UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA · UNITED STATES
School Psychology Ph.D. Program
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 5 yearsProgram Duration
- Full-time commitmentAttendance Mode
- Eligibility for California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) CredentialCredentialing
- Emphasis on research skills for evidence-based practicesResearch Focus
- Practicum and fieldwork in public schoolsPractical Experience
- Preparation for roles as scholars, faculty, and leadersCareer Pathways
The School Psychology Ph.D. program at UC Santa Barbara is a comprehensive doctoral program within the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology. It is designed to train students in research methodologies to inform best practices in school psychology. Graduates will be prepared to serve as qualified practitioners, meeting state and national standards, and to take on leadership roles in providing comprehensive support services to schools. The program emphasizes the development of scholarly skills to advance science, practice, and policy in school psychology, particularly for diverse student populations. It is a full-time, intensive program requiring a strong commitment to learning within a community of scholars. Learning extends beyond coursework to include structured research and fieldwork experiences.
Curriculum
The program is structured as a five-year, full-time commitment involving structured research and fieldwork. The curriculum includes extensive practicum and advanced doctoral fieldwork in public school settings, culminating in a final year dedicated to internship. All students are required to meet state and national credentialing standards.
- Year 2
- Practicum Experiences
- Year 3
- Advanced Doctoral Fieldwork
- Year 5 (or 6)
- Internship (1,500 clock hours)
Careers
Graduates of the School Psychology Ph.D. program are prepared for diverse career paths. They are trained to be qualified practitioners in school settings, meeting state and national standards, and to serve as leaders and innovators in comprehensive support services for schools.
- School Psychologist
- Researcher
- Academic Faculty
- Leader in educational support services
Frequently asked questions
- What is the duration of the School Psychology Ph.D. program?
- The School Psychology Ph.D. program is a full-time, intensive program designed as a five-year commitment. This includes structured research, coursework, practicum, and a final year internship.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
- International students must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum score of 6.5 on IELTS, 80 on TOEFL iBT (taken before Jan 2026), or 115 on the Duolingo English Test. These scores must be submitted by the December deadline prior to enrollment.
- What are the tuition and fees for this program?
- Specific tuition and fee amounts for international graduate students are not detailed on the program page. Please refer to the official UCSB Registrar's Office for current tuition and fee information.
- What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the Ph.D. in School Psychology?
- Graduates are prepared for diverse roles including School Psychologist, Researcher, Academic Faculty, and Leader in educational support services. The program trains students to meet state and national standards for practice and leadership.
- What is the application deadline for the School Psychology Ph.D. program?
- The application deadline for the School Psychology Ph.D. program is typically in early December for Fall admission. English proficiency test scores are also due in December prior to enrollment.
- Does the program require practical experience?
- Yes, the program includes extensive practicum and advanced doctoral fieldwork in public school settings. The final year is dedicated to a required 1,500-clock-hour internship.
Entry requirements
Previous University StudyPlease refer to the School Psychology Ph.D. degree sheet for specific academic requirements.
IELTS6.5 or higher
TOEFL iBT80 or better (taken before Jan 2026), 4.5 (taken Jan 2026 or later)
Duolingo English Test115 or higher
English proficiency scores must be submitted by the December test date prior to enrollment. Scores are valid for two years from the date of the exam. UC does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake or MyBest TOEFL; only the highest composite score from a single sitting is allowed.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the official UCSB Registrar's Office for current tuition and fee information, as specific amounts for international graduate students are not detailed on the program page.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the official UCSB Registrar's Office for current tuition and fee information, as specific amounts for domestic graduate students are not detailed on the program page.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the program or supporting pages.
Campus-based fees fund student services and facilities. Fees are updated annually and are not based on a student's fee cohort. For detailed information, consult the UCSB Registrar's 'Quarterly Tuition & Fees' page.
How to apply
1. Review Program RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with the program's structure, research focus, and credentialing requirements. Consult the School Psychology Doctoral Students Handbook and the degree sheet.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, as outlined by the Graduate Admission section for UCSB.
3. Meet English Proficiency RequirementsIf English is not your native language, provide evidence of proficiency through accepted tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. Ensure scores are submitted by the December deadline prior to enrollment.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the graduate admission application by the specified deadline, typically in early December for Fall admission.
5. Await Admission DecisionDecisions are typically released in the spring. Successful applicants will be notified by the department.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) for its doctoral degree. Questions regarding accredited status should be directed to the APA's Commission on Accreditation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of the School Psychology Ph.D. program?
+
The School Psychology Ph.D. program is a full-time, intensive program designed as a five-year commitment. This includes structured research, coursework, practicum, and a final year internship.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International students must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum score of 6.5 on IELTS, 80 on TOEFL iBT (taken before Jan 2026), or 115 on the Duolingo English Test. These scores must be submitted by the December deadline prior to enrollment.
What are the tuition and fees for this program?
+
Specific tuition and fee amounts for international graduate students are not detailed on the program page. Please refer to the official UCSB Registrar's Office for current tuition and fee information.
What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the Ph.D. in School Psychology?
+
Graduates are prepared for diverse roles including School Psychologist, Researcher, Academic Faculty, and Leader in educational support services. The program trains students to meet state and national standards for practice and leadership.
What is the application deadline for the School Psychology Ph.D. program?
+
The application deadline for the School Psychology Ph.D. program is typically in early December for Fall admission. English proficiency test scores are also due in December prior to enrollment.
Does the program require practical experience?
+
Yes, the program includes extensive practicum and advanced doctoral fieldwork in public school settings. The final year is dedicated to a required 1,500-clock-hour internship.