Psychology (School) PhD

Overview

The goal of the School Psychology doctoral program is to train professionals to provide psychological services to children in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, and hospitals. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Additionally, the program includes a course sequence verified by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB), enabling students to complete the coursework required for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential. Students completing the doctoral degree program with an emphasis in School Psychology will be eligible for licensure as a psychologist through the Mississippi Board of Psychology and as a school psychologist through the Mississippi State Department of Education. Students who intend to seek licensure in another state should verify that this program of study meets the desired state’s licensure requirements. For assistance with out-of-state licensure questions, please complete the Professional Licensure Form.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements detailed in Admission Requirements and Procedures , applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Official GE scores
2. Statement of Purpose - Refer to the instructions found in the online application. 
3. CV/Résumé
4. Licenses or certifications if applicable
5. Three Letters of Recommendation

New students are admitted each fall semester. Applications received by December 1 each year will receive a full review for the following fall cohort. A student may be invited to come to campus for a personal interview as part of the application process. 

The School of Psychology values diversity; members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

In addition to the requirements detailed in General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information , students must pass a criminal background check prior to enrollment. 

Course Requirements (125 hours)

• PSY 613 - Cultural Bases of Behavior 3 hrs.
• PSY 621 - Theories of Learning 3 hrs.
• PSY 624 - Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience 3 hrs.
• PSY 642 - Psychoeducational Assessment I 3 hrs.
• PSY 643 - Psychoeducational Assessment II 3 hrs.
• PSY 661 - Research Evaluation in the Behavioral Sciences 3 hrs.

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• PSY 662 - Quantitative Methods I 3 hrs. or
• REF 762 - Quantitative Analysis II 3 hrs.

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• PSY 663 - Quantitative Methods II 3 hrs. or
• REF 830 - Multivariate Analysis 3 hrs.

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• PSY 671 - Seminar in School Psychology 3 hrs.
• PSY 679 - Advanced Developmental Psychology 3 hrs.
• PSY 693 - Research in School Psychology I, II 1 hr. each. (2 hrs. required)
• PSY 698 - Thesis 1-6 hrs. (3 hrs. required)
• PSY 700 - Ethics & Law in School Psychology 3 hrs.
• PSY 716 - The Psychology of Cognition and Emotion 3 hrs.
• PSY 718 - History of Modern Psychology 3 hrs.
• PSY 734 - Child Behavior Therapy 3 hrs.
• PSY 750 - Advanced Social Psychology 3 hrs.
• PSY 768 - Psychometric Theory 3 hrs.
• PSY 771 - Practicum in School Psychology 3 hrs. (33 hrs. required)
• PSY 772 - Applied Behavior Analysis in School Psychology 3 hrs.
• PSY 773 - Advanced Behavioral Interventions in School Psychology 3 hrs.
• PSY 774 - Behavioral Consultation in School Psychology 3 hrs.
• PSY 777 - Psychological Disorders of Childhood 3 hrs.
• PSY 791 - Research in Psychology 1-16 hrs. (9 hrs. required)
• PSY 793 - Research in School Psychology 1 hr. (6 hrs. required)
• PSY 880 - Internship in School Psychology 1-3 hrs. (3 hrs. required)
• PSY 898 - Dissertation 1-12 hrs. (9 hrs. required)