School Psychology Program

Welcome to the School Psychology Program at the University of Missouri! Our School Psychology Program prepares graduates to work with children, youth, families, and educators to promote effective functioning in the areas of learning, behavior, and mental health. Operating from a problem solving framework, our focus is on preparing data-based decision makers capable of intervening to address both individual- and systems-level challenges.  Our coursework and field experiences emphasize the role that school psychologists play in prevention and early intervention, thus preparing our graduates to address problems at the earliest stages and increasing the likelihood of achieving the most favorable outcomes for the students and systems.  Students develop professional competencies in assessment, intervention, consultation, and research/evaluation. Content knowledge and professional skills are integrated throughout students’ training via course work and supervised practice in various academic and clinical settings.

The school psychology program offers two degree tracks:

• The Doctoral Program typically requires five years of academic coursework, clinical practica, and research training beyond the bachelor's degree, including a culminating 2000-hour internship.  Graduates of the program have gone on to practice in schools and mental health settings, teach in universities, and serve in administrative positions in schools. Data about the time it takes to complete the degree at MU, estimated program costs, internships, attrition, and licensure are available here.
  • Master’s Planner
  • Doctoral Planner
• The Educational Specialist Program typically requires three years of academic coursework and clinical practica beyond the bachelor's degree, including a culminating 1500-hour internship.  Graduates of the program are working throughout the country as school psychologists in school settings.
  • Master’s Planner
  • Educational Specialist Planner

Faculty and Students

Our nationally respected, award-winning faculty include 5 core faculty (Drs. Frisby, Maras, Offutt (program coordinator), Reinke, and Riley-Tillman) and two affiliated clinical faculty (Drs. Brooks and Knoop).  Our vibrant, engaged student body currently includes 25 doctoral and 13 specialist students.

Accreditation and Credentialing

The Ph.D. program is accredited, on probation, with the American Psychological Association (APA).  Both degree programs are accredited by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and lead to certification as a School Psychologist in the state of Missouri. To be eligible for employment in states other than Missouri or for psychology licensure (Ph.D. level only), a greater number of courses and internship hours may be required.