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Program Mission, Philosophy, and Overview

Mission

The Miami University School Psychology graduate program seeks to prepare reflective and ethical school psychologists who partner with students, families, schools, and members of the community to promote effective and nurturing learning environments where all students can thrive.

Philosophy

The Miami University School Psychology Program believes in the value of training future leaders and practitioners with a problem-solving, strengths-based, ecological orientation, including an emphasis on translating research to practice. The program is also guided by a view of the school psychologist as an active participant in developing the contexts within schools that promote healthy development of students. We strive to cultivate practitioners who are compassionate, and deeply committed to collaboration in an effort to improve school systems and leverage the strengths of individuals and the community. Trainees are exposed to research in evidence-based practices and implementation science. They also practice humility, developing skills to be lifelong learners while remaining committed to helping students gain access to general education and needed services.

The Specialist in Education degree program equips future professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for effective delivery of comprehensive, integrated services – including but not limited to consultation, assessment, intervention, and prevention services – as described in the NASP Practice Model 10 domains and organizational principles. Additionally, our program is dedicated to maintaining strong relationships with local schools, as well as state and national organizations. Through continuous improvement and ongoing reflection with our school partners, we seek to continually shape our program, the future of school psychology, and a positive society for all children.

Program Overview

The program is three years in length:

  • The first year is spent attaining educational and psychological foundations, which are the bases for further in-depth skill development.
  • The second year develops specific skills in the school psychology knowledge base and includes a strong emphasis on field experience.
  • The third year is dedicated to a full-year internship in a school system, which allows practical application of students' prior education and experience.

The program provides students an opportunity to develop consultation, assessment, counseling, and intervention skills. Students are trained in the scientist-practitioner tradition, with an orientation toward a problem-solving process, and an emphasis on practice guided by scientific knowledge.

We provide cutting-edge coursework in the areas of Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) as well as Evidence-Based Interventions (EBIs) for academic, behavioral, and mental health applications. In addition, students also develop research skills and apply those skills by conducting a small group research project related to the practice of school psychology.

The standards and ethical codes of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the American Psychological Association (APA) are the foundation for the school psychology program. Students are introduced to the standards, ethical codes, and ethical decision-making early in the program, and they are expected to demonstrate high standards for professional conduct in coursework and fieldwork.

Consistent with our ethical codes and professional standards, students are taught to respect the dignity and worth of the individual, and to strive for the preservation and protection of fundamental human rights. Throughout their program, students must demonstrate a commitment to using the science of psychology to promote human welfare.

Recognizing the pluralistic nature of our society, the Miami University program is committed to fostering student sensitivity to, appreciation for, and understanding of diversity in the characteristics, strengths, and needs of individual learners.