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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

Program Highlights

  1. Learn with an emphasis on research
  2. Many graduates are employed in higher education
  3. Our alumni contribute to more journals than any other school psychology doctoral program
  4. Our students have many opportunities to present research and publish

Deadline to Apply

December 1

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:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: 202-336-5979 / Email APA

Faculty and Curriculum

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 early childhood 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, and early intervention.

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.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Tuition rates Browse financial aid
Faculty profiles

Meet the Faculty

Meet Your Advisor

Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.

Find your advisor

Student Life

You are welcome to participate in the Graduate Researchers in Educational Psychology student association. But students can find specialized experiences related to their area of emphasis. Eligible students may be elected to the Beta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi international honor society.

Gain experience in the School Psychology Clinic and participate in the Georgia Association of School Psychologists.

Our students also benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio. Faculty advise no more than seven graduate students.

Book a campus visit

See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

Schedule a visit

Explore student organizations

Admissions

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 PhD in Educational Psychology (School Psychology)

All specializations for the PhD in Educational Psychology require GRE scores (and 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.

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.

Application Deadlines

December 1

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

Returning Applicants

Completed application due:
December 1

Log into existing application