UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS · UNITED STATES
Ph.D. in School Psychology
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- #8Public School of Education & Human Sciences (U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools,” 2026-27)
- 121-123Credit hours
- APA AccreditedAccredited by the American Psychological Association
- NASP ApprovedApproved by the National Association of School Psychologists
The University of Kansas offers a Ph.D. program in School Psychology designed to train students as scientist-practitioners. The program focuses on developing competent, ethical, and culturally sensitive professionals prepared for roles in health service psychology, specializing in school psychology. Graduates will be equipped to work as field-based practitioners, university faculty, or researchers. This program emphasizes acquiring proficiency in professional school psychology, understanding psychological foundations, developing research skills, and fostering sensitivity to individual, ethnic, and cultural diversity. The curriculum spans four years of full-time study, culminating in a one-year professional internship in psychology. The program is overseen by faculty from the Department of Educational Psychology, dedicated to teaching and advising students.
Careers
Graduates of the Ph.D. in School Psychology program pursue diverse career paths in both public school systems and academic institutions. Many find positions as licensed psychologists in various settings, including medical centers, hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The program also prepares individuals for roles in university faculty positions.
- Licensed Psychologist
- Licensed or Certified School Psychologist
- Assistant Professor
- Consulting Psychologist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
- International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with satisfactory scores on tests such as IELTS-Academic (minimum 6.5), TOEFL, or PTE. Official scores must be sent directly from the testing agency and be less than two years old.
- How long does the Ph.D. in School Psychology program take to complete?
- The Ph.D. program requires four years of full-time study, followed by a one-year professional internship in psychology.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Ph.D. in School Psychology?
- Graduates can pursue careers as licensed psychologists in schools, hospitals, clinics, or private practices, and many also find roles as assistant professors or consulting psychologists.
- How can I apply for scholarships or assistantships?
- Information on various school scholarships is available through the School of Education and Human Sciences. You can also apply for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship within the Department of Educational Psychology.
- What is the accreditation status of the program?
- The Ph.D. program in School Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
- What steps should I take to apply to the program?
- First, contact the department to discuss the program and admission process. Then, submit your application online through the KU Graduate Admissions portal and ensure your official test scores are sent directly from the testing agency.
Entry requirements
Doctoral DegreeCompletion of a doctoral degree program in school psychology is required for psychologist licensure in Kansas.
IELTS-Academic6.5
TOEFLVaries (see note)
PTEVaries (see note)
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. Satisfactory scores on standardized tests like TOEFL, IELTS-Academic, or PTE are accepted. For online degree and certificate programs, 'Full Proficiency' must be achieved for admission. Official scores must be sent directly from the testing agency and be less than two years old at the time of application processing. Specific score requirements may vary by program, and some applicants may be required to complete coursework through the Applied English Center (AEC).
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fee estimates for graduate programs are available through the KU Tuition & Fees calculator for graduate students.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fee estimates for graduate programs are available through the KU Tuition & Fees calculator for graduate students.
LivingInformation on campus housing rates is available.
Detailed tuition and fee information for graduate students can be found using the KU Tuition & Fees calculator. Information on campus housing rates is also available.
How to apply
1. Express InterestContact the department to discuss the program, admission process, and what to expect.
2. Apply OnlineSubmit your application through the KU Graduate Admissions portal.
3. Submit Official Test ScoresEnsure official TOEFL, IELTS-Academic, or PTE scores are sent directly from the testing agency to KU Graduate Admissions. Scores must be less than two years old.
Scholarships
School Scholarships—
Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA)—
Accreditation
The Ph.D. program in School Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The KU School of Education & Human Sciences is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards through the CAEP Accreditation System. The program is also approved by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with satisfactory scores on tests such as IELTS-Academic (minimum 6.5), TOEFL, or PTE. Official scores must be sent directly from the testing agency and be less than two years old.
How long does the Ph.D. in School Psychology program take to complete?
+
The Ph.D. program requires four years of full-time study, followed by a one-year professional internship in psychology.
What are the career prospects after completing the Ph.D. in School Psychology?
+
Graduates can pursue careers as licensed psychologists in schools, hospitals, clinics, or private practices, and many also find roles as assistant professors or consulting psychologists.
How can I apply for scholarships or assistantships?
+
Information on various school scholarships is available through the School of Education and Human Sciences. You can also apply for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship within the Department of Educational Psychology.
What is the accreditation status of the program?
+
The Ph.D. program in School Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
What steps should I take to apply to the program?
+
First, contact the department to discuss the program and admission process. Then, submit your application online through the KU Graduate Admissions portal and ensure your official test scores are sent directly from the testing agency.