Examining the Characteristics of School Psychology Programs Accredited by the American Psychological Association

Presenter Information

Carissa A. Borchardt, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Amber L. Sanz, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 253/4/5

Start Date

4-4-2011 9:00 AM

End Date

4-4-2011 10:30 AM

Student's Major

Psychology

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Carlos Panahon

Mentor's Department

Psychology

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

The current study examined the characteristics of the 61 school psychology doctoral graduate programs that are accredited by the America Psychological Association (APA). The researchers examined the general characteristics of the 55 Ph.D. programs and 6 Psy.D. programs by conducting an extensive review of each program‘s website. For example, the investigators examined the number faculty members, highest degree held by professors, and graduate school professors attended. In addition, the researchers looked at which department houses the school psychology graduate program. While examining the faculty currently working at these accredited programs, it was discovered that 22 out of the 61 programs have homegrown professors. That is, professors who earned their graduate degree at the university for which they are now employed. In total, 36.1% of professors in the 61 programs obtained their degree from the university at which they currently teach. The two universities with the highest number of homegrown professors are University of California, Berkley and University of Missouri, Columbia. Additional findings will be discussed.