Program Overview

School Psychology Doctoral Program

The University of Houston's School Psychology doctoral program is home to faculty and students committed to impacting the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional functioning of children. Our faculty teaches students how to apply the core principles of school psychology inside and outside of schools. They challenge students to develop innovative solutions that connect the systems in which children and their families exist.

About the Program

Our goal is to develop professional school psychologists who are engaged in applied research and ecologically sensitive evidence-based practice. To accomplish this, the School Psychology program adheres to a scientist-practitioner training model, and students learn to conceptualize according to an ecological-behavioral theoretical model. We aim to instill an awareness of diversity issues into our students, a task made easier considering the University of Houston's status as one of our nation's most culturally and linguistically diverse research institutions. That diversity extends to the program itself: almost one-half of our doctoral students claim non-Caucasian ancestry.

• Accredited by the American Psychological Association
• Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists
• 5-6 years to complete the program without transferable graduate credit
• 4-5 years to complete the program with prior graduate credit

Program Details

Upon completion of the program, School Psychology graduates will develop skills in the following areas:

• Scholarly inquiry, research, writing, and presentation skills
• Application of critical analysis and inquiry to existing research and the ability to identify, select, implement, and evaluate evidence-based practices
• Sensitivity to ecological, diverse, and developmental considerations and concern for client preferences
• Exposure and supervised experience with diverse populations, conditions, professionals, settings, and procedures
• Understanding of the scientist-practitioner model which emphasizes an integrated, hierarchical sequence of coursework, practica, internship, and research experiences

Career Opportunities

A doctoral degree in School Psychology prepares graduates for professional work as psychologists in academic and non-academic positions. Students who complete the program are prepared to apply for the following credentials:

• Licensed Psychologist
• Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
• National Certified School Psychologist
• Designation as a Health Service Provider by the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
• Diplomate in School Psychology

Research

The School Psychology faculty's research ranges from Autism Spectrum Disorder and language development to student assessments and multilingual classrooms. The program's research interests are diverse and aimed at addressing questions that matter to the field of school psychology.

Financial Aid

All School Psychology doctoral students are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the UH and the College of Education. The Graduate Tuition Fellowship (GTF) provides tuition remission for 9 credit hours during the academic year to students who enroll in at least 9 credit hours. Graduate appointments are usually available to students during the first two years of graduate studies.

Graduate Tuition Fellowship

• Provides tuition remission for 9 credit hours during the academic year
• Contingent upon available budget during the summer term
• Not all years in the graduate program may be covered by this program

Assistantships

• Graduate appointments are usually available to students during the first two years of graduate studies
• The program does not cover mandatory fees or course fees
• Not all years in the graduate program are covered by this program

Location

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and one of the nation's most diverse cities. This diversity benefits our students and faculty both personally and professionally. Home to more than 100 different nationalities and where more than 60 different languages are spoken, Houston is the perfect environment to practice what you're learning in the classroom. The city also boasts more than 12,000 theater seats and 11,000 diverse restaurants featuring cuisines from around the globe.

Faculty

The School Psychology program faculty includes:

• Kristen Hassett (Affiliated Faculty)
• Elise Hendricker (School Psychology Specialist)
• Elizabeth Jelsma
• Milena Keller-Margulis
• Michael Matta
• Bradley H. Smith (Program Director)
• Shannon Viola (School Psychology Specialist)
• Jiayi Wang