School psychology PhD
Become a leader in helping schools and communities succeed
Accredited by APA and approved by NASP/NCATE, the doctoral program in school psychology prepares you to become a leader in the field of school psychology. You’ll be eligible to receive your state and national school psychologist credential, and the license to practice psychology. You can become a university faculty member, conduct research, work with students, staff, and families in schools, or work with children and youth in other settings as a licensed psychologist.
Note: We no longer require GRE test scores for application and admission to the program.
Become a leader in helping schools and communities succeed
Accredited by APA and approved by NASP/NCATE, the doctoral program in school psychology prepares you to become a leader in the field of school psychology. You’ll be eligible to receive your state and national school psychologist credential, and the license to practice psychology. You can become a university faculty member, conduct research, work with students, staff, and families in schools, or work with children and youth in other settings as a licensed psychologist.
Note: We no longer require GRE test scores for application and admission to the program.
Watch a replay of a recent info session
Check out this video replay or these slides from our recent info session at the Psychology Grad School Virtual Fair on October 6, 2022.
Why study school psychology at the U?
- Challenging, cutting edge preparation with a focus on justice and equity
- 100% of our students are employed in their field within a year of graduation*
- One of the strongest, most established programs in the nation
- Innovative faculty and students who are state and national leaders
- Faculty commitment to and expertise in diversity, educational equity, student mental health, and social justice
- Over $10 million in research and graduate training grants
- Compassionate, nimble in responding to COVID-19
- Committed to advancing antiracism
*Percentages of students since 2012
Careers
Doctoral-level school psychologists work in schools, universities (as faculty), mental health agencies, research centers and think tanks, clinical settings, state departments of education, and independent practices. The program emphasizes preparation of future faculty, so all students are trained not only as researchers, but in higher education teaching, supervision, and mentoring.
School psychologists: in-demand and well-compensated
- 100% of our students are fully funded and employed after graduation*
- Expected employment growth: 11% between 2012 and 2022**
- Mean 9-month salary (full-time, school-based practitioner): $64,000-$71,000***
- Mean 9-month salary (university faculty): $77,800**
- Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data
*Percentages of students since 2012
**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
***National Association of School Psychologists
Coursework
School psychology PhD students generally complete four years of coursework and dissertation, followed by a year-long internship. All students prepare to become scientist-practitioners through coursework in research methods and statistics, and the completion of a supervised research project.
- See the program handbook for a full description of research expectations and requirements.
- Visit the Educational Psychology PhD course catalog for full course listings and descriptions.
Tuition
Visit the College of Education and Human Development's Finance and Funding page for information on tuition.
Funding
FAQ
Still have questions? Review our frequently asked questions or program handbook.
You will garner a cutting-edge skill set for school psychology practice and/or research. The program’s training on problem solving and a broad understanding of the context of learning difficulties—delivered by faculty who are leaders in the field—will help you advance the field of school psychology to improve student and system outcomes.
David Parker, PhD '12
Vice president for research and development, ServeMinnesota
Read more about David's experience.
Faculty
The following faculty are currently accepting doctoral advisees.
Lisa Aguilar Assistant professor
aguilarl@umn.edu
- Indigenous youth, families, and communities
- Decolonizing school psychology
- Indigenizing educational spaces
Faith Miller Associate professor
fgmiller@umn.edu | Lab
- Multi-tiered systems of support for social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties (SEBD)
- Evidence-based assessment and intervention for SEBD
- Data-based decision making
Kirsten Newell Assistant professor
kwnewell@umn.edu
- Academic assessment of dual-language learners
- Biliteracy assessment and intervention
- Educators' use of data within multi-tiered systems of support
Amanda L. Sullivan Birkmaier Education Leadership Professor, program coordinator
asulliva@umn.edu| Lab
- Education and health disparities affecting individuals with and at-risk for special needs
- Characteristics and outcomes of children and adolescents with disabilities
- School psychological and special education services for diverse learners
Instructors and supervisors
Annie Hansen-BurkeSenior lecturer
hans1498@umn.edu
Jessie KemberTeaching assistant professor, director of clinical training
kembe007@umn.edu
Mollie WeeksLecturer
linkx082@umn.edu
Sarah Wollersheim SherveyLecturer
woll0096@umn.edu
- Mental health and well-being of students and the people who care for them (parents, teachers)
- Social emotional learning programs
- Teacher well-being, PBIS, and behavior interventions in the schools
The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association.
Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-336-5979 / Email: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/