Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology

Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology is a multidisciplinary endeavor devoted to research, teaching, and service in the use of psychological principles to promote lifelong growth, learning, and development in multiple life roles and contexts. Four disciplines are represented within the department: Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology & Methodology, School Psychology, and Special Education.

The Department offers programs leading to a B.S. in Human Development; an M.S. program in Mental Health Counseling and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology; an M.S. in Educational Psychology and Methodology and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology; a certificate of advanced study and a Psy.D. in School Psychology; and M.S. degrees in Special Education and Literacy (I), Special Education and Literacy (II), Special Education (Inclusion), and Inclusion and Special Education, as well as a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Special Education.

Chair:
Kimberly Colvin
518-442-3077
Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology website

The Counseling Psychology division offers accredited graduate-level scientist-practitioner preparation programs in Counseling Psychology and Mental Health Counseling.

Division Director:
Jason Gallo
518-442-5042

The Educational Psychology & Methodology division has a long history of preparing excellent scholars, teachers, and researchers on the graduate and undergraduate levels to advance human learning and development in a variety of settings, with approaches accommodated to the range of human diversity.

Division Director:
Gabriel Schlomer
518-442-5150

The School Psychology division prepares school psychologists to integrate psychological theory, research, and established methods of scientific inquiry into effective practice; and to engage in research and evaluation activities that contribute to the science and practice of psychology.

Division Director:
Callen E. Fishman
518-442-5164

The Special Education division offers full-time and part-time graduate-level programs in Special Education and Inclusion, as well as a combined Special Education/Literacy degree with the Literacy Teaching and Learning Department.

Division Director:
Kristie Asaro-Saddler
518-442-5057

Educational & Counseling Psychology Faculty

Professors
Heidi L. Andrade, Ed.D., Harvard University
David Yun Dai, Ph.D., Purdue University
Myrna L. Friedlander, Ph.D., The Ohio State University
David Miller, Ph.D., Lehigh University
Susan D. Phillips, Ph.D., Columbia University
Zheng Yan, Ed.D., Harvard University

Associate Professors
Kristie Asaro-Saddler, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
Erin Baker, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University
Robert Bangert-Drowns, Ph.D., University of Michigan
Kimberly F. Colvin, Ed.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Mariola Moeyart, Ph.D., KU Leuven, Belgium
Kevin P. Quinn, Ed.D., Northern Illinois University
Gabriel Schlomer, Ph.D., University of Arizona
Benjamin Solomon, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Hung-Bin Sheu, Ph.D., University of Maryland - College Park
Melanie Wilcox, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY

Assistant Professors
Klaus Cavalhieri, Ph.D., Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Mary DePascale, Ph.D., University of Maryland – College Park
Tammy Ellis-Robinson. Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
Tianlin Wang, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Lecturers
Catarina Alves, Ph.D., Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
Andrew Petsche, Ph.D., University of Connecticut

Clinical Assistant Professor
Callen Fishman, Psy.D., University at Albany, SUNY

Instructors and Supervisors
Jason B. Gallo, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
Matthew LaFave, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
Dayna Newton, MS, CAS, University at Albany, SUNY

Senior Research Scientist
M. Dolores Cimini, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY

B.S. in Human Development

The fundamental mission of the interdisciplinary Human Development program is to explore the psychological, social, and cultural facets of human development and learning across the life span. Students will learn to critically assess social and cultural frameworks and the ways in which individuals, families, and communities are situated within them. Furthermore, they will be intellectually engaged in high quality, specialized knowledge refined by research and engagement within the community. Within this program diversity will be highly valued; students will explore diversity through issues of equity and social justice while taking into account the effects these issues have on human development. All students will take classes in human development, psychology, education, individual differences, quantitative and qualitative research, and statistics. These courses will stress self-directed learning and provide team-based learning opportunities that foster effective collaboration skills. Students will graduate with strong skills in research methods and be comfortable using data to make professional decisions.

Careers

Students with a degree from the University at Albany in Human Development will possess skills that will prepare them for employment in schools, social services, child-care organizations, criminal justice, health-care agencies, mental health and community development organizations. They will also be prepared to continue their education in a graduate program in business, child and family advocacy, counseling, education, law, psychology, and social work, as well as to pursue one of the current graduate programs offered in the School of Education in Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, School Psychology, and Special Education.

Special Programs or Opportunities

The department offers opportunities for students to participate in internships, research activities, and independent studies specifically geared toward the students’ concentration and supervised by professionals in the field and by department faculty.

Admission

Declaration of the major in Human Development must be made by application to the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology.

I. Criteria for Students Admitted as Freshmen to Albany:

  • The student must have completed at least 24 credits (sophomore status)
  • The student’s cumulative grade point average for all coursework at the University at Albany must be 3.00 or higher at the time of evaluation
  • The courses A PSY 101, A SOC 115, and E PSY 200 must have been completed with a minimum grade of C or better             

If qualified applications exceed the number of available spaces, the following criteria will be used sequentially to select students to the program:

  • Overall GPA
  • GPA in the prerequisite admission courses (A PSY 101, A SOC 115, E PSY 200)

II. Criteria for Transfer Students:

  • Transfer students are expected to meet the admission criteria specified in section I, and are expected to apply for admission to the program when applying for admission to the university. For fall admission, applications must be received by July 1st.
  • Transfer students who plan to major in Human Development but have not completed the admission criteria specified in section I, may declare their intention to major in Human Development but will not be formally admitted to the major when they enter the University. Students must fulfill the criteria specified in section I.

Appeals: Students who do not meet the admission criteria due to extenuating circumstances may submit an appeal. Contact the Academic and Administrative Coordinator of the Human Development major for more information about the process.

Concentrations

Students who are admitted into the program may not minor in Educational Studies. Upon admission to the program, students must declare their concentration in the major. Only one concentration may be declared.

Counseling Psychology Concentration

A concentration in Counseling Psychology within the Human Development major will prepare students for careers in psychological health and welfare. Students will explore diversity through an introduction to a variety of theoretical approaches to counseling. Specifically, the curriculum will provide the students with a foundation in developmental and counseling psychology, with an emphasis on the underlying psychological processes.

Students will be well prepared to continue their education in a graduate program in mental health counseling, college/residential life counseling, counseling psychology, and clinical psychology. A concentration in Counseling Psychology will prepare graduates to pursue careers serving as residential counselors, behavioral specialists, addiction counselors, counselors for at-risk youth, providers of support services for youth with mental or physical disabilities, service providers for children, youth, and families of military personnel, directors of recreational programs, youth group leaders, parent trainers and advisors, human services agency directors, and child life specialists working with children, youth, and families in children's hospitals or pediatric wards.

Psychological Studies of Learning and Development Concentration

A concentration in Psychological Studies of Learning and Development within the Human Development major will introduce students to research about human learning and development within a variety of settings (e.g., in the home, in peer groups, and in schools) and about approaches to accommodate learners based on the range of human diversity encountered in such settings. Students will learn how to evaluate and utilize research to create better learning environments. The understanding of research methodologies will provide a basic preparation for graduate study in educational, counseling, clinical, or school psychology. In addition, students will be prepared to pursue careers as research assistants, members of program evaluation teams, academic advisors, institutional researchers, and workers in childcare and educational settings.

Higher Education Concentration

The concentration in Higher Education within the Human Development major will provide students with an introduction to the historical context and social foundations of post-secondary education and current issues that affect the system. Students will also gain knowledge about toleration and theories of human development relevant to late adolescence and adulthood. This concentration is appropriate for those interested in careers in colleges, universities, post-secondary systems and graduate school.

Peer Assistance and Leadership Concentration

The Peer Assistance and Leadership concentration provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate Human Development majors to integrate academic study with community service and student organizational leadership development experiences. Classroom learning and campus agency-based service opportunities within this concentration provide students with access to a course-based, credit-bearing educational experience in which they learn and develop community engagement, intervention and leadership skills through active participation in organized service experiences that meet campus and community needs. Learned skills can be applied to the world of work and graduate study in education as well as a wide range of other fields.

Special and Elementary Education and Literacy Concentration

A concentration in Special and Elementary Education and Literacy within the Human Development major will provide students with a foundation in atypical human development across the life span and knowledge of a variety of educational interventions for individuals with disabilities. Students will examine educational and life opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, as well as gain knowledge about the laws created to promote equity in access, education, and work for individuals with disabilities. In addition, students will be introduced to specific areas such as inclusion, universal design, instructional and community accommodations, and educational best practices. This concentration is appropriate for students who would like to pursue a career working with individuals with disabilities in community agencies or daycare centers, as teacher assistants for children with disabilities in schools, and/or continue their education in a graduate program leading to teacher certification.

Degree Requirements for the Major in Human Development

General Program B.S.:

A minimum of 45 credits, including 30 credits in the core and 15 credits in a concentration.

Core Courses:

30 credits

  • Foundation Courses (9 credits): a grade of C or better in A PSY 101, A SOC 115, and E PSY 200
  • Educational Psychology & Counseling Psychology (12 credits): E CPY 360, E PSY 224, 250, and 330
  • Elective in Psychology or Sociology (3 credits): A PSY 238, 270, 327, 329, 333, 340, A SOC 250, 326, 362, 384
    NOTE: Students pursuing the concentration in Counseling Psychology or in Higher Education must take a course 300 level or above
  • Elective in Human Development (3 credits):  A ENG/A WSS 362, A PSY 238, 327, 329, 333, 340, 389, A SOC 362, 384, E CPY 370 (= A PSY 325), 421, E EPL 300, 441, E LTL 404, E PSY 411 (through Summer 2024), 420, 480, E SPE 460, H SPH 341, 343, R CRJ 308
  • Field-Based Learning Experience (3 credits): E PSY 490 

Approved Concentrations:

15 credits

  • Counseling Psychology Concentration**: A PSY 238, E CPY 370 (= A PSY 325), 421, and two courses from A PSY 270, 327, 333, 389, E CPY 204
  • Psychological Studies of Learning and Development Concentration: E PSY 400, 410, 420, 440, and 480 or 481
  • Higher Education Concentration**: E EPL 201, 202, 300, 301 or 370 (= A PSY 325), 441, E PSY 411 (through Summer 2024)
  • Peer Assistance and Leadership Concentration**: E CPY 400, 403, 404, 405, and E CPY 406 or E PSY 411 (through Summer 2024) or E EPL 441
  • Special and Elementary Education and Literacy Concentration**: E PSY 400, E SPE 369, 460, 463 and E LTL 404 or 406 or A PSY 333

**Students may not take the same course to fulfill multiple requirements in the core and in the concentration.

Combined B.S. in Human Development/M.S. in Educational Psychology and Methodology

Undergraduate students choosing the concentration in Psychological Studies of Learning and Development can graduate in 4 ½ years with a combined Bachelor’s in Human Development and Master’s in Educational Psychology and Methodology. The mission of the interdisciplinary Human Development B.S. is to explore the psychological, social, and cultural facets of human development and learning across the lifespan. The M.S. program is intended for students who desire a broad foundation in graduate study in educational psychology, including courses in human development, learning, individual differences and special education, measurement and evaluation, research methods, and statistics. Students in the B.S/M.S. graduate with strong skills in research methods and data analysis and are prepared for positions in research settings and a variety of agencies related to human services.

Requirements for the combined B.S./M.S. program:

  • GPA of a minimum of 3.2 in the major and 3.0 overall
  • Human Development major with a concentration in Psychological Studies of Learning and Development
  • Junior or senior status
  • At least one semester at UAlbany before acceptance

Students have the opportunity to take up to 12 graduate credits while still an undergraduate. Six of these credits count toward the Human Development major.

Combined B.S. in Human Development/M.S. in Higher Education

Students majoring in human development and interested in a career in higher education can complete a Master’s in Higher Education graduate program in only 5 years. Students will have the opportunity to take up to 12 credits of graduate coursework as an undergraduate student. These 12 credits will double count for both undergraduate and graduate school at undergraduate costs.

Choosing the combined program allows students to apply and be considered for the program before outside applicants as well as fast track studies to start a career in higher education.

Requirements for the combined BS/MS program:

  • GPA needs to be a minimum of 3.0 at the time of application
  • Must be a Human Development major with a concentration in Higher Education
  • Students apply in the spring semester of their junior year
  • At least one semester at UAlbany before acceptance

Combined B.S. in Human Development/M.S. in Mental Health Counseling

Undergraduate students choosing the concentration in Counseling Psychology and a minor in Psychology can graduate in 5 1/2 years with a combined Bachelor's in Human Development and Master's in Mental Health Counseling. The mission of the interdisciplinary Human Development B.S. is to explore the psychological, social, and cultural facets of human development and learning across the lifespan. The intensive Master’s program in Mental Health Mental Health Counseling is designed to prepare counselors to assume the full range of professional responsibilities required to function in a wide array of community human service agencies and organizations, including psychiatric and substance abuse settings. The model of this program, which integrates behavioral science theories with practitioner skills, is based on the assumption that the effective counselor has a strong understanding of the theoretical and scientific bases of professional concepts and techniques. 

Requirements for the B.S./M.S. program:

  • GPA of at least 3.5 at the time of application
  • Human Development major with a concentration in Counseling and a minor in Psychology
  • Completion of at least one semester at UAlbany
  •  Student must be junior or senior status

Students will have the opportunity to take up to 12 graduate credits while still an undergraduate student. They are encouraged to apply their junior year but will still be considered as senior applicants. 
Nine of these credits will count toward the Human Development major.

Combined B.S. in Human Development/Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology

Students majoring in human development and interested in becoming a school psychologist can complete the Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology graduate program in 7 years. Students will have the opportunity to take up to 9 credits of graduate coursework as an undergraduate student. These 9 credits will double count for both undergraduate and graduate school at undergraduate costs.

Choosing the combined program allows students to apply and be considered for the program before outside applicants. Students will graduate with a Master's in Educational Psychology and Methodology as well as a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology. Earning both degrees prepares students to become a licensed school psychologist.

Requirements for the combined B.S./C.A.S. program:

  • GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of application
  • Human Development major with a concentration in Psychological Studies of Learning and Development or Counseling Psychology and have taken E PSY 481 (Independent Research Project)
  • Students need to apply in the spring semester of their junior year
  • Student must have completed at least one semester at UAlbany before acceptance
  • Receive a grade of B or better in graduate courses taken during senior year

Combined B.S. in Human Development/M.S. in Special Education and Literacy II

Undergraduate students choosing the concentration in Special and Elementary Education and Literacy can graduate in 6 years with a combined Bachelor’s in Human Development and Master’s in Special Education and Literacy II. The mission of the interdisciplinary Human Development B.S. is to explore the psychological, social, and cultural facets of human development and learning across the lifespan. The intensive Master’s program in Special Education and Literacy leads to certificates that allow a graduate to work as an elementary school teacher (grades 1-6), a reading teacher (birth-grade 6), or a special education teacher (grades 1-6). Students take classes in human development, psychology, education, statistics, special education, literacy, and educational psychology to meet certification requirements. Practicum and clinical internships are integrated into the program.

Requirements for the B.S./M.S. program:

  • GPA of at least 3.2 at the time of application
  • Human Development major with a concentration in Special and Elementary Education and Literacy and a minor in a liberal arts area. Psychology, Sociology, and English are recommended
  • Completion of at least one semester at UAlbany

Students are encouraged to apply in the spring semester of their junior year: Those who apply as a senior will still be considered for the program. Students can take up to 12 graduate credits while an undergraduate. Six of these credits count toward the Human Development major.