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Northern Illinois University

Department of Psychology

Typical Doctoral Program of Study

 A "typical" program of study leading to an Ph.D. degree and certification in school psychology is presented below. Other significant program milestones are also noted.

Fall Semester 1:

PSYC 604 - Advanced Psychological Statistics
PSYC 639 - Professional School Psychology
PSYC 640 - Theory and Assessment of Intellectual Functioning
ETR 534 - Dynamic Assessment for Students with High Incidence Disabilities
PSYC 690 - Psychological Research

  • Faculty mentor assigned
  • Complete doctoral program of courses form

Spring Semester 1:

PSYC 606 - Experimental Design
PSYC 611 - Cognitive Psychology I
PSYC 646 - Psychological Assessment (Social/Emotional)
PSYC 653 - First Year Practicum
PSYC 690 - Psychological Research

Summer Semester 1:

TLSE 560 - Functional Analysis
PSYC 685 – Independent Study

  • Prepare for second-year Competency Exam
  • Sign up for Independent Study with a faculty member to begin thesis work

Fall Semester 2:

PSYC 665 - Behavioral Development
PSYC 647 - Interventions with Children & Their Families
PSYC 653 - Second Year Practicum
PSYC 699 – Thesis
PSYC 690 - Psychological Research

  • Complete second-year Competency Exam (August)

Spring Semester 2:

PSYC 648 – Consultative Interventions
PSYC 653 - Second Year Practicum
PSYC 676 - Social Personality Development
PSYC 699 – Thesis
PSYC 690 - Psychological Research

Summer Semester 2:

TLSE 562 - Curricular and Instructional Design and Adaptation for Inclusive Settings OR TLSE 563 – Methods for Teaching Students with Emotional Disturbance
PSYC 699 - Thesis

Fall Semester 3:

PSYC 645 – Child Psychopathology OR PSYC 541 - Behavior Pathology
PSYC 653 – Ph.D. Practicum
PSYC 699 – Thesis
PSYC 690 - Psychological Research

Spring Semester 3:

Psychology Tool Course
PSYC 653 – Ph. D. Practicum
PSYC 699 - Thesis
PSYC 690 – Psychological Research

  • Candidacy exam

Summer Semester 3:

Psychology Tool Course
TLSE 540 – Foundations of Special Education

  • Candidacy exam
  • Start working on APPIC application

Fall Semester 4:

PSYC 603 – Biopsychology
Cognate Course
PSYC 799 – Dissertation

  • Complete APPIC Application for Internship

Spring Semester 4:

PSYC 528 – History
PSYC 799 – Dissertation

  • Internship interviews at ISPA (February)
  • Consider taking ISBE Basic Skills and School Psychology exam (must be completed by end of internship)

Summer Semester 4:

PSYC 799 – Dissertation

  • Students interested in licensure should register for internship credits this semester or the summer following internship.

Fall Semester 5:

PSYC 656 - Internship
PSYC 799 – Dissertation

  • Internship site visits (Fall)
  • On-campus intern meetings (Fall)

Spring Semester 5:

PSYC 656 - Internship
PSYC 799 – Dissertation

  • Internship site visits (Spring)
  • On-campus intern meetings (Spring)
  • Complete portfolio
  • Obtain Illinois Certification for School Psychology
  • Graduation

Summer Semester 5:

  • If necessary, students should register for internship credits or dissertation credits until both are complete.