School Psychology PhD

Research student learning processes and development with the School Psychology PhD in Temple’s College of Education and Human Development. Gain the skills to support students academically, emotionally and socially. Sharpen your clinical and research skills while preparing to overcome obstacles and lead the evolution of the profession. Graduates often seek out faculty positions, pursue licensure as psychologists, and work in a variety of clinical or research settings.

You will be eligible for certification as a school psychologist in Pennsylvania and New Jersey through this comprehensive degree. The program follows a scientist-practitioner model, which emphasizes that a thorough theoretical understanding of the science of psychology is needed to master practical competencies in the field. As a doctoral student, you’ll partner with faculty mentors to embark on research studies, co-author articles and present at conferences.

Temple’s School Psychology PhD provides a diverse, inclusive learning environment with a focus on social justice. The program is committed to serving underserved and marginalized populations in the community. Temple’s urban environment provides a multitude of hands-on learning opportunities for students within diverse populations. The program’s emphasis on intellectual, academic, social-emotional and systems-level assessment makes graduates highly in demand as professionals. 

You’ll take both daytime and evening classes and complete one year of full-time residency as part of the program.

You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your studies with a concentration on Applied Behavior Analysis. To complete the PhD program requirements and the requirements for PDE certification as a School Psychologist (PK-12), students must complete 93-96 credits of post-baccalaureate required coursework. Students who are pursuing board certification as a behavioral analyst (BCBA) should elect to complete the additional 12 credits of coursework in the optional concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students who elect not to pursue BCBA board certification must follow the general track and complete an additional 6 credits of approved electives to complete the PhD program requirements.

Learn more about student admissions, outcomes and other program data.

Certification and Licensure

After completing an internship and passing the exams required by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, students may become nationally certified school psychologists. Students may become certified school psychologists in Pennsylvania; after completing required exams and postdoctoral supervision, they may be eligible to obtain state licensure as psychologists.