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Program Overview

The School Psychology Program prepares professional psychologists with educational expertise who can function in a variety of diverse educational and mental health-related settings. The School Psychology Ph.D. program qualifies graduates for licensure as a psychologist and certification within local education agencies. The program is grounded in a scientist practitioner training model and uses an ecological systems/whole child approach to guide the program. These views foster the conception of the school psychologist as broadly capable of conducting research and practicing effectively with clients, in addition to considering the ecological complex in which the child exists. Our program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists.

Program Details

• The PhD program requires 5 years of full-time study (9-15 credits per fall/spring semester and several summer courses) and completion of a dissertation plus a full-time yearlong internship.
• The program is offered by the College of Education.
• Credential: PhD
• Tuition/Credit Hour:
  • Resident: $825.50
  • Non-Resident: $2,060.50

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). This accreditation confirms that our curriculum prepares graduates to provide ethical, skillful, and effective psychological services, supporting their readiness for licensure and professional practice.

Admission Requirements

Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.

Application Requirements

Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed below, those will also apply.

Program Specific Requirements

For information about program specific admissions requirements, view the program page.

Application Deadlines

Domestic & International Students

• Fall: 12/01/2025

Program Description

A doctorate in school psychology is perfect for individuals passionate about supporting student mental health, academic success, and well-being, with a focus on assessment, intervention, and advocacy. Graduates pursue careers as school psychologists, working in settings such as K-12 schools, universities, private practices, community mental health centers, and hospitals.

Licensure

If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.

Funding Options

As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program.

Program Structure

The school psychology programs offer a breadth of classroom choices and a wealth of field experiences. The combination of these classroom and experiential activities result in graduates who are prepared for many of the professional challenges of a school psychologist.

Related Programs

• PhD: Early Childhood, Special Education, and Rehabilitation Counseling
• EdD: Instruction and Administration
• EdD: Educational Leadership
• PhD: Special Education