College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

John Kuykendall, Dean 

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences houses the School of Education, the Department of Psychological Sciences, the Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology, the Department of Counseling, and the Phylis Lan Lin Department of Social Work. Undergraduate degrees are offered in elementary education, psychology, social work, and secondary education as well as graduate degrees in psychology, clinical psychology, mental health counseling (Generalist or Art Therapy track), social work, school leadership and management, and special education leadership and practice. Graduate certificate programs in mild intervention and technology are also available. A doctoral degree can be earned in clinical psychology.

Department of Psychological Sciences

Associate Professor Kathryn Boucher, Assistant Professor Candice Burkett, Assistant Professor Mason Burns, Assistant Professor Michael Poulakis,  Associate Professor Jordan Sparks Waldron, Assistant Professor Hui Zhang.

The Department of Psychological Sciences offers a B.S. degree in Psychology (PSYC). In addition, outstanding high school seniors may be invited for early assurance to the 4 + 1 program, a program where students apply to the M.S. in Psychology program during their third year of undergraduate study and begin graduate school in their fourth year. Students in their junior year of the major who are on track to complete all their degree requirements and who also meet criteria for admission may also choose to apply for early entry into the M.S. in Psychology program. The PSYC major is designed for students who plan on attending graduate school, in particular in an area related to psychology, immediately upon completing their degree as well as students who are planning on entering the workforce upon degree completion. Psychology majors frequently combine their studies with various other majors, minors, and concentrations. Among the most popular ways to enhance their studies are the options to complete concentrations in pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, or the Clinical & Counseling Studies (CCST) concentration. The CCST is strongly encouraged for students considering graduate school or professional experiences related to mental health.

Phylis Lan Lin School of Social Work and Counseling

Assistant Professor Roxxi M. Davis, BSW Program Director; Associate Professor Jeffrey Bryant, Assistant Professor Francine Carter, Assistant Professor Christie Jansing.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares social work students to strive and enhance the quality of life and improve the well-being and social functioning of all individuals, families and communities—particularly oppressed and vulnerable populations—by employing direct services and planned social change to enhance human rights, and advocating for social, economic and environmental justice.

Students enrolled in the BSW program will develop a strong theoretical basis for interventions, relying heavily on the ecological and strengths perspectives. Students are immersed in courses about diversity, values, ethics, populations at risk, and social and economic justice. Hands-on fieldwork enhances the classroom studies so that students can emerge prepared for the workforce or a graduate program.

The BSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. 

Formal application and admission to the social work major is required. Requirements for admission are listed below.  Interested students should inquire at the department office or online for further information on prerequisites, requirements, and program standards.

Requirements:

  • Completion of the required 60 credit hours of the BSW program which count toward the 120 credit hours required for a bachelor's degree. 
  • Satisfactory completion with a minimum grade of 2.7 (B- or better) in SOWK 110 and SOWK 230 courses.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all coursework.
  • Completion of all social work major courses with a C or better to be accepted into the BSW program. (See SOWK curriculum guide for more information.)
  • Attend a mandatory BSW program informational session (held one time per semester).
  • Maintain a 2.7 (B- or better) cumulative GPA in all SOWK courses once accepted into the program.
  • Demonstrate values consistent with the Social Work Profession (assessed through personal statement narratives).
  • Demonstrate satisfactory critical thinking skills (assessed through writing samples).
  • Demonstrate satisfactory of writing skills (assess through writing samples).
Social Work Major curriculum guide

School of Education

Assistant Professor Rachael Aming-Attai, Assistant Professor Jennifer Grace, Associate Professor Jean Lee, Assistant Professor Katrina M. Reinhardt, Associate Professor John Somers, Instructor Elizabeth Turner, Associate Professor Gaoming Zhang.

The School of Education is responsible for approved programs leading to Indiana teacher licensure for elementary, secondary (middle level and high school), and all-grade teachers. The subjects of the department include all courses in education, professionalized subject matter, and supervised field experiences. Other responsibilities of the department include programs of advising, directing educational clinical experiences, and coordinating the University’s offerings that prepare students for teacher licensure in Indiana. A complete list of areas in which students can earn licenses is provided below. Information on licensure in a state other than Indiana can be obtained by consulting the licensing advisor. Note: Specific course requirements for all license areas are in a period of transition because of changes in licensure being implemented by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), Office of Educator Licensing and Development. Contact the School of Education for current updates.

Educators are decision-makers who employ their talents, knowledge, and skills to:

  1. combine content and pedagogical knowledge and tools of inquiry to develop meaningful and accessible learning progressions.
  2. create inclusive learning environments where educators and learners work together to construct meaningful learning.
  3. construct high quality assessments to inform practice and provide meaningful feedback to learners.
  4. collaborate and communicate with learners, P-12 educators, and community members to create a community of practice.
  5. critically reflect on the process of teaching and learning to promote insight and action.
  6. cause positive change through leadership and advocacy.

In order to be formally admitted to the Teacher Education Program, a student must provide evidence of meeting all of the following requirements:

  1. Cumulative grade point average of 2.70 (C = 2.0).
  2. Minimum grade of C in EDUC-100, EDUC-203, EDUC-204, and COMM-201.
  3. Passing scores on the Pearson CASA (Core Academic Skills Assessment) subtests (reading, writing, math) or one of the state-identified exemptions. Note: If state-mandated tests and scores change, candidates must meet the new state requirements. The School of Education reserves the right to make these changes.

 

A student is eligible for supervised teaching after completing all Gateway #2 requirements including 92 semester hours, earning a grade of C or above in all education classes, receiving the minimum grade or higher for content courses (as specified by major), successfully completing courses as listed on the department program sheets, and achieving a grade point average of at least 2.70 overall and 3.0 for content courses. (For details, refer to the School of Education Undergraduate Handbook

In order to be recommended for an original Indiana State Instructional License by the University of Indianapolis, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from the University of Indianapolis.
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.70 (C = 2.0).
  • Minimum of C in all education courses and other courses as specified on curriculum guides.
  • Grade of Satisfactory in Student Teaching and on the performance-based assessment (Gateway #3).
  • Passing scores on all required Indiana state exams.
  • Completed CPR/AED/Heimlich training requirements.
  • Completed Suicide Prevention training requirement.
  • Additional information about the courses listed above can be found in the section entitled Course Descriptions.

A candidate for Elementary Generalist teaching licensure (Grades Kindergarten-6) pursues a prescribed course of study approved by the IDOE Office of Educator Licensing and Development. This program is outlined in the section that follows and on the elementary education curriculum guide that is available in the offices of the registrar and the School of Education.

Note: Specific course requirements are in a period of transition because of changes in licensure being implemented by the IDOE Office of Educator Licensing and Development. Contact the Department of Teacher Education for current updates.

LICENSURE AREAS TO SUPPLEMENT ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Students must elect one of the following licenses to their Elementary Generalist license:

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Mild Intervention License (Special Education)
  • Reading License
  • Teachers of English Learners (TEL)

A candidate for middle level/high school licensure (Grades 5-12) follows a prescribed course of study requiring 36 or more semester hours of credit in a selected subject area. The University offers the following middle level/high school teaching licenses, approved by the IDOE Office of Educator Licensing and Development. Courses required toward these licenses in the specific majors are outlined in the catalog departmental sections and on curriculum guides available in the Office of the Registrar and the School of Education.

SECONDARY TEACHING MAJORS

Note: Licensing rules are in transition. Students interested in teaching areas of chemistry and life science (biology), French and German may earn a teaching license through the Master of Arts in Teaching. Students interested in the teaching area of Business Education may earn a teaching license through the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. Contact the School of Education for more information and for current updates on teaching majors.

CERTIFICATES OR LICENSURE AREAS TO SUPPLEMENT MIDDLE/JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL LICENSES

Students may add a Mild Intervention (Special Education) license, English Language Learners (EL) and/or a Reading License to their Secondary license.

Note: Specific course requirements are in a period of transition because of changes in licensure being implemented by the IDOE Office of Educator Licensing and Development. Contact the School of Education for current updates.

A candidate for all-grade licensure (Grades Pre-Kindergarten-12) completes 56 or more semester hours of credit in a content area. The University offers the following all-grade majors, approved by the IDOE Office of Educator Licensing and Development. Courses required in the specific disciplines are outlined in the catalog’s departmental sections and on curriculum guides available in the offices of the registrar and the School of Education.

ALL-GRADE MAJORS

LICENSURE AREAS TO SUPPLEMENT ALL-GRADE EDUCATION

Students may elect to add a Mild Intervention (Special Education) license to their All-Grade license.
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