Educational Psychology Graduate Brochure

Department of Educational Psychology

The Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University is among the top-ranked educational psychology departments in the nation. We are committed to making a difference through excellence in our research, education and community outreach activities and to improving the generation of new knowledge relevant to human learning, growth and development. Our graduates take special consideration of cultural inferences, human diversity, and individual needs and abilities as they enter into the field of educational psychology.

http://epsy.tamu.edu/

Phone: 979.845.1833 Fax: 979.862.1256 Email: [email protected]

Texas A&M University, founded in 1876 as a land grant institution, is the state’s oldest public institution of higher learning. Texas A&M is home to the George Bush Presidential Library and ranks among the top ten nationally in student enrollment, academic achievement, research expenditures and university endowments.

Texas A&M is located in the community of Bryan/College Station, one of the nation’s fastest growing communities and in the heart of Texas’ major cities: Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio. Local airline services connect Bryan/College Station with these areas. Off-campus housing is easily accessible, and a myriad of cultural, recreational and culinary facilities are available to residents of the area.

University Resources

>> http://www.tamu.edu/home/admissions/>> http://ogs.tamu.edu/>> https://financialaid.tamu.edu/>> http://www.tamu.edu/

Texas A&M University


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Bilingual Education

Counseling Psychology

Learning Sciences

School Counseling

School Psychology

Special Education

Undergraduate Programs with Teacher Certification

Bilingual Education

Special Education

Graduate Programs

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Cognition, Creativity, Intelligence & Development

Educational Technology

Research, Measurement & Statistics

Student Organizations

Bilingual Education Student Organization serves as a professional association for undergraduate supporters of diversity and Bilingual Education.>> http://beso.tamu.edu

Educational Psychology Student Organization serves as a liaison between graduate students and faculty members, as a source of information for graduate students, and as a tool to promote participation in professional activities.>> http://epso.coe.tamu.edu

Student Council for Exceptional Children serves as a way for interested undergraduate students to serve and learn about individuals with exceptionalities as well as the professional field of special education.>> http://sabe.coe.tamu.edu/scec



Departmental Resources

Counseling & Assessment Clinic offers affordable psychological services, including the most up-to-date treatment methods and assessment technology, to members of the Brazos Valley community.

Educational Research and Evaluation Laboratory assists faculty and students in research design, statistical design and computer operations through consultation and training services.

Practicum Opportunities are available for advanced graduate students both on- and off-campus at public schools, community colleges and mental health agencies in the surrounding area.


Bilingual Education Program (M.Ed., M.S. and Ph.D.)

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Program DescriptionThe master’s program in bilingual education prepares students for teaching and coordinator/director positions that focus on development, coordination and evaluation of bilingual and dual-language programs in national and international settings. It is designed to assist bilingual and dual-language teachers and personnel to develop effective teaching and applied research tools to increase educational opportunities and workplace access for second-language students and their families. The program also develops curriculum theory, instructional content, teaching methodology, accountability/evaluation strategies and family/community partnering.

The Bilingual Education Doctoral Program prepares students for professional teaching, research and leadership positions at universities, school districts and other educational settings. The program reflects the nation’s increasingly diverse K-12 student population and the national movement toward greater inclusion. The program emphasizes applied research and its use for program improvement, especially in the areas of dual-language programs, biliteracy and the cultural and linguistic needs of English language learners.

The Bilingual Education Program at Texas A&M University has more than 20 years of academic experience preparing researchers and educators for service in the state, nation and world. The program is well known for the quality of research and practical contributions that prepare personnel for universities and public schools with high concentrations of English language learners.

The program has a noteworthy record of gaining external funding for research, teaching and service through state and federal government agencies. Similarly, faculty are recognized for their scholarly contributions to the field of bilingual education and to the educational profession.


http://epsy.tamu.edu/articles/graduate_bilingual_education

Job Opportunities

• Consultants• Higher education faculty• International bilingual education teachers• National bilingual education teachers• Program supervisors• Teacher trainers

Program Curriculum

Course information for both the master’s and doctoral degree programs can be found by visiting http://epsy.tamu.edu/articles/graduate_bilingual_education. Additional resources can be found on the Language Diversity Network at http://ldn.tamu.edu/.

M.Ed., M.S. and Ph.D. in Bilingual Education

Program Timeline

The master’s program consists of 36 semester hours while the doctoral program consists of 75 semester hours beyond the master’s degree. The doctoral program commonly requires three years to four years of full-time enrollment for completion of all coursework, competencies and dissertation.

Program Highlights

• Access to virtual bilingual education resources, curriculum and research• Field-based opportunities and practicum experiences• Master’s program available fully via distance through the use of TTVN • Opportunities for doctoral students to attend and present at state, regional and national conferences

P.hd. in Counseling Psychology

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Program DescriptionThe Counseling Psychology program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association and is based on the scientist-practitioner model. We train students from diverse backgrounds and with diverse clinical and research interests. Our program is committed to student development and to the integration of science and practice. Graduates are expected to design, conduct and evaluate psychological research and practice at all levels of professional activity and advance services that enhance the health and well being of individuals and communities. We prepare graduates to perform valuable roles at the highest levels of professional activity, including interventions and research that target individuals, families, institutions and society as a whole.

Program Highlights

• Collaboration with the Counseling and Assessment Clinic in Bryan, Texas• Cutting edge research on telehealth services in rural areas• Faculty mentors during the first year of practicum work• Field practicum both on campus and in mental health agencies• Nationally renown faculty in multicultural and rehabilitation psychology• Opportunities to participate in community-orientated, grant-funded projects• Practica experiences in telehealth interventions and bilingual therapy• Research opportunities with public health counseling psychology teams

Program Timeline

Each year, 8 students to 12 students are admitted into the Counseling Psychology doctoral program. Students entering the program with a bachelor’s take five years to six years to complete the program while students with a master’s typically complete the program in four years. All students must complete a yearlong APA-certified internship.


cpsy.tamu.edu

Fall 1 Credits 12

CPSY 679, CPSY 631, CPSY 626, EPSY 640**If you do not have an undergraduate statistics course, you must take EPSY 435 or STAT 651 before enrolling.

Post-Bachelors Program Curriculum

Spring 1 Credits 12

CPSY 639, CPSY 662, CPSY 672, EPSY 641

Summer 1 Credits 3

EPSY 622

Fall 2 Credits 12

CPSY 685, CPSY 664, SPSY 612, CPSY 632

Spring 2 Credits 12

CPSY 685, CPSY 683, EPSY 627, CPSY 633, CPSY 690

Summer 2 Credits 3

Psychology Core or Intervention Course

Fall 3 Credits 15

CPSY 685, CPSY 683, CPSY 683, EPSY 625, Psychology Core or Intervention Course

Spring 3 Credits 15

CPSY 685, CPSY 685*, Psychology Core or Intervention Course

Summer 3 Credits 3

CPSY 691

Fall 4 Credits 12

EPSY 682, CPSY 691, Psychology Core or Intervention Course

Spring 4 Credits 3

CPSY 691, Psychology Core or Intervention Course

Summer 4 Credits 3

CPSY 691

Fall and Spring 5 Credits 3

CPSY 684

*You must enroll under your dissertation advisor’s section.

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Program DescriptionHow do people learn? How do they develop? How can technology create learning environments that enhance people’s knowledge and skills? How can data reveal influences on learning and development, processes and outcomes? These are just a few of the questions that faculty and students in the Learning Sciences Program seek to answer.

Graduate study in the Learning Sciences Program is based on the apprentice scholar model, in which students not only become immersed in the literature outlining what is known, but in the process of exploring what is yet to be learned. Students actively participate in research designed to advance the understanding of these issues and in the development and evaluation of applications based on theory and research in the learning sciences. Specializations in this program include Cognition, Creativity, Instruction, and Development; Educational Technology; and Research, Measurement, and Statistics.

Cognition, Creativity, Intelligence, and Development (M.Ed., M.S. and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology): Effective instruction relies upon an understanding of the cognitive, creative and developmental processes that affect learners and educators across diverse instructional, social and cultural contexts. Research and instruction in this specialization is dedicated to improving the understanding of these processes and applying the knowledge gained to help people reach their full potential.

Educational Technology (M.Ed. in Educational Technology, Ph.D. in Educational Psychology): Graduate instruction and research in this specialization focuses on new and existing technologically based learning environments, including alternative classroom and workplace structures. Emphasis is on the development of skills essential for working with emerging technologies and the establishment of a thorough understanding of the cognitive processes underlying learning in interactive environments.

Research, Measurement and Statistics (M.Ed., M.S. and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology): Students in this specialization have the opportunity to study with faculty engaged in the development and application of cutting-edge quantitative research methods. These sophisticated analytical techniques, including multivariate statistics, hierarchical linear modeling, structural equation modeling, and time series analysis are intended to reflect the complexity of human cognition and behavior.

Learning Sciences Program (M.Ed., M.S. and Ph.D.)


http://epsy.tamu.edu/articles/learning_sciences

Program Highlights

• Internship sites that include schools, higher education and industry• Opportunity to build an interdisciplinary program of study that meets individual needs and professional objectives with the guidance of faculty mentors• Preparation in professional presentations and publications, grant writing, and funded research projects

Job Opportunities

• College or university faculty• Curriculum designer• Data analyst • Learning technologist• Personnel trainer • Program evaluator• Research methodologist

Learning Sciences Program (M.Ed., M.S. and Ph.D.)

Facilities and Services

• Educational Research and Evaluation Laboratory • Institute for Applied Creativity • Summer Statistics Workshops• Youth Adventure Program

School Counseling Program (M.Ed.)

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Program DescriptionThe School Counseling Program is committed to preparing qualified individuals as personal, academic and career counselors as well as consultants to teachers. We believe that well-trained counselors play an integral part in the academic and personal development of students at all levels of the educational process.

Program Highlights

• Most courses offered in the evenings and during the summer• Practicum experiences with professionals in the community and schools• Teaching requirement not required to begin program

Program Timeline

The School Counseling Program takes place over two years. Practicum experience takes place during the second year with both beginning and advanced placements.

Job Opportunities

• School counselor

Program Curriculum

Human Growth and Development Core Course Credits 3

EPSY 646 Issues in Child and Adolescent Development 3

Social and Cultural Foundations Core Course Credits 3CPSY 679 Multicultural Counseling 3

Helping Relationships Core Course Credits 9

CPSY 631 Techniques of Counseling 3

SPSY 641 or SEFB 618

Child Therapy for School and Behavioral Problems or Behavior Management 3

SPSY 628 or SPED 628

Consultation: Theory and Techniques or Consultation 3

Group Work Core Course Credits 3CPSY 633 Intro to Group Process 3

Professional Orientation Core Course Credits 3CPSY 632 Career Counseling 3

Appraisal Core Course Credits 3EPSY 622 Measurement and Evaluation in Education 3

Research Core Course Credits 3EPSY 636 Techniques of Research 3

Clinical Instruction Course Credits 6CPSY 639 Counseling Practicum I 3

CPSY 683 Field Practicum in Counseling (school-based) 3


http://epsy.tamu.edu/articles/school_counseling

*Note that this program is subject to change during the 2008-2009 academic year

*

Special Education Program (M.Ed., M.S. and Ph.D.)

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Program DescriptionGraduate programs in special education prepare educators, practitioners, and researchers to work in inclusive settings with students who are at-risk or who have mild, moderate, and severe disabilities. All programs are designed so that students develop a strong background in research, with the ability to interpret others’ research as well as conduct independent research. Students are also taught problem solving, collaboration, and communication skills needed to adapt to the challenges they will face in the field of special education.

Master’s ProgramsHigh Incidence Disabilities Degree Program: The Comprehensive Academic and Behavior Support (CABS) program prepares students to critically evaluate and deliver high-quality, evidence-based prevention and intervention services. Students work not only with students with high incidence disabilities but also with general education and linguistically diverse students who are at-risk for behavioral and learning problems.

Low-Incidence Disabilities Degree Program: This program recruits experienced teachers who wish to increase their knowledge and skills as special educators and who are committed to work with students with significant support needs. The program produces qualified instructional specialists to serve individuals with low-incidence disabilities, specifically students with intellectual disabilities, autism, developmental delay, traumatic brain injury or multiple disabilities.

Non-Categorical Special Education Degree Program: This program is for students wishing to further their education in special education or receive additional certification in special education. This program prepares teachers to instruct students with mild to moderate learning disabilities, mental retardation and emotional disturbance. Through varied fieldwork, graduates work with students in an array of special and general education settings.

Transition Services Specialist Degree Program: This program provides secondary special educators the tools necessary to coordinate the transition planning from school to work, college or beyond. The program teaches the learner how to effectively prepare students with disabilities at the secondary level for their transition from school to adult life.

Program TimelineMaster’s programs range from 32 credit hours to 42 credit hours. Most master’s degree programs are structured so that full-time teachers can take classes part time.


http://epsy.tamu.edu/articles/Graduate_Special_Education

Program Timeline

Students entering the doctoral program must have a master’s degree. The doctoral program commonly requires three to four years of full-time enrollment for completion of all coursework, competencies and dissertation. Part-time students may require extra time.

Graduate Curriculum and Funding Information

More detailed program curriculum information and possible graduate funding opportunities can be found online at http://epsy.tamu.edu/articles/Graduate_Special_Education.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree Program

The Special Education Program prepares students for professional leadership positions at universities and in field settings and reflects the nation’s increasingly diverse K-12 student population and the national movement toward greater inclusion. The doctoral program is non-categorical, focusing on K-12 students who are at-risk or have mild/moderate disabilities. The program emphasizes applied research and its use in program improvement, so program content is based on empirically-supported skills and strategies.

Besides seminar-based learning, the doctoral program develops seven leadership competencies through supervised practica: (1) Grant Writing (2) Conference Presentations (3) Manuscript Submission for Publication (4) College Teaching (5) Research (6) Professional Supervision (7) Program Evaluation

Special Education Program (M.Ed., M.S. and Ph.D.)

Ph.D. in School Psychology

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Program DescriptionThe Doctoral Training Program in School Psychology at Texas A&M University is one of the top two school psychology programs for training in issues of diversity. This program strives to train psychologists capable of contributing to the health care of children and adolescents experiencing cognitive, academic, emotional and behavioral challenges, especially as related to the educational process at the individual and organizational levels. The training program also attempts to equip students to work in a variety of private and institutional settings in addition to public and private schools. The program adheres to a scientist-practitioner model.

Program Highlights

• Fully accredited by the American Psychological Association as offering training in school psychology• Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists• Doctoral Training Grant offering fellowship support for up to four years to train bilingual school psychologists working with Hispanic children with disabilities• Graduates more bilingual/Hispanic doctoral students than any other program in the United States• Opportunities for APA-accredited or APPIC member internship placements

Program Timeline

Students entering the School Psychology Doctoral Program enter with a range of backgrounds and experiences, thus time to completion varies. However, the program is designed to be completed, from bachelor’s degree to doctorate, in five years. The program requires a minimum of 100 credit hours.


http://epsy.tamu.edu/articles/school_psychology

Job Opportunities

• Higher education faculty• Public school psychologists• Private practice psychologists• Health service providers in medical/agency settings

Program Curriculum

Students enrolled in the school psychology program will take 12-18 hours of basic psychological sciences; 15-21 hours of research, measurement and statistics; 50 professional school psychology hours; 12 hours of specialization courses; and 12 dissertation hours. For more detailed course requirements, visit http://epsy.tamu.edu/articles/SP_Course_Requirements.

Ph.D. in School Psychology

Application Procedures

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Freshmen are required to return the following to the Texas A&M University Office of Admissions by the required deadline:

• A completed Apply Texas Application available at www.applytexas.org• Essay Topics• A nonrefundable $60 processing fee or fee waiver• An official high school transcript with class rank• SAT or ACT scores• A Permanent Resident Card or I551 (if applicable)• Affidavit of Intent to become a Permanent Resident (if applicable)

For additional information, visit http://admissions.tamu.edu/.

Undergraduate Programs with Teacher Certification



Graduate StudentsAll candidates are required to complete and return the following items to the Office of Admissions:

• Texas A&M University graduate application and processing fee ($50 for US citizens or permanent residents; $75 for international applicants) available at www.applytexas.org• Official transcripts from universities indicating previous degrees awarded• Official GRE scores less than five years old• Official TOEFL scores taken within the last two years (international students only)

In addition, the Department of Educational Psychology requires the departmental application returned to the academic advisor’s office by the deadline. This includes the essay and three letters of recommendation and is available at http://myrecord.cehd.tamu.edu/gradapp/.

For additional information, visit http://epsy.tamu.edu/articles/graduate_admissions.

Application Procedures

All application materials are online and the preferred method of receiving materials. For paper materials, please contact the department.

Application Deadlines

• October 15 – Applications for all master’s programs for spring admission (except school counseling) due• December 1 – Applications for all Ph.D. programs due• March 15 – Applications for master’s programs for summer and fall admission due• April 1 & July 1 – Alternative deadlines for Hispanic bilingual education Ph.D. and special education Ph.D. Priority is given to those students who apply by December 1.

Documents

Educational Psychology Graduate Brochure