Northern Illinois University
Department of Psychology
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

School psychologists use their expertise to support students' ability to learn and succeed. Our program combines theoretical and applied approaches across developmental, cognitive, social, and behavioral areas. It will prepare you for practitioner roles in treatment, assessment, and consultation, as well as teaching and research positions.

We offer two full-time degree tracks:

• Specialist in school psychology program
• Ph.D. in school psychology program

To learn more:

• Watch videos on our YouTube channel.
• Read about school psychologists on the National Association of School Psychologists website.

Invited students will be interviewed on:

• February 5, 2025 (Ph.D. Candidates) or February 5, 2025 (SSP Candidates) with an in-person or Zoom option.

Attend the NIU School Psychology Virtual Open House to learn more about our program
Date: October 7, 2024, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Register here.

Student Experience

You'll benefit from being part of a small cohort of less than eight students. In addition to training focused on multi-tiered services and support, you'll receive extensive research experiences. 

Other program benefits include:

• Strong track record for funding Ph.D. students (funding is sometimes available for master's/specialist-level students).
• Convenient location that allows for easy access to Chicago-area resources.
• Commitment to diversity in the field of psychology.
• Excellent placement rate for practicum and internship experiences, beginning in the spring of your first year.
• Support from our active School Psychology student organization.

Students in our specialist in school psychology program have the opportunity to receive training focused on bullying. We'll begin selecting candidates for our new program, Project Prevent and Address Bullying Behavior at All Tiers (PPABB), from the entering class of fall 2021.

Accreditation

Established in 1978, our certification program received full approval from the National Association of School Psychologists and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education in 1992. The program has maintained this status.

Our Ph.D. program is accredited by the American Psychological Association, which places us at the forefront of the nation's school psychology programs. The program is also approved by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards and the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242

202-336-5979
202-336-6123 (TDD/TTY)
202-336-5978 (Fax)
apaaccred@apa.org

Faculty

You'll work closely with our accomplished faculty members:

• Michelle K. Demaray
• Christine Malecki
• Molly McDade
• Julia Ogg
• Kara Styck
• Gabby Francis, Ph.D (VAP)

They are active researchers who are engaged in the field of school psychology on local, regional and national levels. Some of their accomplishments include:

• Michelle K. Demaray, Ph.D., is a Fellow of APA Division 16, is a Distinguished Research Professor, a Board of Trustee Professor, and was the former Editor of the Journal of School Psychology. 
• Christine Malecki, Ph.D., is a Fellow of APA Division 16, is a Distinguished Engagement Professor, a Presidential Research Professor, and was the former chair of the executive committee of the Council of Directors of School Psychology Programs. 
• Julia Ogg, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Publications and Communication for the American Psychological Association Division 16 (School Psychology), the incoming President-Elect for APA Division 16, and an Associate Editor for the Journal of School Psychology.