Counseling and School Psychology

A graduate degree in counseling and school psychology prepares compassionate and competent professionals who transform schools and human service organizations. Graduates of this program are professionals who facilitate the educational, personal-emotional, social-relational, leisure-recreational, and vocational needs of a diverse clientele.

This degree offers an option in rehabilitation counseling, which trains counselors to assist individuals who have disabilities in order to help them maximize their potential and their independence.

The University of Idaho provides a unique hands-on learning internship in counseling and school psychology through the Child and Youth Study Center. In the center, students are guided by seasoned professionals as they work with clients in the community in a true, hands-on environment.

This program is offered at the Moscow campus, but you will have the opportunity to intern in offices and schools throughout the state.

Prepare for Success

An undergraduate degree in education or a related degree is necessary to pursue a graduate degree in this area. Professionals who have interpersonal skills and the desire to help others are well suited for this field.

Your First Year

Applicants for the Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Education (M.Ed.) are expected to meet the requirements for the teaching certificate and have one year of teaching experience. The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) require dissertation credits, credits in a cognate area and credits in a major area of competency.

What You Can Do

The counseling and school psychology program prepares professionals to work with children, adolescents and adults to enhance academic, social, emotional, vocational and personal growth. Students are provided with theoretical knowledge as well as practical application of skills in carefully selected field placements. Graduates are in high demand and are hired in school and rehabilitation counseling settings or as private rehabilitation practitioners.

Opportunities

A career as a counselor and school psychologist is highly rewarding. Graduates are in high demand. In fact, our program's job placement record is 100 percent. Graduates are hired in school and rehabilitation counseling settings or as private rehabilitation practitioners. There is also a projected need for more rehabilitation counselors as military personnel return home.

Hands-On Experience

Students are actively involved in research activities, presentations, and hands-on learning within our Center on Disabilities and Human Development. The program also requires an internship, where students spend time working in their professions before graduating.

Facilities

Counseling and psychology students have the opportunity to work in our Child and Youth Study Center, where graduate students counsel and test community clients under the supervision of trained psychologists. This center draws students from outside the state, because it provides such an excellent learning opportunity.

Faculty Involvement

A small student-to-faculty ratio provides a unique opportunity for students to interact closely with faculty.

Steve Duvall, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Research interests: School psychology, school counseling, home and parental educational practices and results.
» View Steve Duvall's Profile

Jerry Fischer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Research interests: Rehabilitation counseling and school counseling preparation
» View Jerry Fischer's Profile

Sachin Jain, Ph.D., NCC, LPC
Assistant Professor
Research interests: Multiculturalism, School counseling.
» View Sachin Jain's Profile

Linda Taylor
Assistant Professor
» View Linda Taylor's Profile