PhD in Educational Psychology (School Psychology)

Learn to become a clinically skilled psychologist who understands and works within accepted scientific principles and guidelines. You will develop principles of theory, science, and practice in four major content areas:

• Child and adolescent development and systems
• Abnormal psychology
• Appraisal
• Intervention and consultation

Highlights

1. Learn with an emphasis on research
2. Many graduates are employed in higher education
3. Alumni contribute to more journals than any other school psychology doctoral program
4. Students have many opportunities to present research and publish
5. Curriculum prepares students to be competent in their work with diverse populations

Accreditation Information

The UGA School Psychology Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the APA Commission on Accreditation :

• Core and Affiliated Faculty Research Interests (PDF)
• Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data (PDF)
• Student Handbook (PDF)
• Program Assessment 2022-2023 (PDF)

Curriculum

Overview of Academic Demands

This rigorous program focuses on child and adolescent development and systems, abnormal psychology, appraisal, and intervention/consultation. Coursework is connected to research and statistics, and you will select a minor area of concentration focusing on areas such as statistics and measurement, pediatric psychology, problems of children with chronic disease, or elementary education.

The School Psychology Program at the University of Georgia has a long and distinguished history in the field. Our faculty have established themselves in fields relevant to the practice of psychology with school-age children and adolescents. Our specific expertise centers on dropout prevention and school engagement, early reading practices, peer relationships and friendships, autism and cross-cultural diagnosis of autism, early intervention, and improving mental health outcomes for diverse populations.

See our program handbook for more detailed information about the school psychology program training model, coursework, and practicum sites. Although this is a doctoral program, most applicants enter the program with a bachelor’s degree. You will complete a master’s thesis as part of this doctoral program.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .

How to Apply

Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

Start A Graduate School Application

Part 2: Apply to the Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (School Psychology)

All specializations for the Ph.D. in Educational Psychology require the TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants.

While completing your Graduate School application, please include the following documents where appropriate:

• Current resume/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• GRE*

Your 3 letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably, at least 2 of the 3 letters will be from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study.

Admission to any specialization depends on factors including research interests, test scores, and availability of an appropriate advisor.

In your Statement of Purpose, please indicate at least one professor with whom you would like to work.

* The GRE is a no longer a requirement for applicants; however, if you would like to submit one, you may. As a program, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and consider all components of the application equally. Applicants that chose not to submit a GRE will not be penalized.

Deadline To Apply

Applications for this program are due December 1 for admission the following Fall Semester.

This program only accepts for the Fall Semester.

Log Into Existing Application

Future Scholars Visitation Program

The purpose of the Graduate School’s Future Scholars Visitation Program (FSVP) is to recruit top applicants who are underrepresented in the discipline and/or first-generation students with hopes of increasing enrollment in UGA graduate programs. FSVP is a three-day intensive visit in which participants are provided with interactive workshops, sessions with both the Office of Student Financial Aid and University Housing, as well as inspirational talks from campus leaders, faculty, administrators, and former Future Scholars Visitation Program participants. Applicants also attend a departmental morning visit.

The Graduate School states that its goal is to assist faculty in their graduate student recruitment by funding a campus visit for these students early in the admissions process (i.e., providing a “sneak peek”). Departments are asked to nominate prospective applicants who are currently undergraduate seniors, master’s, and/or professional students, that self-identify with a population that is underrepresented within the discipline and/or first-generation and are seriously considering the University of Georgia for their graduate education. UGA covers their lodging and meals, waives the application fee, and offers a $100 reimbursement for travel expenses.

Deadline to Apply

Please note that the application deadline for the Future Scholars Visitation Program is before the School Psychology program application deadline (Dec. 1).

Please contact Sycarah Fisher , educational psychology graduate coordinator, for more information.

Useful Links

• Advising Checklist (PDF)
• Assistantship Application (PDF)
• EPSY Departmental By-laws (PDF)
• Probation and Dismissal Policies (PDF)
• School Psychology Admissions and FAQs (PDF)
• School Psychology Clinic
• School Psychology program details
• School Psychology Program Student Handbook (PDF)
• Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data (PDF)