| |
Jan 23, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
2025-2026 Graduate Catalog
School Psychology, Ph.D.
|
|
 Return to: Programs by Degree
The Ph.D. degree program in School Psychology at the University of South Florida is offered through the College of Education’s Educational and Psychological Studies. The Program has been designed specifically for training in school psychology and has been developed to meet all relevant national accreditation standards. The Ph.D. program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association and fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and the Florida Department of Education. Students who complete the School Psychology Training Program at USF automatically meet the academic and field training requirements for certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (N.C.S.P.)
The Ph.D. program in School Psychology is committed to training professionals who have expertise in the depth and diversity of both psychology and education. This training is accomplished within a scientist-practitioner model that emphasizes comprehensive school psychological services using a social and cognitive behavioral learning theory orientation that recognizes the impact of children’s individual differences and the importance of multicultural awareness and skills. Graduates of the Ph.D. program move to positions of employment as university faculty and researchers, as psychologists in school, hospital, and agency settings, and as program leaders in applied settings. The program also offers professional development opportunities for practitioners in the field.
Accreditation
Major Research Areas
Multi-Tiered System of Supports, School-Based Mental Health Services, Positive Psychology, Professional and Practice Issues in School Psychology, Behavioral Interventions, Pediatric School Psychology, Organizational Development and Consultation, Academic Assessment and Intervention.
|
Admission Information
Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below. The School Psychology program admission only occurs in the fall. This is a limited access program, which means that only a limited number of students are able to be accepted each year. Required Admissions Materials A complete application includes the following: If invited for an interview, present self professionally in an oral interview with two or more faculty members and graduate students. - Statement of professional goals. The statement of goals should be approximately 2-3 pages, single-spaced, and indicate why you are interested in school psychology, why USF in particular, your research/practice interests. Professional goals and research interests must be compatible with the School Psychology Program.
- Three letters of recommendation from professionals who are familiar with your scholarship and work history.
- CV or Professional Resume
Curriculum Requirements
Total Minimum Hours - 42 credit hours post-specialist - Core - 16 Credit Hours
- Additional Required Courses - 10 Credit Hours
- Area of Emphasis - may require additional coursework beyond the 42 credit hours
- Practicum/Internship - 4 Credit Hours Minimum
- Dissertation - 12 Credit Hours Minimum
Note: Students may be required to take additional hours depending on the course of study and/or academic deficiencies. Core Requirements (16 Credit Hours)
Additional Required Courses (11 Credit Hours)
Area of Emphasis (May Require Additional Coursework)
All doctoral students in School Psychology must specialize in at least one Area of Emphasis. An area of emphasis is defined by course work, practice, research, and internship experiences taken by the student. Possible Areas of Emphasis include, but are not limited to: Multi-Tiered System of Supports, School-Based Mental Health Services, Positive Psychology, Professional and Practice Issues in School Psychology, Behavioral Interventions, Pediatric School Psychology, Organizational Development and Consultation, Academic Assessment and Intervention. Previous coursework may be used to satisfy this requirement. Additional courses may be required by the student’s Doctoral Committee. Qualifying Examination
The purpose of the qualifying examination is to evaluate the student’s ability to apply and synthesize the skills and knowledge acquired during graduate study. Students must successfully complete the qualifying examination and complete all required coursework before admission to doctoral candidacy. Tests or Examinations
All students must complete the General Knowledge Exam prior to internship. It is recommended that students take both the General Knowledge Examination and the Professional Education Examination (required for degree completion) at the same time. Both of these requirements should be completed as a part of the Ed.S. Degree. All students are required to take and pass the FTCE School Psychology subject area exam and the National Association of School Psychology Certification Exam (PRAXIS) during the internship year, prior to graduation. Residency Requirement
Academic residency is defined as registration for at least 9 semester hours, two semesters in a 12-month period. Practicum and Internship (4 Credit Hours)
Dissertation (12 Credit Hours Minimum)
|
Return to: Programs by Degree
|
|