At the University of Arizona, we are dedicated to training students to serve youth by providing psychological services in their schools and communities. We offer two degree programs in School Psychology: a Ph.D. and an Ed.S., both following the scholar-practitioner training model. Our Ph.D. program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), ensuring the highest standards of education and practice. The Ed.S. program is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and approved by the AZ Department of Education and is available at two campuses, located in Tucson and Chandler, AZ, providing flexibility and accessibility. Our training emphasizes working with individuals from diverse cultures, abilities, and identities, preparing our graduates to make a meaningful impact in the field of school psychology.
School Psychology, Ed.S.
Designed to prepare graduates to work as certified school psychologists in school districts across the nation. The curriculum also prepares students for taking the national examination to become a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). In general, training opportunities associated with our Ed.S. program aim to provide students with meaningful and practical experiences that will allow them to become respected leaders in the schools in which they work. This program is offered in Tucson and in the Phoenix area in Chandler (more details below).
School Psychology, Ph.D.
Designed to prepare students for leadership positions in school psychology and related disciplines. Graduates of this program are prepared for a career that may involve research, scholarship, or practice. For example, they may function as academic school psychologists, licensed psychologists who work in schools, certified school psychologists, educational consultants, or private practitioners.
Admissions
We pride our program on having a diverse student body. In this regard, applications are encouraged from individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and sexual identity status. Additionally, we encourage applications from individuals across the spectrum in terms of their socioeconomic status, geographic residence, religious affiliation, family constellation, and social/political background. Please review our admission requirements.
Student Affiliates in School Psychology
Student Affiliates in School Psychology (SASP) is a student-led organization for school psychology graduate students. The UA SASP Chapter is part of a national parent organization under Division 16 of APA. The mission of SASP is to foster growth, peer support, and professionalism among school psychology students. The organization works to accomplish this important mission by providing support activities, mentorship opportunities, and social gatherings throughout the year.
PhD Program History
The School Psychology Program at the University of Arizona was first located in the Department of Educational Psychology and began admitting Ph.D. students in the middle 1960s. The program was developed in response to the expanding need for school psychological services during the 1960s in the state of Arizona as well as across the nation. Since its inception, the School Psychology has trained hundreds of scholars and practitioners who have assumed leadership positions in Arizona and across the United States.
Ed.S. Degree Offered in Tucson and in the Phoenix Area
UA Main Campus (Tucson)
The School Psychology, Ed.S., training program has existed for more than 15 years and it remains popular among students. Students who choose this option will participate in many of the same courses and field placement opportunities that are available to Ph.D. school psychology students in the Tucson area. Additionally, Ed.S. students receive instruction from full-time University of Arizona faculty and have access to the vast research and cultural resources available at the university. The Ed.S. program follows a scholar-practitioner training model, which and has a primary emphasis on professional or clinical school-based practice. Students at the Tucson Campus are enrolled full time in the Fall and Spring semester of year 1 and 2 as well as part time in the summer. During year 3 students complete a full-time internship with a school district. Most students are hired for paid internships this final year.
Jennifer Kirkpatrick
Program Director - Tucson
UA Chandler (Phoenix)
The School Psychology, Ed.S., program at UA Chandler offers courses in a convenient venue in downtown Chandler, Arizona that has newly renovated classrooms, abundant free parking, and easy freeway access. The University of Arizona has a strong array of seasoned practicing school psychologists from the Phoenix-metropolitan area to provide instruction in courses that parallel those traditionally offered in Tucson. Additionally, the Chandler Ed.S. program has a non-traditional schedule. Students begin the program in the fall of Year 1 and only take two courses (6 credits) and again only take two courses (6 credits) in the spring. These courses are offered in the evening and allow students the flexibility to maintain outside employment. During Year 2 students are participating in the program full-time, including summers. Year 3 is the final year of the program and students spend it completing a full-time internship with a school district. Most students are hired for paid internships this final year.
Marsha Spencer
Program Director - Tucson
Marsha Spencer
A credit to her profession and our college, Assistant Professor of Practice Marsha Spencer is the 2020 School Psychologist of the Year by the Arizona Association of School Psychologists. Professor and Department Head Carl Liaupsin adds, “I have first-hand knowledge of her ability to approach program leadership with a rare mix of transparency, efficiency, and compassion.”
