PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology

The School Psychology Program offers a 111 credit hour Ph.D. program in School Psychology that prepares students for Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification as a School Psychologist and eligibility for the Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential from NASP, as well as licensure for independent practice. This 111 credit hour training program includes coursework, practical, dissertation and internship. The Ph.D. program consists of 4 years of coursework and practical (an exception may be made for those applying who have previously obtained a Master's Degree in a related field of study and whose courses are approved by the School Psychology faculty), a one-year internship, and completion of a doctoral dissertation. The Ph.D. program is offered only on a full-time basis, and students are expected to complete the degree in an uninterrupted sequence. Completion of this program leads to an M.S.Ed. in Child Psychology (after 30 hours), and a Ph.D. in School Psychology, Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification in School Psychology, eligibility for the Nationally Certified School Psychology credential from NASP, and prepares graduates to apply for licensure by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology. Learning Outcomes: Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to be ethical practicing, academic, and supervising school psychologists. Students will become scientist-practitioners who are competent in the production, dissemination, and critical evaluation of research. Students will effectively provide direct and indirect psychological services, such as psychological assessment, evidence-based intervention, and progress monitoring, to promote the well-being of diverse groups of individuals.