Students are trained for careers in academic settings and effective research and practice along the continuum of prevention, assessment, early intervention and intervention for youth and their families, in schools and other community settings. Our program prepares students for the practice of Health Service Psychology (HSP). The goal HSP is to facilitate human functioning and development through the integration of psychological science and practice.  All USC’s School Psychology trainees receive training, supervision, and evaluation in competencies consistent with the profession of HSP and the discipline of School Psychology. Students are trained in APA’s tripartite model of evidence-based practice, which includes the integration of 1) the best available scientific evidence; 2) clinical expertise; and 3) the preferences of characteristics of individuals or organizations being served. 

Notable program and training themes are:

1) interdisciplinary research and theoretical perspectives (e.g., collaboration with school, clinical/community psychology; general and special education; social work; public health; medicine)

2) close faculty-student mentoring

3) commitment to life-long learning.