The Ph.D. in School Psychology program prepares students to support the academic, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and youth through leadership roles in research, assessment, and intervention in school and community settings.
School psychologists engage in work that supports the academic, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and youth. They also strengthen the functioning of families, schools, and communities to create environments where young people can thrive. Their contributions span a range of settings, including schools, community organizations, hospitals, and clinics.
The School Psychology Ph.D. is an on‑campus program at UNC Chapel-Hill. Students engage in in‑person coursework, research, and supervised clinical training.
The program offers two entry pathways—one for students without a master’s degree and another for those with a master’s degree or pursuing research-focused careers — so applicants from a range of academic backgrounds can apply. All applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology (or have completed at least 18 credit hours in psychology).
Clinical experiences are an essential component of the School Psychology program, linking academic study with practical, supervised training in educational and clinical settings. Students complete externships, or short-term, unpaid experiences where they observe and learn from clinical psychologists in a variety of settings, during the first three years of the program and a 12‑month, full‑time internship in the final phase. Internships take place in schools or clinical settings under the supervision of a licensed psychologist mentor.
Students train in schools, clinics, hospitals, and community agencies across the region. Placement sites are selected to align with students’ training needs and professional goals.
Yes. The program includes a dissertation as part of its research training, which students complete alongside their coursework and clinical experiences. Students work with faculty mentors to produce and defend original research that advances knowledge and practice in the field.
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.
The School Psychology program prepares students for licensure eligibility as a psychologist in North Carolina. Students who intend to live and work in other states are responsible for checking the licensure requirements in those states.
The School Psychology program at UNC-Chapel Hill is accredited by American Psychological Association, the National Association of School Psychologists, and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction
Applications for the School Psychology program are typically due in mid-December for fall admission. Students are encouraged to apply early. Prospective students should review the “How to Apply” page for current deadlines and application cycles.
Applicants submit an online application that includes transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a résumé/CV, and other required materials. Interview with program faculty after initial application review are required. The School of Education provides step‑by‑step guidance on the “How to Apply” page.
No. Students may enter the program with a bachelor’s degree in psychology (or have completed at least 18 credit hours in psychology) or a master’s degree in psychology, education, or a related field.
GRE scores are optional for applicants to the School Psychology program. If submitted, scores must be valid within the last five years.
The demands of the program’s coursework and externship limit opportunities for part-time employment during Ph.D. study.
Yes. International applicants are welcome. Students should review UNC Graduate School requirements for English proficiency, transcript evaluation, and visa documentation.
Many students receive funding packages in exchange for working as a Research Assistant on a professor’s funded research grant. Some students receive funding packages in exchange for serving as a Teaching Assistant each semester.
In addition, The Graduate School offers a small number of competitive awards that require nomination by the program. To ensure programs have adequate time to review applicants for these opportunities, all application materials — including required uploads and test scores — must be submitted in full by the deadline.
Application fee waiver requests are available for ten groups of applicants.
For questions about admissions, program requirements, or advising, contact the Office of Student Affairs at education_studentaffairs@unc.edu or attend an upcoming virtual information session.