School Psychology (PhD)

This degree is a Doctorate of Philosophy with Certification in the Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in School Psychology.

This degree is part of the school psychology program, housed in the Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology.

We prepare students to support the learning, behavior and mental health of youth and their families as well as support the enhancement of the educational and mental health systems that serve those children and families. Through their doctoral program of study, graduates are prepared to serve as researchers and scholars in higher education settings and leaders in clinical settings. Graduates of the program are eligible for licensure as a psychologist and state certification as a school psychologist, pending completion of additional examinations specified in their intended jurisdiction.

For a sample plan of study and course listing, go to the course catalog.

Concurrent Master of Arts (MA)

Students admitted to this degree program also complete a master of arts in school psychology as part of the program. The master’s program itself is not a terminal degree program. Students typically complete degree requirements (course work and comprehensive examination) for the master’s by the end of their second year in the program. Students who have already completed an advanced degree in school psychology or a related field, including completion of a data-based graduate-level research project, might not be required to complete the master’s.

Apply

Applicants are required to meet two sets of minimum qualifications for admission:

How to Apply

Apply online by submitting the following documents using the MU Office of Graduate Studies application by Dec. 1 for the next fall cohort:

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/resume
  • Unofficial academic transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work
    • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 from an accredited institution in psychology, education or a related major.
  • Statement of purpose addressing the following:
    • Describe interests and experiences with working with people from diverse backgrounds (e.g. ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, religious, ability status, sexual orientation). How have these experiences influenced you? (250-word limit)
    • Describe experiences that demonstrate your potential for leadership that you believe distinguish you as a candidate for graduate study. (250-word limit)
    • Describe (1) your research interests that you hope to pursue in graduate school (2) how these interests match those of specific faculty. (500-word limit)
    • Describe (1) your career objectives (2) how these career objectives have developed and (3) how being accepted into MU’s program will benefit your career aspirations and help you act upon your beliefs, goals and philosophy. (500-word limit)
  • TOEFL for international students (preferred score of 580 for paper test, 92 iBT, IELTS 7 or higher)
    • Institution code: 6875