Special Ed Fellowships

Evidence-Based Interventions for
Children Exhibiting Disruptive Behaviors

This interdisciplinary program between School Psychology and Special Education helps doctoral students in each program learn about each other's professional culture. While pursuing their focused doctoral studies, participants engage in collaborative field work, some common coursework, and a shared professional development community. The following sections provide additional information and a brochure on the program.

Click here for School Psychology grant brochure
Click here for Special Education grant brochure

Program Information

Overview

This program of study offers doctoral students in School Psychology and Special Education (with a focus in emotional/behavioral disorders) an opportunity to expand their learning experience through exposure and involvement with doctoral students and faculty colleagues in a closely allied discipline.

Doctoral students in School Psychology and Special Education will engage in team-based field work, pursue some common coursework, participate in regular seminars and cohort processing meetings, share involvement in research apprenticeship activities, and generally experience a collaborative approach to developing their respective areas of expertise.

The program focuses on evidence-based best practices for children at risk for exhibiting disruptive behaviors, with a strong prevention component. Students will receive advanced training in research-based prevention and early intervention programs, along with specialized training as part of their respective doctoral coursework.

Additionally, participants will be supported in their professional growth and development through grant writing training, mentorships with editors of leading journals, shared research and publication activities, and involvement in national conference presentations.

Expectations

Students admitted into this program are expected to have a serious commitment to doctoral study and development of their scholarship. Course demands are rigorous, exceeding those of many doctoral programs of study. Involvement in this program requires a devotion to reflective thought and an openness to ongoing self-evaluation and improvement.
It is expected that students' scholarly activities will result in national refereed presentations at national conferences and publications within peer-reviewed professional journals.

Please refer to the links on the left side of the screen to jump to specific program information.

Supporting Your Success in the Program

We want every student involved in this training program to succeed, and toward that end, we have built in a system of supports to facilitate your success and commitment to this area of study.

Generous Financial Supports - The support package described in the flier below is among the most generous available anywhere in the country. We have structured the support to address areas of greatest student need.

Faculty Supports - The faculty in School Psychology and Special Education are committed to working closely with doctoral students, providing them with academic supports and guidance as well as helping them work through any other challenges they face in their doctoral program.

Peer Supports - The program relies on students helping students. Advanced level doctoral students are available to provide guidance and mentorship to new doctoral students.

Cohort Supports - The cohort of School Psychology and Special Education doctoral students in this program will be working together on a regular basis, supporting and learning from each other in a collaborative community of professional development. There will always be colleagues available with whom you can discuss your interests and concerns.

Coherent Developmental Approach - The respective programs of study have been designed to support continuing professional development, following a carefully articulated EXPOSURE --- EXPERIENCE --- EXPERTISE model.

Next Steps in the Process

Finding The Best Fit - Having a basic description of the program is a good start. We strongly recommend that you further examine the program by studying coursework and related program requirements associated with doctoral study in either School Psychology or Special Education via the links on the left side of this Webpage.
Familiarize yourself with the application process - Please refer to the links on the left side of the screen for more information on applying to this program. Please remember that in order to apply for this doctoral grant, a student must be admitted into the School Psychology or Special Education (EI/BD) program.
Touch base with us - You are welcome to contact Dr. John Carlson (carlsoj@msu.edu) concerning doctoral study in School Psychology, or Dr. Matthew Mayer (mayerma@msu.edu) concerning doctoral study in Special Education (EI/BD focus).