 years of coursework
1 year/1200 hour internship
 Ph.D.
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4 years of coursework
1 year/1200 hour internship
Do I need to Major in Psychology?
 Degree in ed/psych is not necessarily required,
but you…
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Should have basic background in psychology,
education, or child development
May need to do some coursework before
starting grad school (e.g., prerequisites)
 Emphasize your skills
More Information
 Brochures about The University of Montana’s School
Psychology Program up front
 E-mail
 [email protected]
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[email protected]
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Juliana is a second year EdS student and MASP student
representative
[email protected]
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Dr. Machek is a U of MT School Psychology faculty member
Chris is a first year PhD student in the program
Other faculty and student contact info can be found on our
website:
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http://psychweb.psy.umt.edu/www/schoolpsych_welcome.
asp
 Check out www.nasponline.org for more information
Thank You!
 We hope to hear from you!