Doctoral Program

Why study School Psychology at TWU?

Campus statue in front of the TWU library

Our Ph.D. in school psychology program embraces a scientist-practitioner model of training in which practice, theory and research are integrated. We are committed to providing students with the skills they need to excel in a variety of applied practice settings, including school systems, mental health and child guidance centers, medical centers and hospitals, independent clinical practice, and in academic or research positions in institutions of higher education.

Our faculty are easily accessible and invested in the success of every student. With a small student-to-faculty classroom ratio, you are guaranteed personalized attention as you pursue your doctoral degree in school psychology.

Learn more about the differences between the specialist, master's and doctoral school psychology programs.

Andrea Wierzchowski headshot

"The doctoral program in school psychology at TWU has provided me with a strong education to enter my profession as a competent professional. The program offers a multitude of opportunities to work in diverse settings with children and families. Our reach stems beyond a school setting and allows us to be competent psychologists in a variety of areas."

Andrea Wierzchowski, M.A., current TWU school psychology doctoral student
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Program details

Career outlook

School psychologist was rated the best social services job by U.S. News in 2017. Learn more about career opportunities available to those with a degree in school psychology. Graduates with a doctoral degree in school psychology are also eligible for credentialing as a Licensed Psychologist, allowing them to seek employment within a wide range of job settings that deal with infants, children, teenagers and families, in hospitals, clinics, and private practice.

Admission requirements

Admission to the PhD in School Psychology

Program Contact

Samuel Y. Kim, PhD
940-898-2315
skim18@twu.edu 

Application Deadlines

Fall admission only - January 5

Please note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials are received by the deadline.  Applicants are encouraged to confirm receipt of their materials by contacting the Office of Admissions Processing at 940-898-3076, and the Department of Psychology & Philosophy at gradpsych@twu.edu or 940-898-2306.

Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree, preferably in psychology or a related field; however, it is not a requirement that the degree be in psychology.  Applicants with advanced degrees (e.g. a master’s in psychology or a related field, or with a specialist degree in school psychology) will also be considered. However, an advanced degree is not required for application to the school psychology doctoral program.
  • At least 18 semester hours of undergraduate coursework in psychology, including:
    • Introduction to Psychology/General Psychology
    • Developmental Psychology/Lifespan
    • Statistics
    • Experimental Psychology/Research Design/Research Methods
    • Cognitive Psychology/Psychology of Learning
    • Physiological Psychology/Behavior Neuroscience
    • Applicants without the required undergraduate coursework, if accepted into the program, would be required to complete the coursework prior to beginning their graduate work.
  • A 3.0 overall GPA average for the last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate work and/or a graduate GPA of 3.5.
  • Collect and submit the following documents into the TWU Application.
    • Cover Letter/Letter of Intent: indicate interest in applying to the program.
    • Essay: Professional Aspirations (upload into application under Writing/Video).
    • School Psychology Program Application: download and complete the School Psychology Program Application Form upload into the application under "Other".
    • Vitae/Resume: highlight relevant training, work experience, and volunteer experiences.
  • Email addresses for three individuals familiar with your academic capabilities, who can respond to a recommendation form to be requested through and submitted into the application.

Graduate Admission

Begin by reviewing your program's website to see if there are additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.  

  1. Apply online.
    Apply to Graduate Programs  via the TWU Online Graduate Application Portal following instructions below.  
  2. Submit transcripts to TWU.
    • Domestic Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. See the Information on Transcripts website for more details.
    • International Applicants are now required to provide an evaluation prepared by a NACES or AICE member evaluation service. International transcripts should not be sent directly to TWU. See the International Admissions website for more details.
  3. Submit Recommendation Requests
    If your program requires you to submit names for recommendations you will need to do it in the application.
  4. Pay the application fee.
    The $50 fee ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants, can be paid by:
    1. Credit card - Pay Online through the application as the last step before submitting the application. The second portion of the application will not be available until the application fee has been received.
    2. Certified check or money order by mail or electronically - Payable to TWU, sent by mail to:
      TWU Admissions Processing, 304 Administration Drive, Suite 102, Denton, Texas 76204
      (include your full name and ID number).
    3. Cash (no personal checks) - Pay at the Bursar's Office. After paying, bring the receipt to Admissions Processing (down the hall in ACT).
    4. Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar Application Fee Waiver. TWU Alumni may be eligible for the Alumni Advantage Fee Waiver. Check your eligibility here: https://twu.edu/alumni-advantage/. If eligible submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission
    5. Following fee payment return to the application dashboard where supplemental application documents can be uploaded. The online application will list which documents are needed to fulfill the program admission requirements. You can also check the program's website.

For more information or assistance with the application or graduate admissions, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Students who wish to apply for a Graduate Assistantship must meet the General Criteria for Appointment of Graduate Assistants

Accreditation

APA Accredited: August 2028

For information on accreditation, please visit the APA website or contact them at:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: (202) 336-5979
Fax: (202) 336-5978

The PhD in School Psychology prepares graduates to meet the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) training requirements for both the Licensed Psychologist (LP) and the Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) licenses, as set forth in TSBEP Board rule 463.10 (LP) and Board rule 463.9 (LSSP). Graduates must also pass the required exams (for LP - the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology; for LSSP - the National School Psychology Examination; and for both licenses the Jurisprudence Examination), and complete the requisite LP/LSSP application(s). If you are a resident of another state, contact our department to determine whether our program fulfills licensure training requirements in your home state.

Page last updated 10:04 AM, March 26, 2024