Child, Family, and School Psychology PhD
The Child, Family, and School Psychology doctoral degree has three tracks.
CFSP Ph.D. degree - School Psychology Licensure track (Ph.D.-SP). This degree is for students who have earned a master's degree outside
of school psychology. The degree prepares professionals in all aspects of doctoral
level school psychology services. Ph.D.-SP students take advanced classes in assessment,
clinical practice, supervision, and research methods that lead to concentrated expertise
in the field, as well as meet the criteria to be a licensed school psychologist.
Degree Requirements: A minimum of 140 credit hours in advanced coursework, supervised
1,500 clock-hours of full-time internship following completion of coursework, passing
doctoral comprehensive exams, and successful completion of a dissertation. Average
length of completion is 5 to 6 years of full-time coursework with a 7 year time limit.
Please note: The University of Denver requires that all applicants to a doctoral program
have already completed an approved master's degree.
CFSP Ph.D.-Pathway for Ed.S. Professionals is a unique Ph.D. program in the Child, Family, and School Psychology program designed
for Ed.S. professionals who are currently licensed school psychologists and who wish
to deepen their expertise in the dynamic field of school psychology. This degree program
meets the needs of experienced professionals and recent graduates with an Ed.S. 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. 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.
Degree Requirements: A minimum of 52 credit hours in advanced coursework, passing
of comprehensive exams, and successful completion of a dissertation. Average time
to completion is two years with full-time study and three years plus summers with
part-time enrollment with a 7-year time limit.
The CFSP Ph.D. degree - Child and Family Leadership track (Ph.D.-CF) prepares professionals for research, 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 of Denver.
This degree does not lead to School Psychology Licensure, and thus, does not require
an advanced clinical internship.
Degree Requirements: A minimum of 111 credits with an approved MA, passing of comprehensive
exams, and successful completion of a dissertation. Average time to completion is
four to five years with a 7-year time limit.
Please note: The University of Denver requires that all applicants to a doctoral program
have already completed an approved master's degree.
