Welcome!

Disability & Psychoeducational Studies
carl liaupsin headshot
Carl J. Liaupsin
Department Head, Disability & Psychoeducational Studies

Who we are

Our department is dedicated to advancing human and economic development through the empowerment and effective inclusion of culturally diverse people with disabilities and special abilities of all ages. 

We are committed to research about and teaching of students with disabilities and special abilities. Our research, teaching, and service address current issues in special education, counseling, rehabilitation, school psychology, and deaf studies.

What we do

We accomplish our mission by:

  • Conducting research to further knowledge and understanding of abilities, disabilities, adaptations, interventions, and support systems
  • Preparing professionals to educate and facilitate the development of individuals with disabilities and special abilities
  • Providing leadership at the local, state, national, and international levels

Our programs

We offer nationally recognized undergraduate, master's, educational specialist, and doctoral-level degrees. Our degrees prepare teachers, counselors, specialists, administrators, school psychologists, school counselors, and researchers and educators in special education, rehabilitation, school psychology, gifted education, sign language and deaf studies, and educational interpreting.

Kudos!

U.S. News & World Report ranked our rehabilitation counseling program No. 4 in the nation among public universities! Each year, the publication ranks schools and programs in business, education, engineering, law, nursing, and medicine. The rankings in these six areas are based on expert opinions about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school's faculty, research and students.

Marsha Spencer headshot
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Marsha Spencer

A credit to her profession and our college, Assistant Professor of Practice Marsha Spencer is the School Psychologist of the Year by the Arizona Association of School Psychologists. Professor and Department Head Carl Liaupsin adds, “I have first-hand knowledge of her ability to approach program leadership with a rare mix of transparency, efficiency, and compassion.”