Curriculum & Courses - School Psychology

The School Psychology program is a 64-credit hour, full-time program typically completed within 4-5 years. Our students advance through a sequenced, integrated curriculum designed to develop knowledge and applied skills through coursework, research, and field experience.

Two distinct tracks offer tailored pathways based on students’ prior experience and career goals. Students with a master’s degree typically complete the program in four years, while the 5-year track supports those without a master’s or with a focus on research and academia.

Hands-on experience is integrated throughout, with supervised externships during the first three years placing students in diverse educational and clinical settings. The program culminates in dissertation research and a 12-month full-time internship designed to refine advanced skills and professional competencies under expert mentorship.

The curriculum is composed of:

2025 School Psychology Program of Studies

See Approved Foundation Courses for a full list of courses you may use to fulfill the Foundation Course requirement.

Learn More About the Program

Have questions? Contact us to connect directly with our Program Coordinator. We’re here to support you as you explore the School Psychology program.

Clinical Experience

Clinical experiences are foundational to the School Psychology program, offering students the opportunity to apply their learning in diverse, real-world settings. Through a series of supervised externships and a full-time internship, students engage directly with schools, clinics, hospitals, and community agencies — gaining the insight, skills, and mentorship needed to grow as thoughtful, responsive professionals.

Clinical Experience »

Dissertation

The dissertation is a central component of the School Psychology program, requiring students to conduct original research that advances knowledge and practice in the field. Guided by faculty mentors, our students design, execute, and defend a study that integrates theory, data, and applied relevance. This process hones critical thinking and scholarly skills essential for academic, research, and leadership roles.

Licensure

The School Psychology program is an American Psychological Association-accredited program that 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.

Four- and Five-Year Track Options

Year 1 – Fall Semester

EDUC 721: Externship in School Psychology, 3 hrs
EDUC 718: Psychological Assessment and Intervention I, 3 hrs
EDUC 710: Introductory Statistical Methods, 3 hrs
EDUC 720: School Psychology Doctoral Seminar I, 3 hrs
EDUC 824: Fundamentals of Educational Research 3 hrs

Year 1 – Spring Semester

EDUC 721: Externship in School Psychology, 3 hrs
EDUC 719: Psychological Assessment and Intervention II, 3 hrs
EDUC 784: Intermediate Statistical Methods, 3 hrs
EDUC 820: School Psychology Doctoral Seminar II, 3 hrs
Foundation Course, 3 hrs

Year 2 – Fall Semester

EDUC 821: Doctoral Externship in School Psychology, 3 hrs
EDUC 818: Psychological Assessment and Intervention III, 3 hrs
EDUC 884: Statistical Analysis of Educational Data III, 3 hrs
or
Advanced Research/Statistical Analysis Course (with advisor approval)
Foundation Course, 3 hrs

Year 2 – Spring Semester

EDUC 821: Doctoral Externship in School Psychology, 3 hrs
EDUC 819: Psychological Assessment and Intervention IV, 3 hrs
Two Foundation Courses, 6 hrs total

Year 3 – Fall Semester

EDUC 821: Doctoral Externship in School Psychology, 3 hrs
EDUC 994: Doctoral Research and Dissertation, 3 hrs
Foundation Course, 3 hrs

Year 3 – Spring Semester

EDUC 821: Doctoral Externship in School Psychology, 3 hrs
EDUC 994: Doctoral Research and Dissertation, 3 hrs
Foundation Course, 3 hrs

Year 3 – Summer II Semester

EDUC 822: Doctoral Internship in School Psychology, 1 hr

Year 4 – Fall Semester

EDUC 822: Doctoral Internship in School Psychology, 2 hrs
EDUC 994: Doctoral Research and Dissertation, 3 hrs

Year 4 – Spring Semester

EDUC 822: Doctoral Internship in School Psychology, 2 hrs
EDUC 994: Doctoral Research and Dissertation, 3 hrs

Year 4 – Summer I Semester

EDUC 822: Doctoral Internship in School Psychology, 1 hr