Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Combined Counseling/School Psychology

This plan prepares students to function as well-rounded generalists with a strong foundation in both counseling psychology and school psychology. Students engage in substantive training utilizing a scientist-practitioner model integrating psychological theory, research, and practice. The combined approach promotes the optimal development of individuals, families, groups, and environmental systems using empirically supported, culturally sensitive interventions that include assessment and diagnosis, interdisciplinary teamwork, relatively brief intervention approaches, prevention, consultation, outcome evaluation, career-development, and ethical decision-making, in a broad array of settings including schools, universities, integrated healthcare, community mental health, correctional facilities, and independent practice. We believe that this core is best realized using a scientist-practitioner training model that includes a systematic analysis of human behavior, careful applications of best practice, and a methodical evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications. The program is organized to emphasize general preparation as counseling/school psychologists through Integration of theory, research, and practice of health service psychology Ethical decision making and commitment to professional standards of practice Multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills with particular emphasis on working with peoples in the rural, Southwestern United States (e.g. American Indians, Latinas/os) Application of health service psychology theory, research, and practice concepts in training, supervision, and consultation Careers: Combined doctoral training across counseling and school psychology prepares students more broadly than traditional programs, to more flexibly address school and behavioral health needs of rural Arizona communities through the application of research and practice. Integration of theory, research, and practice comprise the core of the Combined Counseling/School Psychology training program at Northern Arizona University. We believe that this core is best realized using a scientist-practitioner training model that includes a systematic analysis of human behavior, careful applications of best practice, and a methodical evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications. Our doctoral program reflects a training curriculum that is sequential, cumulative, and graded in complexity. With further education, one of these paths is possible: Licensed Psychologist State credentialed school psychologist (if students do a school psychology internship) College or university professor in Counseling Psychology and/or School Psychology