Best Ph.D. and PsyD in School Psychology Degree Programs

If you’re interested in making a difference in the lives of kids, earning your doctorate in school psychology can be a fantastic way to achieve your career goals. As a school psychologist, you’ll get to work with students, teachers, and families, helping everyone learn the best way they can support your client.

You’ll likely serve as a jack of all trades when it comes to mental health issues with young people, addressing everything from depression and anxiety to learning differences. You may work in a single school, or you may work with an entire district, switching between schools throughout the week depending on district needs.

You may also have the opportunity to teach sessions in classrooms, helping students with their social-emotional learning goals. Here, we’ll explore what you can expect to learn from an online school psychology doctorate program, as well as the standard admission requirements for earning your doctorate in school psychology and becoming a school psychologist.

2024 - Best PhD/PsyD in School Psychology

Counselingpsychology.org provides rankings of Doctorate Degrees in School Psychology based off of a carefully-crafted methodology. This methodology includes criteria such as completion rates, affordability and cost of living, the competitiveness of the institution, the diversity of programs offered, and the years of experience of the faculty. You can find more information on their methodology here. With this information, you can make an informed decision when selecting a doctorate program in school psychology.

1.

Hofstra University

Hempstead, NY

Hofstra University's School Psychology PhD and PsyD programs, housed in the Department of Counseling and Mental Health Professions on its Long Island campus, prioritize evidence-based practices and practical, hands-on experience for students. With a strong emphasis on diversity and social justice, graduates are well-equipped to address the complex needs of children and adolescents in educational and mental health settings.

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2.

Adelphi University

Garden City, NY

Adelphi University is a private, coeducational institution located on Long Island, New York. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including a Doctorate Degree in School Psychology. With a student body of over 8,000, Adelphi provides an intimate learning environment that allows students to receive a personalized education.

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3.

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO

The University of Northern Colorado is a public university located in Greeley, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including a Doctorate Degree in School Psychology. The university is home to around 12,000 students, making it a medium-sized college with a welcoming atmosphere. UNC is proud to offer a diverse array of programs and services to students, faculty, and staff.

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4.

University of Denver

Denver, CO

The University of Denver is a private, 4-year institution located in Denver, Colorado. With a student body of over 11,000, UD offers a variety of degree programs, including a Doctorate Degree in School Psychology. The university's rigorous curriculum and commitment to research and scholarship help prepare students for successful careers and lives.

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5.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK) is a public, coeducational research university located in Knoxville, Tennessee. With over 28,000 students, UTK is the state’s flagship university. UTK offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Doctorate Degree in School Psychology. With world-renowned faculty and research opportunities, UTK is a premier institution in the Southeast.

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What Will I Learn in an Online School Psychology Doctorate Program?

Earning your Ph.D. or Psy.D. in school psychology online qualifies you for a number of jobs working with young minds, from serving school districts develop effective social-emotional learning curricula to helping students develop ways to reduce test anxiety. Typically, it takes about eight years to complete a doctorate program in school psychology online. You may need to go through a residency or internship program, which may add to the amount of time it takes for you to complete your doctorate.

As you work through your school psychology doctorate program, you’ll cover many topics, including:

• Child and adolescent psychopathology: In your psychopathology courses, you’ll learn about mental health issues that often affect children and adolescents, how to identify these conditions, and how to work with students and their families to create effective treatment plans that allow each of your clients to maximize their potential.

• Academic assessment and intervention: As a school psychologist, you’ll work to support students in the classroom. Often, this involves observing students working with their teachers and their peers and identifying issues that are holding them back. After completing assessments, you’ll work with students, teachers, and administrators to develop effective interventions that boost student achievement.

• Cognitive assessment: In your doctoral program, you’ll learn how to assess students’ cognitive abilities, allowing teachers to get the information they need to craft appropriate curricula.

• Research design and methods: As a school psychologist, you’ll have the unique opportunity to contribute to research in the field. In your research design and methods class, you’ll get the chance to explore how to create an effective study, and you’ll learn how to unpack complicated academic studies into actionable steps that you can put into practice with your students.

Admissions Requirements for a Doctorate in School Psychology

In order to gain admission to an online school psychology doctorate program, you’ll need to submit both your undergraduate and graduate transcripts. If you don’t have a master’s degree, you may be able to submit a combination of work experience and your bachelor’s transcripts. In some cases, you may need to have a minimum GPA in order to be considered for admission to a program. Your program may require that your undergraduate degree be in a related field, such as education, psychology, or sociology.

Many programs also require that you submit a statement of purpose explaining what you’d like to do with your career. You may also need to include letters of recommendation from your professors or work supervisors.

List of School Psychology Doctorate Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based doctorate program in school psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Joel Gill

Joel Gill is a writer with a background in psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a deep interest in the human mind and behavior. Joel's writing often explores themes related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys cycling, meditation, and spending time with his family.