College of Education and Human Development

Department of Educational Psychology

School psychology PhD

Become a leader in helping schools and communities succeed

Accredited by APA and approved by NASP/NCATE, the doctoral program in school psychology prepares you to become a leader in the field of school psychology. You’ll be eligible to receive your state and national school psychologist credential, and the license to practice psychology. You can become a university faculty member, conduct research, work with students, staff, and families in schools, or work with children and youth in other settings as a licensed psychologist.

Why study school psychology at the University of Minnesota?

  • Challenging, cutting edge training preparation with a focus on justice and equity
  • 100% of our students are employed in their field within a year of graduation*
  • One of the strongest, most established programs in the nation
  • Innovative faculty and students who are state and national leaders
  • Faculty commitment to and expertise in diversity, educational equity, student mental health, and social justice
  • Over $10 million in research and graduate training grants
  • Compassionate, nimble in responding to COVID-19
  • Committed to advancing antiracism

*Percentages of students since 2012

Careers

    School psychologists: in-demand and well-compensated

    • 100% of our students are employed in the field upon graduation*
    • Expected employment growth: 11% between 2012 and 2022**
    • Mean 9-month salary (full-time, school-based practitioner): $64,000-$71,000***
    • Mean 9-month salary (university faculty): $77,800***
    • Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data

    *Percentages of students since 2012
    **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
    ***National Association of School Psychologists

    Doctoral-level (PhD) school psychologists

    Doctoral-level school psychologists: work in schools, universities (as faculty), mental health agencies, research centers and think tanks, clinical settings, state departments of education, and independent practices. The program emphasizes preparation of future faculty, so all students are trained not only as researchers, but in higher education teaching, supervision, and mentoring.

    What to expect

    Note: We no longer require GRE test scores for application and admission to the program.

      All application materials must be received December 1 for admission in September of the following year. Files not complete by December 1 will not be reviewed.

      School psychology PhD students generally complete four years of coursework and dissertation, followed by a year-long internship. All students prepare to become scientist-practitioners through coursework in research methods and statistics, and the completion of a supervised research project.

      Faculty

      The following faculty are currently accepting doctoral advisees.

      Lisa Aguilar

      Assistant professor
      Currently accepting doctoral advisees.

      Faith Miller

      Associate professor
      Currently accepting doctoral advisees.

      Kirsten Newell

      Assistant professor
      Currently accepting doctoral advisees.

      Amanda L. Sullivan

      Birkmaier Education Leadership Professor, program coordinator
      Currently accepting doctoral advisees.

      Instructors and supervisors

      Annie Hansen-Burke

      Senior lecturer

      Jessie Kember

      Teaching assistant professor, fieldwork coordinator, and director of clinical placements

      Mollie Weeks

      Lecturer

      Sarah Wollersheim Shervey

      Lecturer

      The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association.

      Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
      Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
      American Psychological Association
      750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
      Phone: 202-336-5979 / Email: apaaccred@apa.org 
      Web: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/