The School Psychology program is designed to prepare professional psychologists with educational expertise who can function in a variety of diverse, educationally-related, clinical, or hospital settings. The program’s training model and philosophy espouse commitments to (a) diversity and social justice, (b) evidence-based practice, and (c) school-based practice. These views foster the conception of the school psychologist as broadly capable of conducting research and practicing effectively with clients, in addition to considering the ecological complexity in which the child exisits. The assessment of children and adolescents as well as planning for interventions necessitates this broader conceptulization of childhood problems. The program integrates social justice perspectives throughout its training sequence and focuses on evidence-based practices in working with school-aged youth. The program emphasizes a balance between psychological and educational theory as well as applied practice.
The doctoral program in school psychology includes a five-year course of study with a year-long internship. Time to degree completion varies (see program outcome date on our website). Typical tme to completion without a master’s degree is 5 to 7 years. Applicants who have earned bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist levels are considered for the program. The first two years of the PhD program roughly parallel the specialist program. Students without an advanced degree also typically earn a MS degree after the first year of the program. The program requires full-time study (9-15 credits per semester) and residence in Lexington, Kentucky. The doctoral program also yields school psychology certification and is designed to qualify graduates for licensure as a psychologist. The Doctor of Philosophy program in School Psychology is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (202-336-5979, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; accredited since February 18, 1986) with decision effective April 27, 2020-the next accreditation review will occur in 2029. The program is fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) with the next accreditation report due in 2027.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Ph.D. Degree program in school psychology must possess an undergraduate degree in psychology, education, or a closely allied field (e.g., rehabilitation counseling or pediatric nursing). Students with prior graduate work at the masters or specialist degree will also be considered for admission to advanced graduate status. Applications for admission are evaluated by the program faculty who carefully review the applicant’s (a) GPA; (b) GRE scores, when provided; (c) letters of recommendation addressing academic, research, and psychology/school based experience and skills; (d) Statement of Purpose outlining professional goals (i.e., is it commensurate with our training model and social justice values, and does it demostrate excellence in written communication); (e) writing sample demonstrating excellence in written communication, and (e) contribution to diversity, broadly defined to include individual social identities and background experiences. The program faculty holistically considers the entire application of a prospective student and makes decisons based not only on numerical criteria but also on perceieved fit with program goals, needs, and values. Therefore, a low score in one area can be off-set by professional strengths in another area. Minimum GPA is >2.75 for undergraduate and >3.00 for graduate. Minimum TOEFL score is 79.
Degree Requirements
For degree requirements, please see the departmental website page School Psychology Ph.D. (https://education.uky.edu/edp/school-psychology-overview/phd-program-in-school-psychology).
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