PhD in Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology with Emphasis in School Psychology, Certification
The doctoral program in School Psychology is focused on training the next generation of research, teaching, clinical, and policy leaders who are singularly focused on solving significant societal problems in education and psychology. We utilize an integrated systems approach to address academic and behavioral evidence-based practice with world-class research lines in prevention science, assessment, and intervention. Our graduates are prepared to work in higher education and research settings as well as clinical settings, such as schools, community health agencies, and hospitals. The PhD program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists. The Doctoral (PhD) program in School Psychology is completed concurrently with the Masters in Arts (MA) program in School Psychology. As a result, the first year after admission to the program is predominately focused on the MA coursework.
Degree Requirements
| I. General Core (61 hours) | ||
| ESC_PS 7130 | Parent Counseling and Consultation | 3 |
| ESC_PS 8120 | Psychological Assessment of Children and Adolescents:Psychoeducational Assessment | 3 |
| ESC_PS 8165 | Psychological Interventions with Children and Adolescents: Evidence-Based Therapies | 3 |
| ESC_PS 8260 | School Psychology Practicum: Intermediate | 6 |
| ESC_PS 8850 | Quantitative Foundations in Educational Research | 3 |
| ESC_PS 8957 | Qualitative Methods in Educational Research I | 3 |
| ESC_PS 9090 | Doctoral Dissertation Educational School & Counseling Psychology | 12 |
| ESC_PS 9093 | Doctoral Internship in School Psychology | 3 |
| ESC_PS 9125 | Professional Iss. in Sch. Psych. II: Rsrch. Design & Application | 3 |
| ESC_PS 9250 | School Psychology Practicum: Advanced | 6 |
| ESC_PS 9400 | Theories and Practices in Supervision | 3 |
| ESC_PS 9560 | Psychological Consultation: Schools | 3 |
| Advanced Qual or Quant Analysis Course | 3 | |
| II. Psychological Foundations (selected from the following): | 18 | |
| ESC_PS 8060 | Lifespan Development | 3 |
| ESC_PS 8070 | Ethical and Legal Issues in Psychological Practice | 3 |
| ESC_PS 8355 | Cognition and Emotion | 3 |
| ESC_PS 8530 | Developmental Psychopathology and Exceptionality | 3 |
| ESC_PS 9000 | Multicultural Issues in Counseling | 4 |
| ESC_PS 9030 | Social Bases of Behavior | 3 |
| ESC_PS 9060 | Advanced History and Systems of Psychology | 3 |
| ESC_PS 9080 | Biological Basis of Behavior | 3 |
Sample Plan of Study
Below is a sample plan of study for completion of the coursework requirements for the Ph.D. in school psychology; however, each individual student’s plan of study varies depending on their pace in the program and individual choices when options are available. The Doctoral program in School Psychology is completed concurrently with the Masters in Education (M.A.) program in School Psychology. As a result, the first year after admission to the program is predominately focused on the M.A. coursework.
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| ESC_PS 8120 | 3 | ESC_PS 9125 | 3 | ||
| 3 | 3 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| ESC_PS 8082 | 3 | ESC_PS 8060 | 3 | ESC_PS 8957 | 3 |
| ESC_PS 8260 | 3 | ESC_PS 8165 | 3 | ||
| ESC_PS 8530 | 3 | ESC_PS 8260 | 3 | ||
| ESC_PS 9560 | 3 | ESC_PS 9030 | 3 | ||
| 12 | 12 | 3 | |||
| Third Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| ESC_PS 8355 | 3 | ESC_PS 7130 | 3 | ESC_PS 9060 | 3 |
| ESC_PS 9250 | 3 | ESC_PS 8250 | 3 | ESC_PS 9090 | 3 |
| ESC_PS 8070 | 3 | ESC_PS 9080 | 3 | ||
| 9 | 9 | 6 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| ESC_PS 9090 | 6 | ESC_PS 9400 | 3 | ||
| ESC_PS 9710 | 3 | ESC_PS 9090 | 6 | ||
| 9 | 9 | ||||
| Total Credits: 75 | |||||
Qualifying Process
The qualifying examination for the Ph.D. in School Psychology includes a take-home written examination. It is typically completed at the start of the Fall semester of year 2 in the program, presuming successful completion of ESC_PS 8125, ESC_PS 9125, and ESC_PS 8082.
Comprehensive Examination Process
The comprehensive examination for the Ph.D. in School Psychology includes a take-home written examination followed by an oral examination with the doctoral committee. This examination process is typically completed at the beginning of the winter semester in year 3 or the start of the fall semester in year 4. Students jointly enrolled in the Masters of Arts program in School Psychology must have completed their master’s thesis/manuscript prior to sitting for their Doctoral Comprehensive Exams.
Dissertation Requirements
After working with the academic advisor on developing a dissertation proposal, the student meets with her/his doctoral program committee to obtain approval of the written dissertation proposal. This happens before data collection begins. After the project is completed, the student submits a written dissertation and defends her/his dissertation project to the doctoral program committee. The dissertation proposal must be approved by committee prior to applying for terminal internships.
Admissions
Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission: the requirements of the PhD in Educational, School & Counseling Psychology program and the minimum requirements of the Graduate School.
Apply online by submitting the following documents using the MU Graduate School application form by December 1 for the next Fall cohort.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vita
- Official academic transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 from an accredited institution in psychology, education, or a related major.
- Statement of purpose addressing the following:
- Describe interests and experiences with working with people from diverse backgrounds (e.g. ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, religious, ability status, sexual orientation). How have these experiences influenced you? (250 word maximum)
- Describe experiences that demonstrate your potential for leadership that you believe distinguish you as a candidate for graduate study. (250 word maximum)
- Describe (1) your research interests that you hope to pursue in graduate school (2) how these interests match those of specific faculty. (Please limit to 500 words)
- Describe (1) your career objectives (2) how these career objectives have developed, and (3) how being accepted into MU’s program will benefit your career aspirations and help you act upon your beliefs, goals, and philosophy. (Please limit to 500 words)
- Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for test taken within the last 5 years should have a combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 305.
- TOEFL for international students (preferred score of 580 for paper test, 92 iBT, IELTS 6.5 or higher)