Program Overview
The Ph.D. in school psychology at the University of Kansas is a distinguished doctoral program designed to foster the development of skilled scientist-practitioner school psychologists. Reflecting a scientist-practitioner training model, this program extends students’ knowledge in psychological foundations, applied research, and professional practice, emphasizing the integration of science and service delivery.
The Ph.D. in school psychology equips graduates to apply psychological theory, empirical research, and data-based decision-making to enhance educational and mental and behavioral health outcomes for children and adolescents across diverse settings. With a strong and explicit commitment to individual, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity, the program prepares students to address the complex and intersecting needs of learners in schools, clinics, and community environments.
Housed within the KU School of Education and Human Sciences, which is accredited by the CAEP Accreditation System, this school psychology Ph.D. integrates core professional competencies—such as psychoeducational assessment, consultation, academic and behavioral intervention, prevention science, and ethics—with rigorous research preparation. Students develop advanced understanding of biological, cognitive-affective, social, and developmental bases of behavior, as well as the historical and systemic foundations of psychology as a discipline and profession.
This doctorate in school psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and the Kansas State Department of Education, reflecting alignment with national standards in health service psychology and school psychology credentialing. Students typically complete four years of full-time academic study, research, and supervised practica, followed by a full-time, one-year predoctoral internship in health service psychology.
Among leading school psychology Ph.D. programs, KU’s approach emphasizes preparation in research design, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, measurement, and program evaluation, alongside advanced training in special education law and systems-level practice. Graduates of this Ph.D. school psychology program are prepared not only to deliver high-quality psychological services but also to generate new knowledge through independent research that advances equity, access, and student success. By bridging scholarship and applied service, the Ph.D. in school psychology prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to both scientific advancement and professional practice.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Ph.D. in School PsychologyKU School of Education and Human Sciences
The Doctorate in School Psychology is part of the School of Education and Human Sciences, preparing educators and human science professionals of the future.Doctorate in School Psychology Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Ph.D. in school psychology, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of psychological foundations, including biological, cognitive, affective, developmental, and social bases of behavior
- Integrate research and theory into evidence-based school psychology practices, including assessment, consultation, intervention, and prevention
- Conduct independent, original research that contributes to the scientific literature in school psychology and related fields
- Apply ethical and legal principles consistent with professional standards in health service psychology
- Use data-based decision-making to inform practice at individual, group, and systems levels
- Demonstrate professional competence in working with individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Effectively communicate research findings and applied insights to professional, academic, and community audiences
These outcomes reflect the expectations of leading school psychology graduate programs and align with national accreditation standards.
What Careers are Possible with a Doctorate in School Psychology
Graduates of the Ph.D. in school psychology are prepared for a range of professional roles across educational, clinical, and academic settings. Career pathways include:
- Licensed psychologists in public or private school systems
- Faculty members and researchers in universities offering school psychology Ph.D. programs
- Clinical supervisors or behavioral health consultants
- Specialists in multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and prevention science
- Education policy analysts and program evaluators
According to Lightcast, professionals in roles aligned with a school psychology Ph.D. salary report median annual earnings of approximately $84,000, with strong long-term demand projected for related school psychology Ph.D. jobs in educational and health service settings.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of the Doctorate in School Psychology program varies based on residency status. The University of Kansas provides a range of financial aid options for graduate students, including scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. Graduate students may also be eligible for federal loans. Additionally, working as a research or teaching assistant offers the opportunity for financial support while gaining valuable academic experience.
For more information on tuition rates, scholarships, and financial aid, please visit KU Financial Aid.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for the Ph.D. in School Psychology, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals
- Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources
- GRE scores
For more information on the admissions process, please visit the School of Education and Human Sciences.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
Doctoral students in the Ph.D. in school psychology engage in closely mentored research experiences with faculty whose work spans assessment, intervention science, systems-level reform, and culturally responsive practice. From early coursework through dissertation completion, students are embedded in collaborative research teams and community-based projects that reflect the mission of leading school psychology Ph.D. programs.
Students complete supervised practica in school and clinical settings prior to undertaking a full-time, year-long internship in health service psychology. As part of this Ph.D. school psychology experience, students participate in professional conferences, grant-writing initiatives, and interdisciplinary seminars that support career development. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, KU offers a vibrant academic community that fosters mentorship, scholarly engagement, and professional networking.
Doctorate in School Psychology Sample Courses
Coursework in the Ph.D. in school psychology is designed to integrate research, theory, and applied practice. Sample courses include:
- Understanding Research in Education
- Developmental Psychopathology: Diagnosis, Intervention, and Prevention
- Cognitive Assessment
- Ethics, Law, and Professional Issues in School Psychology
Additional coursework in statistics, research methodology, consultation, academic and behavioral intervention, and systems-level practice supports comprehensive preparation in this school psychology Ph.D. For a complete and current list of courses, please consult the KU Catalog.
Doctorate in School Psychology Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.