Ph.D. School Psychology + School Psychologist Certification
Quick Facts
- Application requirements: Online application, transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 is mandated for undergraduate work and undergraduate psychology classes, proof of English language proficiency, a personal statement, two letters of recommendation with at least one from a faculty member of an accredited academic institution, and an acknowledgement they understand the College of Education Policy on Clearances.
- International students: Please visit this page for information regarding transcript evaluation requirements.
- Deadline(s): December 1 for fall start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadline.
- Course Requirements: 32 courses (102 credits)
- Typical Course Load: This is a full-time program and students typically take 10 credits during fall, spring and summer semesters
- Time to Completion: 5-6 years
- Practical Experience Component: Field experiences are woven throughout the program with more intensive practica and internship required in the last three years.
- Alumni Current Positions: Alumni of Lehigh’s Ph.D. program work as school psychologists and pediatric school psychologists in schools, health care settings and community organizations. The profession is in high demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting that the number of positions will rise 14 percent between 2016 and 2026.
Overview
The Ph.D. program in School Psychology at Lehigh University is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Alumni of Lehigh’s Ph.D. program work as school psychologists and pediatric school psychologists in schools, health care settings and community organizations. The profession is in high demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting that the number of positions will rise 14 percent between 2016 and 2026.
The program is full-time, with a typical course load of about 10-credits per semester, including some with field experiences. Those are woven throughout the program with more intensive practica and internship required in the last three years. Students have several options for developing specialized expertise.
With extensive backgrounds in research and practice, Lehigh’s faculty possess expertise in several areas, including mental health and behavioral disorders, autism, ADHD, identification of risk and variables that support educational resilience, early intervention, assessment and databased decision-making, and improving early childhood education for ethnic minority and low-income children.
Doctoral candidates work with their advisors to develop a qualifying research project and have other opportunities to conduct research on their own or with faculty. In addition to taking a comprehensive exam, they research and write a dissertation and complete an internship to earn their Ph.D.
Our training objectives are as follows:
- Objective # 1: To produce school psychologists who demonstrate knowledge and applied competencies in core psychological areas
- Objective # 2: To produce school psychologists who are knowledgeable and competent in contextual and cultural influences relevant to children’s development, academic achievement, and behavioral health
- Objective # 3: To produce school psychologists who are knowledgeable and competent in conducting and communicating research design, psychometrics, and data analysis
- Objective #4: To produce school psychologists who demonstrate knowledge and skills in assessment, intervention, and consultation procedures for academic, behavioral, and developmental concerns
- Objective #5: To produce school psychologists who are knowledgeable of and practice according to professional, ethical, and legal standards.
Those seeking to apply should complete an online application and provide official undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate transcripts. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is mandated for undergraduate work and undergraduate psychology classes. Prospective students should also provide a personal statement, Curriculum Vitae, two letters of recommendation with at least one from a faculty member of an accredited academic institution, TOEFL score (if applicable), and an acknowledgement they understand the College of Education Policy on Clearances.
The deadline to apply is Dec. 1 for a fall start.
Questions related to the program’s APA accreditation status should be directed to APA’s commission on accreditation: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 1st. St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002. Phone: (202) 336-5979; email: apacred@apa.org; web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation
Curriculum
Curriculum information can be found in the Ph.D. Manual of Policies and Procedures (provided below).
