School Psychology
The School Psychology doctoral program at LSU is committed to training students to be leaders in education and psychology, who are effective at using scientific problem-solving techniques in both research and practice. The program strongly emphasizes the training of school psychologists who are agents of positive change, equity, and social justice in children’s lives. The development of consultation, behavior analytic, socioemotional wellness, and intervention/treatment skills are major foci of the program. Our training is designed to be sequential, cumulative, graded in complexity, and structured to prepare students for careers in academic, research, and applied settings. Compared to a master’s level or specialist degree, a doctoral degree in school psychology permits a broader range of career options in schools, early intervention settings, clinics, governmental agencies, and academia. In school systems, graduates typically hold leadership or administrative positions, depending on their interest. Because faculty and students are active in creating new knowledge through research, graduate students can expect solid evidence-based training incorporating the most recent developments in the field. Graduates of the program are recruited heavily by schools, hospitals, clinics, and universities.
Meet Our Program Director
Program Objectives
- Graduates will use assessments that meet current professional standards for practice to guide diagnostic determination, intervention design, and to monitor the progress of clients they serve.
- Graduates will design and implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions that meet the needs of children, adolescents and families across educational and community settings.
- Graduates will be able to develop research studies using varied methodologies and analyses to answer research questions.
- Graduates will effectively communicate research methods and findings through scholarly writing and oral presentations.
- Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of legal, ethical, and culturally sensitive principles underlying the practice of school psychology and exhibit practice that is congruent with those principles.
- Graduates will demonstrate excellent leadership and organizational management skills.
- Graduates will demonstrate mentoring and teaching skills.
Training Model
- Behavioral and ecological systems orientation with a focus on children’s overall behavioral health
- Scientist-practitioner training approach
- Strong emphasis on consultation, assessment, and intervention skills
- “Hands on” approach in schools, clinics, hospitals, and institutions
- Individualized advising and supervision from faculty mentors in research and applied work
Program Highlights
- Fully accredited by the American Psychological Association's Commission on Accreditation (APA CoA; Education Directorate, Program Consultation & Accreditation; 750 First Street, NE; Washington, DC 20002; phone: 202-336-5979; fax: 202-336-5978; apaaccred@apa.org)
- Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP; 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402; Bethesda, MD 20814)
- Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) Verified Course Sequence fulfills the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Behavior Analysis Certification Board® examination
- Nationally Reputed Program: Among the top School Psychology programs in the USA based on research and publication activity
- Outstanding Research Productivity and Practical Experiences
- Faculty and students successfully obtain research and graduate training grants
- Faculty and students are committed to disseminating research via publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Diverse fieldwork experiences tailored to students’ areas of interest starting in the first semester
- Inclusive Learning Environment
- Faculty is committed to and have expertise in diversity, social justice, and educational equity (https://www.lsu.edu/hss/psychology/diversity/diversity.php)
- Geographic location emphasizes importance of competency and training experiences with culturally and linguistically diverse populations
- Faculty is committed to the safety, mental health, and well-being of graduate students
- Student-faculty ratio approximately 4:1
- Students are committed to supporting and working with peers to succeed within the field
Student Experiences at LSU
- Funding: Students are typically fully funded (graduate stipend + tuition remission) through
one of the following mechanisms:
- Externships at public, private, laboratory, and charter schools working with children, teachers, and parents
- Externships at hospitals and clinics, including Our Lady of the Lake, Baton Rouge Clinic, and Gulf South Autism Center
- Departmental teaching assistantships or graduate instructor positions
- Research assistantship
- Research Experiences
- Articles published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of School Psychology, School Psychology Review, School Mental Health, and the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Research presentations at regional and national conferences, including NASP, APA, and ABAI
- Recipients of internal and external grants for research
- Clinical Experiences: Students can choose experiences in practicum offered by any School Psychology faculty, as well as several Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Analysis faculty
- Teaching Experiences: Teaching opportunities for PSYC 2000-level courses
Student Outcomes (2013-Present)
- 100% of students accepted to a paid, APA-accredited internship
- 80% of students graduated in 5 years
- Faculty positions at universities
- Applied and clinical positions at schools, hospitals, clinics (e.g., Marcus Autism Center), and state departments (e.g., Louisiana Department of Education)
Faculty Mentors
Faculty members * are accepting new students who are interested in completing both the School Psychology and Behavior Analysis programs. Students interested in completing both the School Psychology and Behavior Analysis programs such that they may pursue licensure as a psychologist as well as board certification as a behavior analyst should apply to their primary program of interest, listing their first- and second-choice mentors in that program, and indicate in their personal statement an interest in completing both programs. Please note, that students pursuing both programs may be required to spend one extra year on campus prior to the School-program-required internship in order to complete all coursework and practicum requirements for both programs.
Information about Licensure and Board Certification
Our program adheres to the APA accreditation standards as well as training guidelines outlined by the National Association of School Psychologists and the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Therefore, our program prepares students for entry into the profession of psychology and applied behavior analysis. Given the varied and changing requirements across jurisdictions, we cannot assure, nor is it our responsibility, that graduates will meet all requirements for licensure in all states or territories. You are encouraged to become familiar with state licensing laws and discuss your curricular plan with your faculty mentor and Director of Behavior Analysis Training.
Additional Information about Professional Licensures
Psychology licensure in the state of Louisiana
School psychology certification in the state of Louisiana
Licensure as a behavior analyst in the state of Louisiana
Psychology licensure in the United States and Canada
Commitment to Diversity
We encourage applications from individuals with diverse racial, ethnic, and/or cultural backgrounds. Baton Rouge is a racially diverse city and our work in the greater Baton Rouge community allows us to provide clinical services to and conduct research with racially diverse individuals in our community. We take great pride in this diversity. Furthermore, our program is deeply committed to fostering a learning environment that supports cultural and individual differences and diversity. Additionally, “Diversity is fundamental to LSU's mission and the University is committed to creating and maintaining a living and learning environment that embraces individual difference. Cultural inclusion is of highest priority” (see entire LSU Diversity Statement).
Resources
School psychology curriculum map
STUDENT ADMISSIONS, OUTCOMES, AND OTHER DATA
School Psychology Graduate Student Handbook