School Psychology (PhD)
The doctoral program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists, and approved by the Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commission for the educational licensure of school psychologists in the state of Oregon.
Graduates of this program meet school psychologist licensure requirements through the Oregon Teacher Standards & Practices and are eligible for the nationally certified school psychologist credential offered by the National Association of School Psychologists. Additionally, the doctoral program prepares students to qualify for licensure as a professional psychologist through the state board of psychologist examiners.
Upon completion of doctoral training in school psychology at the University of Oregon, students will be prepared for a variety of careers in the field including careers in university teaching, research, leadership, and provision of school psychological services. This preparation involves completion of eight objectives that are reflective of our mission, values, and program philosophy. Each objective is linked to specific competencies which delineate specific behaviors students will engage in to demonstrate mastery of an objective.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Master basic foundational knowledge in the fields of psychology and education.
- Develop expertise in planning and conducting applied research in psychology and education.
- Demonstrate proficiency in professional writing and scholarly analysis.
- Deliver psychological services in school settings, including assessment, intervention, and consultation skills, with proficiency.
- Demonstrate skill in teaching, at both the university pre-service level and the professional in-service level.
- Develop skills in supervision of school psychology services.
- Demonstrate skills in leadership and professional service.
- Develop patterns of professional behavior and participate in experiences consistent with becoming a lifelong learner in the field of school psychology.
School Psychology Major Requirements
The doctoral program includes an individualized plan of study with 160 credits minimum, culminating in an original research dissertation, a predoctoral internship, and the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree. Students may enter the doctoral program with or without a master’s degree. Prior graduate course work may reduce the amount of time needed to finish the doctoral program.
The program prepares students to qualify for licensure as a professional psychologist through the state board of psychologist examiners, as well as state certification or licensure as a school psychologist in Oregon and most other states. Students who complete this program are eligible for the nationally certified school psychologist credential offered by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Completion of the Ph.D. program in School Psychology at the University of Oregon requires a minimum of 160 credit hours, including coursework, practicum, and a 1,500 clock hour internship. This program typically requires four years of full-time study on campus for completion of coursework and practica, plus a full-time internship that is completed during the fifth year of the program. All students in the Ph.D. program complete comprehensive exams and a dissertation.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS | 33 | |
| Theories of Learning and Instruction | 8 | |
| Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis | ||
| Design of Instruction | ||
| History of Psychology | 3 | |
| Seminar: [Topic] | ||
or CPSY 605 | Reading and Conference: [Topic] | |
| Individual Differences in Behavior | 3 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Diversity and Special Education | ||
| Counseling Diverse Populations | ||
| Human Development | 3 | |
| Lifespan Developmental Psychology | ||
| Psychopathology | 4 | |
| Developmental Psychopathology | ||
| Biological Aspects of Behavior | 4 | |
| Biological Aspects of Behavior | ||
| Cognitive Aspects of Behavior | 4 | |
| Cognitive-Affective Aspects of Behavior | ||
| Social Aspects of Behavior | ||
| Social Aspects of Behavior | ||
| MEASUREMENT AND ASSESSMENT | 16 | |
| Behavioral Assessment | ||
| Intellectual Assessment | ||
| Educational Assessment | ||
One additional course on measurement & assessment | ||
| STATISTICS AND RESEARCH | 49 | |
| Statistics and Research Design | 23 | |
| Introductory Statistics for Practitioners I | ||
| Introductory Statistics for Practitioners II | ||
| Grant Writing | ||
| Single-Subject Research Methods I | ||
| Single-Subject Research Methods II | ||
One additional course on statistics and research | ||
| Application of Research Skills: Dissertation Research | 26 | |
| Dissertation | ||
| Research: [Topic] (Research team experience or independent research) | ||
| PRACTICE OF SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY | 53 | |
| Consultation | 8 | |
| Introduction to Consultation | ||
| Advanced Consultation | ||
| Academic and Social Behavioral Interventions | 15 | |
| Academic and Behavioral Interventions | ||
| Early Literacy for Diverse Learners | ||
| Counseling Skills | ||
| Child and Family Interventions | ||
| Teaching and Supervision | 7 | |
| Foundations of Clinical Supervision | ||
Additional credits approved by program | ||
| Professional Standards and Ethics | 10 | |
| Principles and Practices in School Psychology | ||
| Special Education Law | ||
| Professional Ethics | ||
| PRACTICUM EXPERIENCES (480 clock hours minimum) | 13 | |
Field Studies (80 clock hours minimum) | ||
Prior to completing the Integrated Practicum, students will enroll in two terms of SPSY 695 Field Studies (one credit per term) to gain applied experience engaging in several specific activities related to the practice of school psychology. These activities are linked to core school psychology coursework including assessment and consultation. Students enrolled in Field 52 Studies are expected to work approximately 3 hours per week at their assigned site, plus one hour of group supervision (total of 4 hours per week per term). | ||
| School-Based Practicum (360 clock hours minimum) | 9 | |
| School-Based Practicum ( (Fall quarter, 120 clock hours)) | ||
| School-Based Practicum ((Winter quarter, 120 clock hours)) | ||
| School-Based Practicum ((Spring quarter, 120 clock hours)) | ||
| Community Agency Practicum (40 clock hours minimum) | 2 | |
| Terminal Project (Practicum Academic Intervention Clinic (Summer quarter)) | ||
| INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE (1,500 clock hours minimum) | 9 | |
| SPSY 605 | Reading and Conference: [Topic] (Pre-Internship Planning & Advisement enrollment in year prior to internship) | 8 |
| SPSY 699 | Internship (enrollment during final term of internship) | 1 |
| Total minimum credits required | 160 | |