Why did you choose to attend UNL?
"I chose to attend UNL because I felt a strong sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the students and faculty that is not common in many graduate programs. That sort of relationship with the professors and fellow students would help me become the best school psychologist I can be as it created a more positive environment for growth and would make the experience more fulfilling and enjoyable." – Henry Bass, 5th year student
"I really felt at home during my interview at UNL. Everyone was so excited and welcoming that I immediately knew I would fit in and be happy here. And I could tell that everyone in the program was working toward a common goal of helping students achieve their career goals." – Rachel Schumacher, 5th year student
"The night before the interviews, the current students hosted a dinner at a local restaurant. Instantly, you could see the camaraderie between all of the students. They explained that the environment was incredibly supportive, as opposed to competitive. They believed that working together helped everyone improve faster. It was then that I knew UNL was a fit for me not just professionally but personally as well." –Lauren Scanlan, 4th year student
"I chose UNL because of the sense of support and community from the current students, faculty, and staff. The other students are amazing and the faculty really seem to care about each student’s individual goals. I also love all the hands-on experience we get through this program. Being able to be in the schools right away your first semester is such a cool experience!" -Rae Bullinger, 2nd year student
"UNL was my top choice because I was confident that I would receive superior training and many opportunities that would make me well-prepared for internship, post-doctoral fellowships, and a career in school psychology. Two years later, I am still very happy that I chose UNL!" – Ana Damme, graduate
"Honestly, a big reason I chose UNL was the funding opportunities, which, for an EdS program, are unparalleled. The grants provide an opportunity to get paid to advance my skills for my future career. I also appreciate the emphasis on research at the EdS level, the collaborative structure of the program, and that current students were so welcoming on interview day." -Cassidy Spradlin, 2nd year student
"The faculty were all incredible, and I wanted the chance to contribute to their amazing research projects. I also felt welcomed by everyone (faculty, current students, and administrators) throughout interview day. On top of that, I had the worst case of chapped lips halfway through that day and, without prompting, one of the fourth year students went out and bought ChapStick for me. That sealed it." -Barbara Racine, 2nd year student"
What do you see as strengths of the school psychology program at UNL?
"The hands on experience provided makes me confident that I will be prepared when I start practicing as a school psychologist. I am placed in real world scenarios, given real life cases, and exposure to the schools makes me confident I will be prepared to work in any context I choose. All my courses thus far require that I go to the schools and apply the principles that I learned in class. It is very challenging but very beneficial to my development as a competent professional." -Cesar Torres, 2nd year student
"The collaboration, training, and program philosophy are all some of the biggest strengths of the program here at UNL. The diversity of research being conducted within the program is also a strength. The last one I’d like to mention is the opportunities I’ve already been given as a first year student. It’s really easy to get involved early on, which I’ve really appreciated." -Kailee Groshans, 2nd year student
"The program has a very supportive atmosphere; professors, advisors, and other students genuinely want to see you succeed. In addition, the program prepares its students to excel in a variety of settings after graduating through a variety of practicum experiences. Six years might seem like a long time to be in school, but you'll be so prepared for anything after you leave...you'll be glad you stayed so long!" – Samantha Angell, graduate
"What I'm loving so much about this program right now is that you get to go into actual schools your first semester here. UNL has a strong relationship with the schools in Lincoln, so I know the opportunities are only going to increase the longer I'm in the program. The hands on experience is challenging and takes you out of your comfort zone sometimes, but it allows you to see real world applications of what you're learning and feel more confident in your knowledge and ability to be a school psychologist." -Madison Atwater, 2nd year student
What stands out to you about your first year in the program?
"How easy it has been to get adjusted to the grad school life! It can seem super overwhelming the first couple of weeks, but once you are in the rhythm of classes, it becomes so much more manageable than you first thought. I was also surprised by how much I would enjoy some of my classes! Everything you learn, even in the first semester, applies directly to your future career as a school psychologist. Having classes where I truly enjoy the content has made doing classwork less of a chore." -Rae Bullinger, 2nd year student
"The program is very student-oriented. Everyone wants to see you succeed, and they care about creating a positive and collaborative environment. This isn’t a competition, you’re not just a number or a statistic, and you as an individual matter." -Barbara Racine, 2nd year student
"The friendships I made are what stand out about my first year in the program. The diverse friendships I built throughout my first year were imperative to my success. Though my family said they understood what graduate school was like, the only people who really understood the stresses were my friends. My friendships helped me through school issues, whether it was distracting me or talking through things with me." – Mackenzie Sommerhalder, graduate
What do you enjoy about the city of Lincoln?
"I love that Lincoln has everything I could need but doesn’t feel overly large! I’m from a super small town so Lincoln was the perfect upgrade for me. Lincoln has awesome biking/running trails and I love walking my dogs around the city. I LOVE all of the coffee shops around town. Each one has it’s own little personality and style. Lincoln has great breweries for those who enjoy craft beer as well." -Kailee Groshans, 2nd year student
"Lincoln has a little bit of everything: coffee shops, restaurants with a range of cuisines, galleries, the university, and biking trails." – Jill Holtz, graduate
"Some of my personal highlights while living and growing up in Lincoln have been experiencing football game days, touring the state capitol building, enjoying outdoor music during Jazz in June, eating the homemade ice cream at Ivanna Cone in the Haymarket, and ice skating outside on Canopy street." – Cassie Dietrich, graduate
"How green everything is! I moved here from the desert metropolis of Salt Lake City, Utah and I can’t get over how lush and green it is. My husband and I also really love the general family-friendly atmosphere and attitude of the city and its residents. Everyone is very nice and welcoming." -Barbara Racine, 2nd year student
What do you think others should know about the city of Lincoln?
"People in Lincoln are extremely friendly. The city is safe, clean, and generally affordable." – Jill Holtz, graduate
"It's natural to be weary about moving to a new city, but once I arrived I knew this was the place I wanted to be. You might have heard the saying "Nebraska nice" and I think its one of the reasons why I love being in this state and in this city. Everyone has been so welcoming, and has made me feel at home in my short time here." – Cody Solesbee, 4th year student
"I think others should know that Lincoln is a surprisingly diverse community with supports for individuals of various ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, and religious backgrounds. There are many opportunities for students in our program to volunteer, coordinate, and consult with agencies and Lincoln resources that may be helpful to our clients." – Jenna Strawhun, graduate