UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE · UNITED STATES
School Psychology Ph.D.
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Only APA-accredited doctoral School Psychology program in Southern CaliforniaAccreditation
- Trains scientist-practitionersApproach
- Graduates earn Ph.D. and CA School Psychology credentialCredentials
- 100% APPIC match rate (Round 1) for students who participated since 2018-19Internship Placement
- Located in the diverse and vibrant Inland Empire regionLocation
- 94% of students receive multi-year fellowshipsFinancial Support
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) School Psychology Ph.D. program is the only American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited doctoral program in Southern California. This program trains students as scientist-practitioners, equipping them to contribute to the field of psychology while addressing challenges faced by K-12 students in their learning, behavior, and cognition. The program emphasizes an eco-behavioral theoretical model, focusing on skill development through evidence-based practices derived from applied behavior analysis, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and social learning theory. Graduates of this program are highly sought after for their skills, primarily finding employment as practitioners in public K-12 education systems or as faculty members at higher education institutions. Upon completion, students earn a Ph.D., a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing credential in School Psychology, and are eligible for further professional certifications and licensure, including Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist, and potentially licensed psychologist (depending on state-specific post-doctoral requirements). The program is designed for full-time, in-person study on the Riverside campus, with classes typically meeting once a week from Monday to Thursday. Students are often provided with multi-year fellowships that cover tuition, health insurance, and offer a stipend or paycheck, usually in exchange for serving as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR).
Careers
Graduates of the UCR School Psychology Ph.D. program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths. The program equips students with skills that are in high demand, primarily in educational settings.
- Practitioners in public K-12 education
- Faculty at postsecondary institutions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the School Psychology Ph.D. program?
- A bachelor's degree, ideally in psychology or a related field, is required. You can apply directly after completing your undergraduate studies.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- The program is taught in English. International students may need to meet English language proficiency requirements.
- How long does the School Psychology Ph.D. program typically take to complete?
- The Ph.D. program usually spans approximately 5 years, including coursework, comprehensive exams, dissertation proposal, and a final dissertation defense, along with practical experience and a pre-doctoral internship.
- What financial support is available for international students?
- Students admitted to the program are often offered multi-year fellowships that cover tuition and health insurance, along with a stipend. These typically require service as a Teaching Assistant or Graduate Student Researcher.
- When is the application deadline for the School Psychology Ph.D. program?
- The application period typically opens in Fall for admission the following Fall. Specific deadlines should be confirmed on the UCR Graduate Admissions website.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are well-prepared for careers as practitioners in public K-12 education or as faculty at postsecondary institutions.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree is required, ideally in psychology or a related field. Students can enter directly after completing their undergraduate studies.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact faculty whose research interests align with their own.
Fees
Tuition (international)Quarterly fees are assessed for enrolled students and can be found on the UCR Registrar's website. Specific tuition amounts for international students are not detailed on the program page.
Tuition (home)Quarterly fees are assessed for enrolled students and can be found on the UCR Registrar's website. Specific tuition amounts for domestic students are not detailed on the program page.
LivingEstimated living costs can be found on the UCR Registrar's website.
Students admitted to the program are often offered multi-year fellowships covering tuition and health insurance, along with a stipend/paycheck. These fellowships usually require students to work as Teaching Assistants or Graduate Student Researchers for 15-20 hours per week.
How to apply
1. Explore Programs and FacultyResearch faculty interests and program details to ensure alignment with your academic and career goals. Reach out to faculty members whose research aligns with yours.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and potentially GRE scores (if required). Check the Graduate Admissions website for specific requirements.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application through the UC Riverside Graduate Admissions portal by the specified deadline.
4. Await Admission DecisionAdmissions decisions are typically released after the application review period. Admitted students may be offered fellowships.
Scholarships
FellowshipsCovers tuition and health insurance
Accreditation
American Psychological Association (APA) and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the School Psychology Ph.D. program?
+
A bachelor's degree, ideally in psychology or a related field, is required. You can apply directly after completing your undergraduate studies.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
The program is taught in English. International students may need to meet English language proficiency requirements.
How long does the School Psychology Ph.D. program typically take to complete?
+
The Ph.D. program usually spans approximately 5 years, including coursework, comprehensive exams, dissertation proposal, and a final dissertation defense, along with practical experience and a pre-doctoral internship.
What financial support is available for international students?
+
Students admitted to the program are often offered multi-year fellowships that cover tuition and health insurance, along with a stipend. These typically require service as a Teaching Assistant or Graduate Student Researcher.
When is the application deadline for the School Psychology Ph.D. program?
+
The application period typically opens in Fall for admission the following Fall. Specific deadlines should be confirmed on the UCR Graduate Admissions website.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for careers as practitioners in public K-12 education or as faculty at postsecondary institutions.