Rider University’s School Psychology Program receives national re-accreditation

Over the summer, Rider University’s School Psychology Program received full accreditation by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). As a result, students can attain the Nationally Certified School Psychologist degree and automatically receive the credential to practice as a school psychologist in about half the 50 U.S. states. 

"The continued recognition by NASP is a testament to Rider’s quality education in school psychology and a true benefit to our students,” says Dr. Stefan Dombrowski, professor of Rider’s School Psychology Program. 

Rider’s School Psychology Program is one of only seven school psychology programs in the state of New Jersey with full accreditation by NASP, which is the world's largest organization of school psychologists. The organization represents more than 25,000 school psychologists, graduate students and related professionals throughout the United States and 25 other countries. It works to advance effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior and mental health.

Most school psychologists are employed in K–12 public schools, working with students, families and teachers on a variety of mental health, learning and behavior issues. Over the past 10 years, nearly 100% of the University’s School Psychology Program graduates have passed the national examination in school psychology. They have taken positions in Colorado, Georgia, South Carolina, Nevada, California, Florida, New York, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Canada. Other recent graduates have gone on to enroll in doctoral programs in school psychology, neuropsychology and allied fields.  

Rider’s school psychology program is dedicated to providing future school psychologists with traditional and contemporary training from faculty who are active researchers and well-regarded on the national landscape. The 64-credit program’s fundamental goals are to provide each graduate with the required assessment and intervention skills, professionalism and awareness to become a productive member of the school psychology community. 

Rider’s graduate program in school psychology first received NASP accreditation in 2007 and the recent conferral of NASP-approval extends the program’s fully accredited status through 2023.