School Psychology at a Glance

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology

Program Benefits
  • Build advanced expertise in psychological theory, assessment, and intervention
  • Apply knowledge in real-world settings through externships and a full-time internship
  • Conduct original dissertation research that bridges evidence and practice
  • Join a close-knit community committed to impact, social responsibility, and service to children
  • Graduate prepared for licensure as a psychologist in North Carolina
Program Length

4 – 5 years

Credit Hours

64

Estimated Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition and fees for graduate programs at UNC–Chapel Hill are determined by the University and can be calculated on the University Cashier website.

Licensure

The School Psychology program prepares students for licensure eligibility as a psychologist with both the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and the N.C. Psychology Board. Students who intend to live and work in other states are responsible for checking the licensure requirements in those states. 

Accreditation
  • American Psychological Association
  • National Association of School Psychologists
  • N.C. Department of Public Instruction
  • National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Best For

Individuals who are driven to connect research and practice, support youth development, and pursue careers in school psychology, mental health, or academic and clinical research settings.

Academic Programs

School Psychology

About the Program
Curriculum & Courses
Career Preparation
Clinical Experience
Tuition & Financial Aid
Program Faculty & Staff
How to Apply & Deadlines
Contact Us

My experience at the UNC School of Education has been amazing. Within my first year of studies, I have had the opportunity to work with experts in the field of school psychology, data analysis and psychometrics. Each of these experiences has challenged me intellectually and provided me with opportunities to develop the skills necessary to be an effective school psychologist.

Cristin Montalbano, Ph.D. in School Psychology, 2014
Cristin Montalbano

School Psychology News

Portrait of Dorothy Espelage
Espelage joins APA advisory panel on report calling for guardrails, education to protect adolescent AI users

According to a report released June 3 by the American Psychological Association, the effects of artificial intelligence on adolescents are nuanced and complex, and developers must prioritize features that protect young people from exploitation, manipulation, and the erosion of real-world relationships. Dorothy Espelage, Ph.D., William C. Friday Distinguished Professor of Education and a global leader…

Image of Lauren Rymer
Bridging access: Pathways to research and real-world practice

When first-year school psychology doctoral student Lauren Rymer graduates, she plans to bridge the gap between academia and practice, focusing on research-based methods and integrating school psychology with pediatric and wellness care. But for now, she's already making her mark — strengthening undergraduate research, collaborating with faculty, and discovering ways to enhance academic writing skills…

Marisa Marraccini
Marraccini wins grant to develop ‘mixed reality’ supplement for suicide prevention treatment

Assistant Professor Marisa Marraccini has won a career development grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) with which she will develop and conduct initial testing of a “mixed reality” supplement to interventions for adolescents being treated in hospitals for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The funding comes from a National Institutes of Health career…

Pictured is Katie Ingram, a doctoral student in School Psychology, has won a National Institute of Justice Graduate Fellowship award.
Doctoral student Katie Ingram wins National Institute of Justice dissertation award

Katie Ingram, a doctoral student in the School of Education’s School Psychology program, has won a $100,000 dissertation award from the National Institute of Justice. Ingram won the NIJ Graduate Research Fellowship award to fund her dissertation research into adolescent “sexting” — defined in Ingram’s project as the practice of nonconsensual sharing of nude or…

Portrait of Luz Robinson
Doctoral student Luz Robinson wins Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship

Luz Robinson, a second-year doctoral student in the School Psychology program, has won a Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship, a highly selective award that provides three years of support during pursuit of a doctorate. The award from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine typically goes to only about 5% of applicants. The award will…