The School Psychology Program prepares professional psychologists with educational expertise who can function in a variety of diverse educationally related settings. The “scientist practitioner†and “ecological systemsâ€/â€whole child†concepts guide the program. These views foster the conception of the school psychologist as broadly capable of conducting research and practicing effectively with clients, in addition to considering the ecological complex in which the child exists. The School Psychology program offers two degree options: Educational Specialist (EdS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Both programs are approved by through the National Association of School Psychologists and the Doctor of Philosophy program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association.

The School Psychology at University of Kentucky is a Full Time PhD program offered at the university's main campus in Lexington, United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 21, 2027.
About PhD in School Psychology
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in School Psychology at University of Kentucky
Entry Requirements
- Students seeking admission to the Graduate School must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the term for which s/he is admitted, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. An accredited U.S. institution is one that is accredited by the appropriate regional agency (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern or Western Association of Colleges and Schools). A recognized foreign institution is an institution that is recognized by that nation's Ministry of Education or similar authority as a postsecondary, academic degree-granting institution.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work is required by the Graduate School. Individual departments may require higher grade point averages.
- Submission of scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) unless their chosen program indicates otherwise. The Graduate School has no minimum GRE score requirement; individual programs may set specific score requirements and in some cases may require the advanced portion of the GRE.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). For IELTS, a minimum mean band score of 6.5 is required. Students may also use the Duolingo English Test (only tests taken after July 15, 2019 will be accepted. The minimum score will be 115, and students recommended for admission may also be interviewed by a CESL evaluator. TOEFL essentials may also be used and the minimum overall score is 9.
- Domestic applicants (U.S. citizens or resident aliens) must pay a $65 application fee; international applicants must pay a $75 fee. The application fee is non-refundable.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in School Psychology
A wealth of career opportunities to support children, families, schools, and communities
The school psychology programs offer a breadth of classroom choices and a wealth of field experiences. The combination of these classroom and experiential activities result in graduates who are prepared for many of the professional challenges of a school psychologist. The EdS program is a three year program (2 years of coursework, 1 year of internship) while the PhD program is a 5 year program (4 years of coursework, 1 year of internship).
Graduates of the programs are afforded a wide variety of opportunities. Specialist graduates are typically employed in public school positions, but opportunities also exist in educational cooperatives, specialized school settings, and agencies. Doctoral graduates have similar opportunities and also have opportunities for college and university teaching, research and program evaluation positions, and a broader array of positions in agencies providing mental health, health, and developmental services to children and adolescents. Placement in appropriate professional positions has been close to 100% in recent years. Our alumni work in P-12 schools, universities and agencies across the commonwealth and many of the 50 states.
Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in School Psychology at University of Kentucky
How to Apply for PhD in School Psychology at University of Kentucky
1. Complete UK Graduate Application
2. $75 Application processing fee (non-refundable)
3. Official transcripts in English
4. English proficiency directly from testing center:
- TOEFL: 79 iBT
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 115
Deadline to Apply
- April 15 for Fall semester
- August 22 for Spring semester
- Some programs have earlier deadlines

United States of America, Lexington