Western Carolina University

The WCU SSP program is primarily cognitive-behavioral and based on a child advocacy model. In this model, the needs of the child are at the center of all activity engaged in by the school psychologist. Our students are trained to facilitate growth in development, behavior, and learning of children and youth. 

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Students in the WCU School Psychology Program are given many opportunities for diverse community experiences.  This includes involvement with school systems in the region including four Charter Schools. The public schools in this region provide a unique picture of rural Appalachian communities but also reflect changes related to the increase in Hispanic populations within these communities. In addition, the Cherokee Indian Reservation is located close by and there is one school system that provides a more inner city perspective. The students in this program also complete service learning activities with the Jackson County Family Resources Center where they are able to connect with families and develop a stronger understanding of factors impacting the children in those families. 

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Prior to working in any school setting there is a good chance that the school system will require that a Background Check be completed. Resources will be provided through the program so that each student can obtain their own Background Check prior to entering the schools. This will not be a requirement for entrance into the program or for participation in any of the programs activities but students entering the program should be aware that any serious offense or conviction that shows up on a Background Check could prevent that student from working in a school setting. In addition, even minor offenses (i.e. underage drinking) may result in a school system investigating the status of that student more closely and may also require that the student go before the state ethics board prior to being provided with a state license in School Psychology.   

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A thesis is required for graduation from this program. The thesis may involve original experimental research, a replication of previous research, or applied/action research such as single-subject case studies, program reviews, qualitative studies, etc. The proposal for this thesis (prospectus) must be completed and approved prior to enrollment in Thesis hours which occurs during the third year in the program.  Any student who does not meet this requirement will be exited from the program. The final thesis defense must be completed before the student can apply for graduation.

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The practica experiences are divided into an internal clinic placement and an external field-based placement. The internal placement involves working in the Psychological Services Clinic housed within the psychology department. Students in this practicum placement complete a minimum of 6 comprehensive assessments. Internal placements are closely supervised, including activities such as direct supervision of feedback sessions with families and audio or videotaping of interactions with clients (and their families). 

The external field-based practicum placement involves working in a school system that is distinct from the university. The requirements for the external placement are a minimum of 2 full days a week working in the agency. The external placement requires students to complete a minimum of 4 assessment cases, a minimum of 1 consultation/behavioral or academic intervention case, and a minimum of 2 counseling cases. In addition, the practicum students present cases to their fellow students, and lead discussions on various topics with other practicum students.

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Students are required to complete a 1500-hour internship following the completion of formal coursework and practica experiences. The internship occurs during a single academic year. Of the 1500-hours, at least half must occur in a school setting. This internship is a two-semester internship in which the student demonstrates and applies skills acquired during formal coursework and practica experiences. The students must receive 2 hours per week of supervision from a credentialed school psychologist.

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Completion of the Praxis II exam with scores at or above the state DPI licensure exam criteria of 159 will be required for graduation.