"The UW-River Falls program provided me the
ability to work full-time while allowing me to fulfill a dream to work
in education as a school 
psychologist. The comprehensive programming in the areas of a multidisciplinary approach to academic and
mental health interventions, consultation and collaboration, cultural
responsiveness, and assessment prepared me for the varying dynamics of
the school psychology profession. Additionally, the support and
encouragement offered by both the faculty and my cohort members were key
in making me the professional I am today."
Employed by – Milwaukee Public Schools (WI)
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls
School Psychology
School Psychology
School Psychology emphasizes collaboration, culturally-responsive practice, leadership development and data-based decision making. School psychologists work with teachers, school administrators, parents, and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy and supportive environment. School psychologists understand school systems, effective teaching and successful learning. They help evaluate student and classroom needs and develop systematic interventions when needed.
Fully accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), our program ensures graduates have strong skills in data-based decision making, school interventions, consultation, collaborative problem solving and culturally-responsive services. To learn more about school psychologists, click here.
For additional information about being a graduate student at UW-River Falls, see the Graduate Studies homepage.
Alumni Testimonials
Brooke
Shaun
"I decided to join the UW-RF School Psychology Program because,
after meeting with the faculty and staff, it was evident that I would
not simply be joining a "program." Rather, I left with the feeling that I
would be joining a cohesive-team of faculty that would be committed to
supporting me in succeeding throughout my graduate studies. As a result
of my decision, I am now working as a licensed school psychologist with
the skills and knowledge that are required to implement culturally
competent practices, data-based decision making and an amalgam of other
vital roles."
Employed by – South Washington County School District (MN)
Marcie
"The School Psychology program at UWRF taught me many skills required to fulfill my job duties as a school psychologist. I learned how to effectively evaluate student needs, collaborate with educators and parents, counsel students with various mental health issues and to enjoy this ever-changing, fast-paced, career."
Employed by - School District of Cadott Community Schools (WI)
Sally
"The School Psychology Program at UWRF prepared me for the field of school psychology and helped me hone my leadership skills, guiding me to work cross-culturally, to create and direct the Hmong Culture and Language Program, and to serve in various state and national leadership roles including the Presidency of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)."
Employed by - Concordia University, St. Paul (MN), Professor
Bobbi
"As an alumna of the UWRF School Psychology Program, I am very happy with my choice for graduate school. The professors were supportive, knowledgeable, and responsive. There were multiple leadership and involvement opportunities locally, statewide, and nationally. I know the program's strong reputation was an advantage when applying for internships and post-graduation positions in both Wisconsin and Minnesota."
Employed by - Saint Paul Public Schools (MN)
Donald
"My
experience discovering the UWRF School Psychology Program was similar to that of
many. I made the short trip from St. Paul to River Falls to meet the faculty and discuss what a career
in school psychology would offer. I was immediately impressed with the
individualized attention I received, and enthused by the faculty's
dedication and excitement for the profession. The program has a rich history of
mentorship, collaboration, research, and a fundamental goal to help improve the lives of others. My decision
to join the UW-River Falls program led to a career in education and
psychology that matched my professional goals of working directly with
children, adolescents, caregivers, and other professionals."
Employed by - Program Alumnus & Retired Professor Emeritus, UW-RF School Psychology Program
Andrea
"The UW-River Falls School Psychology program gave me the skills required to be an effective school psychologist. The focus on assessment, cultural sensitivity, collaboration and consultation, counseling techniques, multi-tiered systems of support, and school intervention strategies fully prepared me for the obstacles many children, families and educational professionals face. I continue to value the strong relationships I established with former colleagues and professors during my time at UWRF; these relationships have allowed me to grow personally as well as professionally. I am forever grateful for the opportunities that have been offered to me as a result of the quality education provided through the UWRF School Psychology program."
Employed by – River Falls Public Schools (WI)
Program Highlights
- Progressive curriculum includes new courses in school crisis prevention and intervention, public policy and advocacy, advanced school interventions, and pre-practicum opportunities.
- FOR STUDENTS STARTING IN 2018 OR BEFORE: See complete course sequence here.
- FOR STUDENTS STARTING IN 2019 OR AFTER: See complete course sequence here.
- Students attend classes in two convenient locations - the main campus in River Falls (30 minutes from St. Paul) and at the Hudson Center (20 minutes from St. Paul).
- Evening-based courses provide flexibility, with classes typically beginning at 4 p.m. or later. Many students find the structure to be integral to their success, allowing time to maintain daytime employment and/or time for other obligations as needed.
- Students receive varied and diverse field experiences in urban, suburban and rural schools. See the program's Values Statement Addressing Diversity.
- Graduates experience numerous career opportunities while benefiting from a network of hundreds of alumni working in Western Wisconsin, in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, and beyond. One-hundred percent of UWRF program interns have secured school psychology positions since 2002.
News and Events
- Department Open House events for prospective students are held periodically during the academic year. The next department Open House will be held on November 12, 2019, from 5:00 to 6:30PM, in the Wyman Education Building (specific room TBD). Open House events are designed just for prospective graduate students in School Counseling or School Psychlogy. They are great opportunities to meet current graduate students in the department and talk to faculty members, all in a small group or one-on-one atmosphere. Prospective students may also request individualized visits at any time by contacting the Program Director. Parking for Open Houses or any campus visit is available in Pay Lot 2 (adjacent to Lot F) or Pay Lot 1 (adjacent to Lot Q). See the campus map to find parking options and the Walker Wyman Education Building. Contact the program director, Dr. Scott Woitaszewski, for additional details.
- The 2019-2020 School Psychology Program Policies and Procedures Handbook (i.e., "The Student Handbook") has been updated and is now available HERE. The handbook covers everything from applying to the program to getting a license after graduation (and nearly everything in between!).
Contact Us
School Psychology
scott.woitaszewski@uwrf.edu
715-425-3883
227 Wyman Education Building
