Location: Powdermaker Hall, Room 033
Telephone: (718) 997-5250
Fax: (718) 997-5248

Chairperson: Jesse M. Vázquez, Ph.D.

WELCOME!

The Department of Educational and Community Programs (DECP), which is part of the Division of Education of Queens College of the City University of New York, is dedicated to preparing candidates within specialty areas to possess the highest levels of knowledge and ethical standards so that they are empowered to become future leaders within their respective disciplines. DECP candidates develop skills and competencies that allow them to work in schools or community agencies as change agents, collaborators, and proactive problem-solvers. Candidates are prepared to create safe schools and effective learning environments where all students, parents, and professionals are valued and supported to achieve their potential and make positive contributions. (Vision Statement, Departmental Self Study, April 2002). It is my pleasure, as Chair, to welcome you to the Website of the Department of Educational and Community Programs (DECP). DECP is an interdisciplinary graduate studies education department that includes four programs (and sub-programs) that lead to professional certification and Master of Science in Education Degrees in Counselor Education, Educational Leadership, School Psychology, and Special Education. Educational and psychological theories and practices form the foundation of all of our programs and serve as the core of our approach to each of our professional preparation programs. As you enter each of the program web pages in the department site, you will find the specific admissions requirements, course and program sequences and descriptions, and the kind of information that you will need to learn more about each of our programs. The faculty in our programs are active participants in their respective fields of specialization at the local, regional, national and international level. They participate in governing bodies of scholarly and community associations and organizations, certification and review boards, editorial, advisory committees, blue ribbon panels, as well as recipients of awards for research and publications, and outstanding service in the various fields represented in the Department. Our faculty view teaching and contact with our students as a central and critical part of their work in the Department. Students are supervised closely in their field experiences, and are mentored in their own and in collaborative research projects. Candidates in all ECP programs are also encouraged to participate in professional and scholarly associations for continued growth as practitioners in their respective fields. In a recent external report of the Department, reviewers noted that "faculty should be applauded for their productivity that for some includes national and international visibility and recognition." We encourage you to browse through each of the program pages and please note that Email addresses, telephone numbers and our office locations are clearly noted.