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The Department of Student Development is a multi-disciplinary department comprised of four concentrations (School Counselor Education, School Psychology, Special Education, and Social Justice Education) dedicated to training future practitioners, researchers, and leaders in the area of education and student development. The Department focuses on the development of the individual pupil within the educational context of formal educational settings (PreK-16) as well as the social/cultural context of various social identity groups and family/community settings.  The Department research and scholarship are linked to the study of student development in relation to a range of interventions aimed at academic outcomes, in addition to their relationships with peers, educators, families and the larger socio-cultural contexts that impact equity and access. Our research also examines the impact of school climate and classroom interactions and relationships within and among various social identity groups and their interactions with educational systems, families, and communities. 

The department is home to a Ph.D. program in School Psychology and doctoral (Ed.D.) concentrations in Social Justice Education and Special Education. The graduate program in School Psychology and graduate concentrations in the areas of School Counselor Education, Special Education, and Social Justice Education are offered for students pursuing a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree or a Certificate of Advance Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.). In addition, the Social Justice Education concentration offers a graduate certificate in Teaching for Diversity.  For more information, go to the individual program and concentration links.

Graduate students explore theory and research as it relates to one of the three concentrations or one program listed above, in addition to demonstrating a commitment to social justice, equity, access, and opportunity for the purpose of positively impacting the learning of individuals and groups in educational settings.

Graduate students may also pursue state-approved licensure in the following areas:

Administrator of Special Education
School Guidance Counselor
School Psychologist
Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities

Public school career paths for our graduates include employment as school counselor educators, school psychologists, special educators, and directors of special education.  In addition, graduates go on to pursue careers in higher education as professors, administrators, student affairs personnel, and residential life staff.