Department Mission & Values

Department Mission

Educational psychology involves the study of cognitive, emotional, and social learning processes that underlie education and human development across the lifespan. Research in educational psychology advances scientific knowledge of those processes and their application in diverse educational and community settings. The department provides training in the psychological foundations of education, research methods, and the practice and science of counseling psychology, school psychology, and special education. Faculty and students provide leadership and consultation to the state, the nation, and the international community in each area of educational psychology. The department's scholarship and teaching enhance professional practice in schools and universities, community mental health agencies, business and industrial organizations, early childhood programs, and government agencies.

Values

• Research to Advance Science and Practice

• Positive Climate for All: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Student as Leaders and Innovators

Program Mission Statements

Counselor education

The primary objective of the counseling and student personnel psychology MA program is to provide a fundamental body of knowledge and skills that prepares counselors and student personnel specialists for work in a variety of settings. Conceptually, the program is built on a synthesis of psychological approaches to human growth. This leads to a broad course of study but one with strong, unifying themes. The CSPP faculty are committed to addressing current social issues, such as multicultural and diversity concerns, through a developmental framework.

Psychological foundations of education

To apply and generate knowledge of psychological processes and methodological procedures involved in learning and teaching for the betterment and improvement of humans in a wide range of situations.

Quantitative methods in education

Quantitative methods in education strives to be a premier program recognized for leadership, innovation, and excellence, and to enable human potential through the advancement of education. Quantitative methods in education prepares students to become cutting-edge professionals in educational measurement, evaluation, statistics, and statistics education, through excellence in teaching, research, and service; and through investigating and developing research methodology in education.

School psychology

The school psychology program at the University of Minnesota is one of the oldest and most well established graduate programs in school psychology in the country. It is accredited by multiple governing bodies (e.g., APA, NASP, & NCATE) and its faculty are leaders in the field through authoring policy documents (e.g., the three editions of School psychology: A blueprint for training and practice) and by conducting high quality research that addresses the enhancement of individual child competence and the capacity of systems to meet the needs of children

Special education

The special education program aims to improve outcomes for individuals who require specialized support to experience success across the lifespan. We are committed to engaging in meaningful research—and to bridging research and practice—to improve the lives of children and families in diverse contexts, and to have a lasting impact on teacher education, leadership, and policy