Curry School of Education

The primary goal of the clinical and school psychology training programs is to produce psychologists who will make substantial contributions to the field in a variety of roles as mental health practitioners, researchers, scholars, teachers, and supervisors. The programs emphasize the need for clinicians to have knowledge of systems theory and individual functioning—especially in schools and families—in addition to a grounding in many areas of psychological development. Our approach emphasizes that clinical and school psychologists function in a pluralistic society, and that students and faculty must be sensitive to ethnic, cultural, individual, and socioeconomic differences.

Student Experience: Emily Nichols is a second-year student in the clinical and school psychology Ph.D. program. She is a member of Ann Loper’s research lab and is currently working on a project examining the educational outcomes of children of incarcerated parents. She is also completing her second year clinical requirement in the Center for Clinical Psychology Services.

Why did you choose to pursue a Ph.D?

I chose to earn my Ph.D in Clinical Psychology because I wanted to effect change both with individuals through therapy and with communities through research and prevention initiatives. Having a Ph.D. would provide me with the training I needed to participate in bridging the gap between research and practice. I hope to work with populations where mental health is still viewed with cultural stigmas, and help to reduce those perceptions.

Why did you choose Curry?

I chose Curry because of their commitment to conducting research in and with their community. The Curry Program in School and Clinical Psychology highly values clinical development and provides the opportunity to be trained as both a school and clinical psychologist.

Program Overview

Clinical and School Psychology Student Handbook and supporting documents in the Appendix

The following faculty will be considering admission of new Ph.D. students for the 2012-2013 academic year:

Dewey G. Cornell

Jason T. Downer

Bridget Hamre

Edith C. Lawrence

Ann B. Loper

Ronald E. Reeve

Peter L. Sheras

Patrick H. Tolan

Amanda P. Williford

The majority of our student body pursue a Ph. D. degree.  After graduation, our Ph. D. students work in academic and mental health settings as scientists, clinicians, and in administrative leadership roles. We also accept approximately 1-2 students a year into our Ed.D. program in School Psychology.  Our Ed. D students enter with a master’s degree in School Psychology (or equivalent) and typically have previous experience as a school psychologist. Graduates in the Ed. D. program obtain leadership roles in academic and school settings.  The Ed.D. program in School Psychology is not accredited by APA nor NASP.