51¶¯Âþ

School Psychology PhD

Join a dynamic and forward-thinking Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology in the College of Education and Human Development at 51¶¯Âþ, designed to shape leaders in both academic and applied settings. Our program equips you with the expertise to promote student success through evidence-based research and clinical practice, addressing the academic, emotional and social needs of diverse populations. Accredited by the (APA) and the (NASP), you will build on your understanding of the science of psychology to prepare to become a licensed psychologist/school psychologist in a university, public or private school, hospital, research facility, government and state agency, or private practice. Dedicated to social justice and inclusivity, this accredited program prepares you to meet the changing demands of school psychology and shape the profession’s future.

Our School Psychology PhD program empowers you to conduct innovative research and drive meaningful change in the field. With personalized mentorship from expert faculty, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to address the evolving needs of diverse school communities. You’ll emerge prepared to shape the future of school psychology through research and practice.

Clinical Training

The program offers comprehensive clinical training that spans all years of the program, preparing you for diverse roles and settings. Beginning with Practicum I, you'll gain hands-on experience delivering interventions and supporting students in local schools and early childhood centers. As you progress to Practicum II, on-campus clinic practicum and supervision practicum, you'll deepen your skills in assessment, consultation and interventions while working in a variety of educational and clinical environments. Advanced externships provide further specialization and real-world application. Clinical training culminates in a full-time, yearlong internship in health service psychology-school psychology.

You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your studies through electives including an optional concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students who are pursuing board certification as a behavioral analyst (BCBA) should elect to complete the additional 12 credits of coursework in the optional concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis.

What sets apart the School Psychology PhD at the College of Education and Human Development?

• Emphasis on social justice and multicultural awareness
• Only APA-accredited school psychology PhD program in Philadelphia
• Personalized research mentorship
• Collaborations with centers and research institutes on campus, including the Institute on Disabilities, offering unique interdisciplinary research and applied opportunities
• Clinical practicum experiences (in local schools, hospitals, community centers, etc.) beginning in the first year and lasting throughout the program
• On-campus psychoeducational clinic training experiences during program
• A program focused on training doctoral students in APA’s standards of accreditation of health-service psychology, school psychology
• A program focused on training all doctoral students across NASP’s 10 domains of school psychology
• The PhD in School Psychology is also accepted by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology and the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.
• Multidisciplinary faculty focus and expertise that provides a broad look at the field as well as specialties within school psychology
• Integrated scientist-practitioner model
• Opportunities to participate in clinical and research opportunities in the Philadelphia area
• Opportunity to pursue BCBA together with school psychology certification

Program Outcomes

Students are supported through their field experiences and in exploring career opportunities. School Psychology PhD graduates will graduate with the following training and skill sets.

• Utilize evidence-based practices: Demonstrate advanced proficiency in evidence-based assessment, consultation and intervention techniques, ensuring they can effectively address the diverse needs of students, schools and clinical settings.
• Integrate and apply research: Translate empirical research into practical applications in school psychology while contributing to the field through the development, execution and dissemination of original research.
• Understand and appreciate diversity: Exhibit a deep understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion, implementing culturally responsive clinical and research practices.
• Adhere to professional standards: Maintain the highest levels of professional, ethical and legal standards, adhering to both APA and NASP guidelines to ensure integrity and quality in their practice.
• Engage in leadership and social justice: Serve as leaders and advocates for social justice, actively working to address systemic inequities within educational and clinical settings, and promoting inclusive environments for all students.
• Pursue diverse career opportunities: Leverage their clinical expertise, research training and certifications to pursue licensure as a psychologist and careers in universities, public and private schools, hospitals, research facilities, government agencies, or private practice.

Certification and Licensure

After completing an internship and passing the exams required by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, students may become nationally certified school psychologists. Students may become certified school psychologists in Pennsylvania; after completing required exams and postdoctoral supervision, they may be eligible to obtain state licensure as psychologists.