School Psychology, PhD
The School Psychology program trains students by providing a solid foundation of core knowledge and skills across psychology, education, and research. Students receive applied training in assessment, consultation, intervention, and research under a Scientist-Practitioner Model.
Program overview
The University of Tennessee’s School Psychology program is located in the Department of Theory & Practice in Teacher Education. This program builds a strong foundation in psychology, education, and research, with applied training in assessment, consultation, intervention, and research under a Scientist-Practitioner Model. Students learn to approach practice and science as interconnected, applying consistent problem-solving methods across both.
The program offers two degree paths: a Ph.D., which takes about five years and includes a year-long internship plus a dissertation, and an Ed.S., which prepares professionals to collaborate with educators, administrators, parents, and students to support learning and development for both general education and special needs populations. The Ph.D. is APA-accredited, and full-time enrollment is required except in exceptional circumstances.
Faculty and student research spans academic and behavioral interventions, social-emotional development, assessment practices, and culturally responsive support, aiming to strengthen student well-being and mental health in K–12 schools.
Why study School Psychology?
School psychologists play a vital role in helping children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Studying school psychology prepares you to work at the intersection of psychology and education, using assessment, consultation, and intervention skills to support students, families, schools, and communities.
Meaningful impact
You directly influence student well-being, learning outcomes, and mental health, often for children who need extra support the most.
Diverse career paths
Graduates work in K–12 schools, private practice, universities, and clinical settings. School psychologists are in high demand nationwide, with many districts facing shortages.
Scientist-practitioner training
Programs blend research with real-world application, so you learn to make evidence-based decisions.
What can you do with a PhD in School Psychology after graduation?
School psychologist in K–12 public or private schools, conducting assessments, providing counseling, and consulting with teachers and parents
Researcher studying academic interventions, social-emotional development, or mental health in schools
Consultant for school districts, nonprofits, or ed-tech companies on assessment tools and intervention programs
Program evaluator for educational or mental health initiatives
Featured Courses
SCHP 510 – Psychological Theories of Human Development Applied to Education
Theory and research on emotional, social, and intellectual development over life span with applications to educational and therapeutic settings.
SCHP 690 – Psychopathology in School and Mental Health Settings
Descriptive and critical study of psychopathology of childhood, youth, and adults and of systems of nomenclature applied to individuals with mental disorders: nomenclature provided in State Department of Education’s Student Evaluation Manual and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of American Psychiatric Association.
SCHP 548 – Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Approaches
Will expose students to a variety of treatment methodologies for commonly occurring emotional and behavioral disorders of youth. Specifically, will focus on treatment strategies for depression and anxiety, as well as anger/aggression and trauma.
SCHP 580 – Implementing and Sustaining Evidence-Based Practice in Schools
Explores how to provide systems-level support to educators to install and sustain evidence-based practices in schools. Topics will include best practices in implementation science, school-centered program evaluation, data-based problem solving, intervention intensification, and monitoring of fidelity in school settings.
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