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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) in School Psychology

School Psychology Students

The Department of Educational Psychology offers this degree program.

Is this Program for Me?

Although relatively new, the Ph.D. Program in School Psychology has already seen a great deal of success.  The Program was accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) as of June 2009.  Since its approval by the state in 2005, the Program has been committed to developing school psychologists who excel in the areas of applied research as well as ecologically and developmentally sensitive evidence-based practice. Sensitivity to diversity issues and client preferences is addressed in specific course work and embedded throughout the training experience. Ten of eleven students have obtained competitive APA accredited pre-doctoral internships, and one of our students obtained an APA accredited Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Read more about the successes of this program . . .

Meet our students . . .

Students can expect to spend the following amount of time in the program:

  • Five-six years – without transferable graduate credit
  • Four-five years – with transferable graduate credit (no more than 30 hours)

What will I learn?

Upon successful completion of the program, School Psychology graduates will attain the following skills:

  • Scholarly inquiry, research, writing and presentation skills
  • Application of critical analysis and inquiry to existing research, and the ability to identify, select, implement, and evaluate evidence-based practices
  • Sensitivity to ecological, diverse and developmental considerations, and concern for client preferences
  • Exposure and supervised experience, with:
    • diverse populations
    • conditions
    • professionals
    • settings
    • procedures
  • Understanding of the scientist-practitioner model which emphasizes an integrated, hierarchical sequence of coursework, practica, internship and research experiences

Students develop professional leadership, ethical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills through:

  • Coursework
  • Residency
  • Candidacy Research Project
  • Comprehensive Exam
  • Dissertation
  • Practica
  • Internships

Since degree plans change periodically, students will follow the degree plan that is in place at the time in which they complete an official, approved degree plan. Following is the most current sample degree plan for the Ph. D. in School Psychology.

What can I do with my degree?

The program offers the preparation necessary for students to apply for the following licenses:

  • Licensed Psychologist
  • Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
  • National Certified School Psychologist
  • Designation as a Health Service Provider by the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
  • Diplomate in School Psychology

A doctoral degree in School Psychology prepares graduates for professional work as psychologists in academic and non-academic positions. Our graduates are employed in areas such as:

  • K-12 schools,
  • Health Care Systems
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Counseling Centers
  • Community Agencies
  • Government Agencies
  • Clinics
  • Private Settings
The Ph. D. in School Psychology can lead to a wide variety of careers such as:
  • College or University Professors  
  • Practicing Doctoral School Psychologists  
  • Practicing Psychologists  
  • Researchers  
  • Policy and Advocacy Staff School Psychologists  
To apply for this program, please see the Graduate Application Checklist.

Learn more about this program.