Counseling and Educational Psychology

Ph.D. in School Psychology

Students take coursework in several areas: (a) cognitive, academic, and social/emotional/behavioral assessment, (b) academic and emotional/ behavioral interventions and consultation, (c) ethical, legal, and professional issues, (d) inquiry/research methods, (e) cultural diversity, and (f) foundations of psychology. Practicum is required each semester for the first two years, followed by a supervision practicum in the third year. All students take elective practica in the third and fourth years in their areas of interest. Students may receive credit for prior graduate work, if it is relevant to the curriculum. A one-year, full-time internship is required, which typically is completed in the fifth year. Internships may be 10 months in a school setting or 12 months in a clinical or other non-school setting. The majority of students seek APA accredited internships that facilitate obtaining licensure for the independent practice of psychology. A minor is required, with counseling being the most frequent selection. Graduates take positions in public or private schools, clinical settings, or academic or research institutions. Many graduates obtain licensure as psychologists to work in clinical settings or independent practice. The deadline for applications is December 1. Matriculation is in the fall semester only and enrollment is considered full-time.

Degree Requirements

Major Requirements (40 cr.)*

  • P650 Topical Seminar in Educational Psychology: Single Subject Research Methodology in Behavioral Sciences (3 cr.)
  • P655 Cognitive Assessment and Intervention (4 cr.)
  • P656 Practicum in School Psychology (4 cr.)
  • P657 Academic Assessment and Intervention (4 cr.)
  • P670 Behavioral Analysis and Consultation for School Psychologists (3 cr.)
  • P680 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in School Psychology (3 cr.)
  • P681 Psychology of Cultural Diversity (3 cr.)
  • P682 Developmental Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence (3 cr.)
  • P691 Personality Assessment and Intervention (3 cr.)
  • P692 Seminar in Therapeutic Interventions with Children (3 cr.)
  • P695 Practicum in Personality and Behavioral Assessment (2 cr.)
  • P696 Practicum in Therapeutic Interventions with Children (2 cr.)
  • P697 Advanced Practicum in School Psychology (1 cr.)
  • P699 Internship in School Psychology II (2 cr.)

Psychological Foundations Requirements (15 cr.)*
These courses meet APA requirements for foundations in the respective areas.

Human Development (3 cr.)

  • P514 Lifespan Development: Birth to Death (3 cr.)

Biological Bases of Behavior (3 cr.)

  • P624 Biology of Behavior (3 cr.)

Social Bases of Behavior (3 cr.)
Select one course from the following:

  • P622 Social Development (3 cr.)
  • P566 Social Psychology in Education (3 cr.)
  • G656 Social Bases of Behavior (3 cr.)

History and Systems of Psychology (3 cr.)

  • P601 Educational and Historical Foundations of Psychology (3 cr.)

Cognitive/Learning Bases of Behavior (3 cr.)
Select one course from the following:

  • P540 Learning and Cognition in Education (3 cr.)
  • P544 Applied Cognition and Learning Strategies (3 cr.)

*Courses in School Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Learning and Developmental Sciences are included to bring the total to the minimum of 55 semester hours for the major area. Although not specifically required, we recommend that students have coursework and practicum in counseling and therapeutic interventions. Many internships sites, psychology licensing boards, and state departments of education require courses in counseling on an applicant's transcript. The University Graduate School requires at least 90 hours for the Ph.D. degree, but a program is likely to total 100-110 hours, due to student interest in specific courses or areas of study. If you are planning to complete an internship in a clinical setting, it is suggested that a course in psychopharmacology be considered as an elective.

Inquiry Requirements (12 cr.)

  • Y502 Intermediate Statistics Applied to Education (required) (3 cr.)
  • Y521 Methodological Approaches to Educational Inquiry (required) (3 cr.)
  • Select one course from the following:
    • Y603 Statistical Design in Educational Research (3 cr.)
    • Y604 Multivariate Analysis in Educational Research (3 cr.)
  • Select one course from the approved Inquiry Course list

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)
The minor must have integrity in its own right and must complement the major. The minor field must demonstrate wholeness within itself and contribute to the student's overall doctoral program. Minors are normally formulated within a single program area. However, an interdisciplinary or individualized minor is also possible. Interdisciplinary or individualized minors require a written description of the minor's underlying theme along with a rationale for each course's contribution to that theme through the Minor Justification form. This form should be submitted and approved by the Graduate Studies Office prior to enrolling in the minor courses.

Most students select counseling for their minor, which provides a foundation for advanced practica and internships in clinical or school settings. Some students complete a second minor, most often in inquiry or special education. The minor should be selected to prepare for internship and professional positions upon graduation.

Elective Requirements (0-6 cr.)
Electives may be taken in fields inside or outside the School of Education. Students may take electives in any area of interest to complement their program of study.

National School Psychology Examination Requirement
All graduates of the School Psychology doctoral program are required to take and pass the National School Psychology Examination (Praxis II) as a condition for graduation. It is recommended that the examination be taken at the end of the second year of study. The examination must be taken and passed as a partial requirement for nomination to candidacy.

Dissertation Requirements (15 cr.)

  • P795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation (3 cr.)
  • P799 Doctoral Thesis in Educational Psychology (12 cr.)

Academic Bulletins

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Additional program information can be found at the Office of Graduate Studies.