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
- 85-100% of students present and publish research each year*
- Fieldwork in diverse, urban schools. Start your first semester as part of robust peer teams.
- Accredited/approved by APA and NASP
- More information on program goals and competencies
- View the University of Minnesota's School Psychology Diversity Statement.
*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.
- See the program handbook for a full description of research expectations and requirements.
- Visit the educational psychology PhD course catalog for full course listings and descriptions.
- More information on program goals and competencies
Tuition
Visit the College of Education and Human Development finance and funding page for information on tuition.
Funding
Review our frequently asked questions or program handbook.
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/