Program Overview

School Psychology PhD Program

The PhD in School Psychology program prepares professional health service psychologists to contribute to the academic, emotional, and social-behavioral well-being of children and adolescents through direct and indirect services.

Program Overview

The program allows students to practice psychology in educational settings, conduct research in the field, pursue faculty positions, and assume leadership roles. Graduate students complete a full-time internship/school-based practicum, gaining experience providing a range of psychological services, specialized practicum experiences, and a doctoral dissertation based on original research.

Areas of Specialization

The program offers three areas of specialization:

• Behavior analysis
• Bilingual school psychology
• Research and evaluation

Program Goals

Doctoral students in School Psychology will attain an understanding of basic content areas in psychology, as well as professional issues including ethical and legal principles, equity, cultural diversity, communication, and quality assurance principles. Students will learn professional competencies in assessment, intervention, consultation, and supervision of psychological services with diverse populations.

Faculty

School Psychology faculty demonstrate a range in both professional and personal experiences, including psychological practice in multiple settings and a variety of research interests. Faculty are well regarded in the field, with publications in top journals across the school psychology, educational psychology, and general and special education fields.

Admission Requirements

Applications are submitted through the UT San Antonio Graduate Application. Required documents include:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or equivalent training at a foreign institution
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Completed coursework as preparation for the program
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Credential evaluation if applicable
• English Language Proficiency (600 TOEFL Paper / 100 TOEFL Internet / 7 IELTS / Duolingo 120)
• Purpose Statement (three 400-word statements)
• Letters of Recommendation (2 academic or professional references)

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines are as follows:

• Fall 2026: December 1 (Priority and International), December 1 (Domestic)
• Spring: Not Available
• Summer: Not Available

Funding Opportunities

The PhD in School Psychology program offers stipends and assistantships to enable students to devote their attention to studies for the degree. All students who apply and are accepted into the PhD program will be considered for these awards.

Career Options

Doctoral students will be prepared to practice psychology in educational settings, conduct research in the field, pursue faculty positions, and assume leadership and supervisory roles in School Psychology.

Earning a Master's Degree

While in a doctoral program, a student may earn an interim master's degree provided certain conditions are satisfied, including admission to candidacy and completion of University-wide requirements.

Course Offerings and Admissions

Although some courses may be taught in an online or hybrid format, the majority of courses will be delivered in person due to the applied nature of School Psychology competencies and ongoing evaluation of students' knowledge and skill development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Process

• The admissions committee looks for students who share similar research interests, strong statements of purpose, and commitment to the program.
• The admissions process involves evaluation of all application materials and interviews with selected applicants.

Admission Specifics

• Minimum GRE scores are considered holistically, with a minimum score of 3.5 on the Analytical Writing portion.
• Credit for similar coursework completed as part of an MA program may be received, pending approval from the Graduate Program Committee.

Program Expectations

• The program typically takes 5 years to complete.
• Students are expected to take 12 hours per semester during Fall and Spring, and up to 6 hours during the Summer semester.
• Completing the program while working full-time is difficult due to the length of the program, number of hours required, and dissertation, practicum, and internship requirements.

Degree Details

• The program is not currently accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), but was designed with APA accreditation standards in mind.
• Students who complete the program are eligible to be Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Psychological Associates, and Licensed Specialists in School Psychology through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP).