Why Choose the University of Delaware?

There are many outstanding school psychology programs in the nation. For the following reasons, we hope you will agree that we are among them:

• A highly productive and nationally visible faculty. Three professors are assigned full-time to the school psychology program. Adjunct faculty and faculty in other program areas (e.g., special education, measurement) also teach courses in the program. Faculty have published in each of the major journals in school psychology, developmental psychology, educational psychology, and special education and have assumed leadership roles in school psychology at the national and state levels. For the 2010-2011 school year, Kathy Minke served as President of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and Marika Ginsburg-Block served as President of the Delaware Association of School Psychologists (DASP).

• A small, talented, body of students. Each year, approximately 8 outstanding students are admitted to the Specialist level. Currently, approximately 24 full-time students (including interns) are enrolled. We expect to admit only 2 students each year at the Doctoral level. As a result, classes are very small, fostering not only quality instruction but also the development of close student/student and faculty/student relationships.

• A course of study that emphasizes practice, research, and theory. Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the program balances applied skills with the related knowledge of research and theory. Unlike many other programs, students acquire approximately 1,800 hours (2,200 for doctoral students) of field experience through practicum and internship experiences in diverse settings. Although most hours are spent in culturally diverse public schools, students often work in mental health centers, hospitals, alternative programs, and various other settings committed to the mental health and education of children and families, including schools for low incidence disabilities. In each of these settings students apply and extend the knowledge and skills learned in their coursework. Further, in each setting students gain greater recognition and appreciation of individual differences. Note that our practica requirements greatly exceed those required by NASP and most other training programs — and, our students have viewed this as a major strength of our program.

• Financial support. Most Specialist level and all Doctoral level students have received financial support through assistantships or tuition scholarships over the past 10 years. Decisions regarding financial support are made annually and are based on availability. Additionally, all interns have been offered a stipend by the school district in which they are employed. Most interns get paid $16,000. All graduates of our school psychology program have been offered full time employment as school psychologists.

• An excellent atmosphere to live and study. The University of Delaware consistently ranks among the top 30 universities in the nation, offering exceptional library and technology resources as well as an attractive learning environment. UD’s School of Education is ranked 30th for best graduate programs in education by US News and World Report (2013). If you have not visited yet, you should do so. We think that you’ll agree that the colonial-style campus is among the most attractive in the nation.