About our PhD in School Psychology
Welcome to Baylor’s School Psychology Ph.D. program webpage. This is an exciting time to be a school psychologist, as there is a critical need to support children and adolescents with mental health and academic challenges. A Ph.D. in school psychology allows you this valuable opportunity. The faculty are excited to share information about the program. The mission of the School Psychology Ph.D. program is to prepare health-service providers who apply scientific exploration and data-based decision-making in schools or other settings to support the academic development and psychological well-being of children and youth. The program also emphasizes preparation of graduates for academic and scholarly careers, leadership roles in schools, clinics, and other community settings.
An emphasis on evidence-based practices and professional preparation ensures that students develop necessary skills to both provide psychological services and conduct research related to answering psychological and educational problems.
The program takes 5 years to complete as a full-time student with the last year consisting of a full-time (2,000-hour) paid internship. Baylor provides outstanding financial support; virtually all accepted students receive full tuition waiver and a graduate stipend.
Baylor’s Ph.D. in School Psychology has earned accredited, on contingency status from the American Psychological Association (APA). The program is accredited, on contingency, through January 21, 2027. The professional preparation provided by the Baylor School Psychology Ph.D. is founded on the ethical codes and professional standards of the APA and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), as well as the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists rules of practice.
Accreditation status may be confirmed by APA via:
Education Directorate
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: (202) 336-5979
TDD/TTY: (202) 336-6123
Fax: (202) 336-5978
Email: apaaccred@apa.org
Coursework
An integrated and coordinated sequence of coursework includes applied clinical experiences, research experiences, and interactions with faculty and peers.
You will find valuable information about admissions data, our curriculum sequence, financial aid, and our faculty on links found on this page. The Program, Internship, and Practicum Handbooks provide more details about the opportunities and experiences you will receive if you join our program.
CLICK FOR COURSE SEQUENCE (101 HOURS)
Features
- Complies with the standards of the American Psychological Association (APA), National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP)
- Outstanding clinical experiences in area schools and mental health organizations
- Strong training in interventions, assessment, consultation, research, and evaluation
- Students work with faculty to produce original research
- Graduates can earn certificate/licensure to practice psychology in public and private P-12 schools
Waco Campus for PhD Program
WACO: While we offer an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree program at locations in Waco and Dallas, the PhD program in School Psychology is offered ONLY on the Waco campus. Classes and faculty offices for the Baylor School Psychology Program are located on the main Baylor University campus in Marrs McLean Science (MMS) Building, which is the home of the School of Education. MMS is located conveniently next to Penland Crossroads dining facility and Moody Library, Baylor's main library. The School of Education also has an education-specific library in the bottom floor of MMS. Waco is located approximately 100 miles south of Dallas, with American Airlines service at the Waco Regional Airport.