School Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Quick Facts
Main Campus (Tucson)
In Person
December 1
The School Psychology Ph.D. program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in school psychology and related disciplines. More specifically, it is designed to prepare graduates for positions of leadership that involve applying psychological principles to improve student outcomes. Students in the program are provided with a range of training and research opportunities that aim to increase their competence in school psychology and their ability to function as effective professionals who collaborate well with individuals from different disciplines and celebrate diversity.
Program accredited by the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists.
Become a certified school psychologist in the state of Arizona.
Graduate prepared for supervisory, leadership, and service roles in the field of school psychology.
Graduates of this program are prepared to assume roles 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. Graduates will be qualified to pursue becoming credentialed as nationally certified school psychologists (NCSPs) as well as licensed psychologists in Arizona.
PSYC 560: Advanced Social Psychology
SERP 601: Cognition and Development
SERP 686: Child Psychotherapy
SERP 694-017: Psychotherapy Practicum
EDP 641**: Advanced Statistical Methods for Research
SERP 695P: Contemporary and Emerging Issues in School Psychology
Full list of required coursework
The Scholar-Practitioner Model
The program philosophy is guided by the "scholar-practitioner" training model. By necessity, a psychologist practicing in this manner is capable of applying many psychological principles, theories, and research findings, as well as evidence-based assessment and intervention procedures. These are often applied in school settings but might be applied elsewhere when school-related social, emotional, and learning problems are present.
Is an EdS or a PhD Right for Me?
If you are unsure if you wish to pursue an EdS or a PhD in School Psychology, please review our degree decision tree to help guide your decision-making process.
Accreditation and Outcomes
Learn about student admissions, outcomes, and other data. Learn more about this information from NASP.
Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the APA’s commission on accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st. St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002.
Phone: (202) 336-5979 / Email
apa.org/ed/accreditation
Admission Requirements
- A graduate college application.
- Unofficial transcripts of all previous coursework required at time of application. Official transcripts of all previous coursework required at time of admission.
- Three letters of recommendation
- A resume or curriculum vita
- A personal statement
Admission preference to the School Psychology Program is given to applicants with the following:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Psychology, Special Education, Educational Psychology, or a related discipline
- Experience with children, adolescents, and people with disabilities and/or mental health concerns
- Experience in school systems
- Letters of recommendation that comment favorably on the applicant’s potential to do advanced graduate work, as well as their potential for professional contribution to the field
Ready to learn more?
We recommend reading the student handbook for details about our department and our program. For more information, contact Desiree Vega.