Program Overview

Introduction to the Psy.D. in School Psychology Program

The Psy.D. in School Psychology program at Gonzaga University is a doctorate-level degree that prepares students to become licensed-eligible psychologists. The program focuses on the psychologist as a 'scientist-practitioner' and educates and trains students to apply the principles of psychology and education to support school-wide academic and emotional programs.

Program Overview

Upon graduation, students will become licensed-eligible psychologists with the credentials to work in various settings, including:

• PK-12 Schools
• Hospitals
• Residential Facilities
• Higher Education The program offers two pathways to earn the Psy.D. in School Psychology: Post-Baccalaureate Curriculum and Post-Certification Curriculum.

Faculty

The Psy.D. in School Psychology program is led by a team of highly credentialed faculty members, including:

• Addy Wissel, Ph.D., Associate Dean & Chair, School Psychology
• Dennis Sisco-Taylor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor & Director of Psy.D. Program in School Psychology
• John Gallo, Ph.D, Assistant Professor & Director of Ed.S. Program in School Psychology
• Kristen Arnold, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, School Psychology
• Maggie Cox, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, School Psychology
• Mark Derby, Ph.D., Professor, School Psychology

Curriculum and Internships

The program's curriculum focuses on the scientist-practitioner orientation, teaching students to employ empirically validated methods of assessment, consultation, intervention, program evaluation, supervision, and research. Students will also participate in a 1750-hour internship, which is customizable to the type of work they would like to do upon graduation. The internships are paid, and in some cases, compensation can be substantial.

Post-Baccalaureate Curriculum

The Post-Baccalaureate Curriculum is designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree. The program typically takes five years to complete and requires 109 credits.

Post-Certification Curriculum

The Post-Certification Curriculum is designed for students who have completed an Ed.S. degree or a master's degree in a closely related field. The program typically takes three years to complete and requires 45 credits.

Admission Requirements

To apply to the Psy.D. in School Psychology program, students must submit a GRE Psychology subject test score. The program starts each fall semester and is a cohort model, with 10 students in the post-bachelor's program and 10 students in the post-certification program.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The tuition for the Psy.D. in School Psychology program is $1,120 per credit for the Post-Baccalaureate Pathway and $1,100 per credit for the Post-Certification Pathway. Graduate students are eligible to receive up to $20,500 in federal loans each academic year. The program also offers various graduate assistantship opportunities and scholarships.

Why Choose Gonzaga

Gonzaga University's Psy.D. in School Psychology program is one of only two in the Western United States. The program offers a competitive tuition rate, and the faculty are highly credentialed with decades of experience. The university is located in Spokane, Washington, which offers a robust downtown, excellent schools, and access to various outdoor activities.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Psy.D. in School Psychology program will be qualified to work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practice. Employment of school psychologists is expected to grow 8% from now until 2030, and the program offers the ability to gain licensure and launch a private practice.

Accreditation

The Psy.D. program adheres to the American Psychological Association's (APA) Standards of Accreditation for Health Service Psychology and Accreditation Operating Procedures, as well as the APA's Implementation Regulations. Full accreditation is expected in 2026.

Support Services

Students in the Psy.D. in School Psychology program will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work with them throughout the duration of the program to help them meet their academic goals. The university also offers various support services, including a Student Services team, Program Support, Graduate Student Association, Foley Library, IT Help Desk, Disability Access, Career & Professional Development, Center for Cura Personalis, Health & Counseling Services, Lincoln LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Rudolf Fitness Center, Transfer, Veteran, and Returning Adult Services, and Unity Multicultural Education Center.