Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Counseling and Psychology in Education-School Psychology (Ph.D.)


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Program Overview


Become an expert in school and human service organizations with an advanced degree in counseling and psychology in education. If you plan to pursue an Ed.S. or Ph.D., you can specialize in counselor education, human development and educational psychology or school psychology. Our small class size allows you to develop one-on-one relationships with faculty as you gain the necessary skills to serve the educational and mental health needs of children or to work as a senior school psychologist. The program has been accredited by CACREP since 1993 and NASP since 2000. Learn more at usd.edu/cpe.

DELIVERY: On campus

Degree Requirements for Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling and Psychology in Education - School Psychology Specialization


Total 110 credit hours


  • School Psychology core 59 credit hours
  • Dissertation 15 credit hours
  • Supporting courses 36 credit hours

Program Trial Term


- All students in the School Psychology program must complete a trial term consisting of a minimum of twelve graduate credit hours. Students complete a preliminary essay toward the end of the trial term.  Following the end of the trial term, students complete a preliminary interview with all program faculty. Successful passage of the preliminary essay, a grade of B or higher in SPSY 761 - Assessment of Intelligence , a rating of average or higher on a Professional Dispositions Assessment,  and the maintenance of a grade point average of 3.5 allows the student to continue full admission status.

Additional Requirements


- Two consecutive academic years are required in-residence.

- Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 or above throughout the program.

- A student may repeat only one of the following courses in which he/she obtained a “C” or below, and the failure to obtain a grade of “B” or better the second time may result in dismissal from the program: SPSY 761, SPSY 795, SPSY 894D, COUN 786, COUN 795.  Students may appeal the decision for dismissal and make a request for exception with the School Psychology Committee.

- Students must pass a comprehensive written and oral final examination.

- Students must take the Praxis II exam and obtain a passing score prior to graduation.

Application Requirements


  1. Completed application
  2. $35 application fee
  3. Official transcripts*
  4. Letters of recommendation*
  5. Admission test scores*
  6. Statement of purpose
  7. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. For specific program requirements and submission deadline, visit: catalog.usd.edu.

Courses or Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification


The educational curriculum for your academic program may or may not meet educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in states other than South Dakota. If you are planning to apply for licensure/certification in a state other than South Dakota after completion of your program, please review that state and your program on USD’s Licensure-Track Programs webpage. Licensure-Track Programs

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?


Division of Counseling and Psychology in Education
605-658-6623 | cpe@usd.eduusd.edu/cpe


Graduate Admissions
605-658-6200 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad

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