A new doctoral degree from Georgian Court University expands possibility for students, practicing school psychologists, and other professionals eager to meet the mental health and educational needs of students at every age level. GCU’s doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) degree in school psychology, which was approved this week by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, will enroll graduate students beginning late this summer.
The new program enables students to earn a doctoral degree upon completion of their undergraduate degree while also enabling practicing school psychologists to expand their practice and move into more advanced settings such as hospitals, clinics, universities, and private practice. This expansion will enable GCU graduates to give back and service their respective communities by being able to reach more children and adolescents who are in need of mental health services.
“The faculty are thrilled to see their hard work and long-term vision for Georgian Court University’s psychology department come to fruition,” says Alfred F. Mancuso, Psy.D., a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), associate professor, and chair of the GCU Department of Psychology and Counseling. “We couldn’t be more pleased to unveil this new program.”
Mission and Objectives
GCU’s overall strength as an institution and a need for more Psy.D. programs in New Jersey were among the factors considered by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. This new program has two tracks: a 112-credit, five-year program for students entering directly from their undergraduate program and a 47-credit, three-year program, which is an extension of GCU’s National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)-approved existing master’s degree and post-master’s certificate programs in school psychology. The doctoral program will provide graduates with:
- the ability to serve children in schools, hospitals, clinics, and other advance practice settings by attending to their mental health and educational needs, while also emphasizing issues of diversity and social justice;
- the importance of understanding and respecting the various contexts of a multicultural, pluralistic society in which children live and shape their lives; and,
- a program that reflects the university’s mission and Mercy core values.
“I am beyond excited about this new opportunity for GCU students to take their education to the doctoral level. It opens up new pathways for our school psychologists and gives them a chance to make changes in their communities,” says Joseph R. Marbach, Ph.D., university president.
For complete program details, contact the GCU Office of Admissions at 732-987-2700 or admissions@georgian.edu.
