About the Department
The Department of Counseling, School Psychology and Family Science at the University of Nebraska at Kearney promotes a field-based scientist/practitioner model to prepare culturally competent and compassionate professionals at the graduate level. Our program prepares students to provide service and leadership in school psychology, clinical mental health counseling, school counseling and student affairs.
The scientist/practitioner model in CSPFS creates practitioners who understand, critically evaluate and effectively use the research base within their profession to make decisions and guide practice. The department consists of nationally and internationally accredited masters and educational specialist programs in Counseling and School Psychology.
The CSPFS Faculty are committed to the professional and personal development of each student. Professors hold state and national credentials and have extensive clinical experience in a variety of settings. We have a state of the art, on-site clinic that we are very proud of in the College of Education. We offer flexible course scheduling, video conferencing, blended and online courses. CSPFS has a 70+ year successful history of career placement for graduates. We have graduate assistantships and many professional development opportunities.
Graduate Programs
Advanced Specialist Degree Program
Certificate Program
Undergraduate Programs
Mission
The mission of the UNK Department of Counseling, School Psychology, and Family Science is to provide quality academic and clinical preparation supporting licensure and certification within the professions of counseling, school psychology, family advocacy, and life education. Graduates of this department experience rigorous, evidence-based curriculum, scientist/practitioner and experiential learning designed to prepare critical thinkers and reflective practitioners to enhance the lives of diverse individuals and families across clinical settings, schools, higher education, and rural and urban communities.
“School psychology interests me because I feel like I always saw myself working in education, but I also saw myself working with community agencies, students, teachers, and administration. I get to do all of that as a school psychologist. The hands-on experience has been the most valuable. The program sets a foundation as far as being in the classroom with face-to-face interaction with the professors. But then they also get you out into the school system. You’re getting firsthand experience.”
Accreditations
The CSP Department conducts continuous systematic program evaluation clearly demonstrating continual compliance with external accreditation including international (i.e., ISPA, IRCEP), national (i.e. NCA, NASP, CACREP), state (NDE) professional accrediting and endorsement bodies as well as internal academic program review (APR).
Organizations and Resources
The University of Nebraska at Kearney's Counseling and School Psychology Department provides students with multiple opportunities to get involved through student organizations, internships, and more. The School Psychology Department encourages students to get involved in order to develop skills that will aid them in their future careers.
- Department Newsletter
- CSP Facebook Group
- GrASP The object of this organization is to create an informative, educational and social atmosphere for graduate students in the school psychology program at UNK
- Chi Sigma Iota CSI is an international honor society that values academic and professional excellence in counseling. it promotes a strong professional identity through members (professional counselors, counselor educators, and students) who contribute to the realization of a healthy society by fostering wellness and human dignity.
- School Counselor Internship Handbook
- Council on Family Relations The UNK Student Council on Family Relations is a family-science oriented club dedicated to building opportunities for students such as networking, community volunteering, and providing a connection to possible internships or careers.
