In the most recent review of the doctoral program by NASP (2003), the program was fully approved as a “strong program commensurate with national standards.” Reviewers made several positive evaluations of doctoral training, including the curriculum model, faculty, student skill attainment, field experiences, and outcome evaluation.

Curriculum

The University of Cincinnati prepares students at two levels in school psychology. The first level is reflected in the Specialist-level Program which includes 2 years of full-time study followed by a 10-month (1500 clock hour), full-time, supervised internship in a school setting. Students earn a masters degree upon completion of the curriculum requirements of the first year. This specialist-level preparation leads to certification in school psychology in Ohio (and most other states). It also meets training requirements for National Certification in School Psychology administered through the National Association of School Psychologists. When supplemented by the required post certification experiences in school psychology, the Specialist-level Program meets the eligibility requirements for entrance to the Ohio State Board of Psychology licensing examination in school psychology.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in School Psychology is based on a comprehensive 5-year program of study, with 3 years of sequential coursework and integrative field experiences, a year of internship (minimum 1500 hour), doctoral comprehensive examination (completed as portfolio), and research and dissertation requirements. The masters degree (M.Ed.) is earned upon completion of requirements in Year 1. The program of study is designed to prepare highly competent professional school psychologists as scientist-practitioners who are trained to be both competent consumers and producers of new knowledge and who are broadly trained to deal with diverse and complex problems from a problem-solving perspective. The doctoral curriculum is based on disciplinary standards for professional psychology and school psychology, including the Guidelines and Principles of the American Psychological Association and Standards of the National Association of School Psychologists as well as the Program's philosophy and model of training.