Child, Family, and School Psychology PhD
Students are accepted into one of three distinctive PhD degree tracks. The first track is for students who already possess the EdS degree. The other doctoral (PhD) paths lead to either a School Psychology Licensure or a Child and Family Leadership and Advocacy non-licensure degree.
PhD for EdS Professionals
This PhD path meets the needs of experienced professionals and recent EdS graduates interested in enhancing their careers through the development of applied research and leadership skills. It is intended to link professional knowledge and research with the world of practice in a chosen specialty area of study.
Program Highlights/Requirements:
- Classes starting Fall 2008 - Admissions (The priority deadline is February 15th, but we will continue to take applications on a space available basis.)
- Professional expertise applied in clinical/field settings
- Coursework may be completed in two years plus summer with full-time enrollment
- Customized advanced specialization focus
- GRE scores less than 5 years old accepted
- Current NCSP or Colorado license in School Psychology required
- EdS degree earned from NASP approved program
School Psychology Licensure
The School Psychology Licensure track prepares students who, in addition to possessing general School Psychology practitioner skills, have a strong desire to develop advanced consultation, research and evaluation proficiency.
This track is a five- to six-year degree that prepares professionals in all aspects of doctoral level School Psychology services. Students are expected to complete all corresponding coursework and practice experiences required to obtain a state EdS School Psychology license. Advanced classes in assessment, clinical practice, supervision and research methods lead to a concentrated expertise in the field.
All candidates also must complete a supervised, 1,500-hour, advanced, full-time internship after completing all coursework, passing doctoral comprehensives, and successful proposition of a dissertation study. The PhD School Psychology Licensure degree requires a minimum of 140 credits without a prior graduate degree.
Child and Family Leadership
The Child and Family Leadership track prepares students who wish to assume high-level leadership, advocacy and policy positions, or who also may have a strong interest in serving as consultants to child and family service programs.
This track is a four-to-five-year degree that prepares professionals for leadership, teaching and advocacy positions within a broad range of programs related to child, youth and family services. Students take a flexible array of advanced courses in child and family studies, family and systems service delivery, organizational management, research and program evaluation, and policy development that are designed to develop expertise matched to individual interests and proficiency.
Coursework options can be taken through other programs in the MCE as well as in related graduate departments across the University. Although students take courses across a broad range of areas, they must select from advanced coursework that emphasizes research, teaching, program development, administration, policy or advocacy.
This degree does not lead to School Psychology Licensure, and thus, does not require an advanced clinical internship. The PhD-Child and Family Leadership degree requires a minimum of 111 credits with an approved MA.
To speak to someone about the Child, Family, and School Psychology Program, please call or email our Admissions Office at 303-871-2509 or 1-800-835-1607, edinfo@du.edu.