Siena is now home to the only undergraduate-only psychology program in the country to offer a concentration in school psychology.
The New York State Education Department approved the 18-credit concentration last week, and it is anticipated that Siena students will be able to enroll effective this fall.
“It’s highly unusual for school psychology to be offered as a concentration within this major in an undergraduate program, and, according to our research, Siena appears to be the only undergraduate-only program in the U.S. to offer it now,” said Kristin Miller, Ph.D., professor of psychology.
Miller said the rare instances when a school psychology concentration is offered at the undergrad level it is usually within the context of a college’s 3+3 or graduate feeder program.
According to Miller, school psychologists address student behavioral health and learning needs through consultation, assessment, and direct intervention. The field applies principles of clinical psychology, developmental psychology, educational psychology, community psychology, and applied behavior analysis to achieve those goals. Students with this concentration at Siena will be well prepared to apply for graduate study in school psychology, child clinical psychology, school counseling, school social work, or a related field to further prepare for their careers.
Speaking of careers, school psychology is an attractive choice; U.S. News and World Report ranks school psychologist #2 in “Best Social Services Jobs,” #18 in “Best STEM Jobs,” and #36 in “100 Best Jobs.” Unlike many careers in education, the field of school psychology has faced a critical shortage for over two decades that is expected to continue at least through 2030.
“It has been suggested that there has never been a time when the supply of school psychologists met the demand,” said Miller.
For Siena graduates, school psychology is a popular choice in grad school study. In recent years, alumni have attended (at both the doctoral and specialist levels) some of the most prestigious school psychology programs in the country including Syracuse University, Lehigh University, University of Connecticut, and the University at Albany.
“Students with this concentration will have a competitive edge when applying to graduate schools because their coursework in psychology will be field-focused,” she said. “This will include taking a psychology in schools class, a course rarely offered at the undergraduate level. In addition, they will take classes with a school psychologist, who will also be assigned as their academic advisor. Taken together, Siena students will have exponentially more knowledge and exposure to the field than is available at other colleges, and will have the advantage of advising from a professional in the field.”
Miranda Kane ’23 said she is excited about the new concentration because it blends together all of the psychology concepts that interest her.
“I have always known I wanted to work with children and likely in a school setting, but, once I got to college, I wasn't sure if teaching was the right fit,” she said. “However, this concentration includes both educational-field concepts and psychological concepts which is perfect for me! Also, when applying for graduate programs, I think I will stand out because there are so few undergraduate school psychology programs in the country.”
