What are the Prerequisites for a Doctorate in School Psychology?

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Updated March 8, 2024 · 3 Min Read

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In many employment settings, a school psychologist does not need to possess a doctorate. However, doctoral credentials may enhance your credibility, lead to more employment options, and increase your earning power.

This guide to doctorate in school psychology requirements outlines the path to pursuing this terminal degree. Use it to plan your educational journey to a doctorate in school psychology.

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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Types of Doctorate Degrees in School Psychology

As a first step in learning about doctorate in school psychology requirements, you should understand the different types of doctoral degrees. Three main designations apply to school psychology doctorates:

  • Doctor of psychology (Psy.D.)
  • Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Doctor of education (Ed.D.)

Academic prerequisites and admissions standards vary by school and degree designation. The subsections below explain the defining features of each doctorate:

Psy.D.

As the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) notes, Psy.D. programs focus on clinical practice training. As such, they place less emphasis on research components and methodologies. Instead, you will likely encounter coursework emphasizing:

  • Behavioral, emotional, and psychoeducational assessments
  • Psychopathology of school-aged children and adolescents
  • Preventive approaches to mental health
  • Group-based intervention processes and therapies

Some curricula present these subjects in the context of integrated clinical practice systems based on applied theory. Specific elements may include service delivery models, intervention strategies, cultural sensitivity, and helping students with special needs.

Psy.D. programs may also prioritize holistic approaches to clinical practice. As such, they actively explore issues surrounding the relationship dynamics between students, families, and teachers.

Ph.D.

Ph.D. degrees in school psychology generally concentrate more on scientific research and theoretical modeling. In comparing Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs in school psychology, the NASP also identifies Ph.D. degrees as the standard for careers in academia.

As such, Ph.D. curricula often include greater coverage of research methods and quantitative techniques for analyzing studies and assessment results. They typically explore prevailing theories of student psychology, examining links between theory and practice.

Doctoral programs almost always require each enrollee to complete a dissertation, regardless of the degree designation. However, Ph.D. dissertations more commonly focus on original quantitative research. In contrast, students in Psy.D. programs often select more qualitative topics for their dissertations.

Ed.D.

The NASP characterizes Ed.D. degrees as primarily training students for leadership roles in educational practice. Ed.D. programs blend research-oriented course content with real-world applications. This dynamic combination equips doctoral candidates with the tools for guiding students to better educational outcomes.

Curricula tend to include intensive coverage of education-oriented models of developmental psychology. Schools often combine research coursework with applied education theory, emphasizing topics including:

  • Social, emotional, and intellectual learning across the human lifespan
  • Cognitive processes involved in knowledge acquisition and retention
  • Strategies for creating positive learning environments

Depending on the program's orientation, you may also encounter coursework covering instructional design, curriculum development practices, and educational technologies.

Common Admission Requirements for a Doctorate in School Psychology

GPA Requirements

With respect to academic achievement, requirements for a doctorate in school psychology can vary widely. Institutions and programs set their GPA guidelines internally and on an individual basis.

At the low end, expect to encounter minimum cumulative GPA requirements of about 2.5 on the 4.0 scale. However, schools may offer alternative entry paths to otherwise qualified students with GPAs below their stated minimums.

Furthermore, note that admissions officials may only consider your grades in relevant courses or from a particular level of study. For instance, a school might only look at the grades you earned in your master's program in psychology without considering your undergraduate performance.

Exam Requirements

A growing number of universities have moved away from test score requirements toward test-optional policies. Alternatively, applicants with cumulative GPAs above a specific threshold may earn exemptions from exam requirements.

Whether optional or required, doctoral programs in school psychology tend to request Graduate Records Examinations (GRE) scores. Some institutions additionally accept or require scores from the GRE exam for psychology.

As with GPAs, performance cutoffs vary among institutions. However, higher scores can lead to more study opportunities.

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements often depend on the doctor program's specific designation. Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs usually include a master's degree in psychology or a closely related area as a firm requirement. Ed.D. programs may prefer or require a master's degree or a postgraduate education specialist degree.

To make doctoral credentials more accessible, some schools extend admission eligibility to highly qualified applicants with bachelor's degrees. In these cases, elevated academic achievement standards may apply. Successful applicants with undergraduate degrees may also be required to complete prerequisites or preparatory course sequences before starting the doctoral program.

Course Requirements

Doctorate in school psychology requirements often include specific college-level coursework. In addition to considering general trends in your academic record, admission officials will look for evidence of your competency in relevant areas.

Common examples include:

  • Quantitative psychology
  • Probability, statistics, and statistical analysis methods
  • Research design standards

Depending on the program and its academic orientation, you may also need an undergraduate- or graduate-level background in particular psychology topics. For instance, doctoral programs often require coursework in child psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and/or psychology research methods.

Research Experience Requirements

While schools may not include firsthand psychological research experience as a firm requirement, they may look more favorably on candidates who have engaged in some research. Given their academic focus, Ph.D. programs may be more likely than Psy.D. or Ed.D. programs to prefer or require research experience.

In most cases, you will have the opportunity to explain your experience in your personal essay or statement of purpose. Some doctoral programs in school psychology also require interviews, and you can provide further details in that setting.

Work Experience Requirements

Doctorate in school psychology requirements sometimes include work or volunteer experience. Acceptable employment experiences typically include direct work with children and/or adolescents in educational settings or contexts. If experience is not required, school officials may still view your application more favorably if you have worked in relevant settings.

Most doctoral programs in school psychology include a resume or CV among their application materials. Highlight your relevant work experience there and in your personal essay/statement of purpose.

What Else Do I Need to Know About Applying to a Doctorate in School Psychology Program?

Core materials you will need to furnish include an institutional application, academic transcripts, a personal essay, test scores, and a resume or CV. In addition, schools usually request multiple letters of recommendation from authoritative parties who can speak to your qualifications.

Letters of recommendation may emphasize your academic abilities, professional experiences, or both. Schools typically ask for up to three recommendations. Aim to cultivate positive relationships with your instructors and supervisors as you move through your educational and professional journey.

Some schools include interviews in their admissions process. To give yourself an advantage, carefully research the program's underlying philosophy, curriculum, and student development goals. Find compelling ways to align your background and qualifications with these aspects of the program. Doing so may help convince your interviewers that you make a good fit.


Page last reviewed on February 22, 2024

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