School Psychology PhD

Research student learning processes and development with the School Psychology PhD in Temple’s College of Education and Human Development. Gain the skills to support students academically, emotionally and socially. Sharpen your clinical and research skills while preparing to overcome obstacles and lead the evolution of the profession. Graduates often seek out faculty positions, pursue licensure as psychologists, and work in a variety of clinical or research settings.

You will be eligible for certification as a school psychologist in Pennsylvania and New Jersey through this comprehensive degree. The program follows a scientist-practitioner model, which emphasizes that a thorough theoretical understanding of the science of psychology is needed to master practical competencies in the field. As a doctoral student, you’ll partner with faculty mentors to embark on research studies, co-author articles and present at conferences.

Temple’s School Psychology PhD provides a diverse, inclusive learning environment with a focus on social justice. The program is committed to serving underserved and marginalized populations in the community. Temple’s urban environment provides a multitude of hands-on learning opportunities for students within diverse populations. The program’s emphasis on intellectual, academic, social-emotional and systems-level assessment makes graduates highly in demand as professionals. 

You’ll take both daytime and evening classes and complete one year of full-time residency as part of the program.

You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your studies with a concentration on Applied Behavior Analysis. To complete the PhD program requirements and the requirements for PDE certification as a School Psychologist (PK-12), students must complete 93-96 credits of post-baccalaureate required coursework. Students who are pursuing board certification as a behavioral analyst (BCBA) should elect to complete the additional 12 credits of coursework in the optional concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students who elect not to pursue BCBA board certification must follow the general track and complete an additional 6 credits of approved electives to complete the PhD program requirements.

Concentrations

You can focus on School Psychology or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • Applied Behavior Analysis

    Discover in-depth strategies and develop the skills necessary for the highest level credentialing opportunities in applied behavior analysis. Students will prepare to meet the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s educational requirements to become a board-certified behavior analyst.

Learn more about student admissions, outcomes and other program data.

Certification and Licensure

After completing an internship and passing the exams required by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, students may become nationally certified school psychologists. Students may become certified school psychologists in Pennsylvania; after completing required exams and postdoctoral supervision, they may be eligible to obtain state licensure as psychologists.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit

View the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Find peer support and leadership opportunities while tackling the challenges of your program. Doctor of Philosophy students can join the

  • Graduate Student Organization of the College of Education and Human Development, which runs community-based events like school supply drives as well as professional development workshops and activities. The organization upholds a strong commitment to social justice, regularly organizing political events and engaging in projects with community partners.
  • Student Association of School Psychologists, a student organization that plans social hours and organizes volunteer opportunities for students. They also co-sponsor a yearly school psychology conference with the School District of Philadelphia and with the Association of School Psychologists in Pennsylvania. This event attracts school psychologists and mental health professionals from all over the region. Past speakers have included Laurence Steinberg, Marsha Levick, MK Asante and Celeste M. Malone.

Questions

For more information about this program, the College of Education and Human Development, how to apply for admission, and your application status, contact Enrollment Management.

Enrollment Management
Ritter Annex 150
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-204-8011
Email: educate@temple.edu

ED-SCPS-PHD

Additional Program Information