Kent State University

School Psychology - Ph.D.

The Ph.D. degree in School Psychology is committed to a scientist-practitioner model of training, which conceptualizes school psychologists as data-oriented problems solvers and transmitters of psychological knowledge and skill. As such, students draw upon the scientific literature as a primary basis for professional practice and focus their research agendas so as to have meaningful implications for practice. In addition, functioning as a scientist-practitioner meas that professional practice is conducted in ways that are consistent with the scientific method.

Emphasis in training is placed on the provision of services through research-based practice and data-based decision making. Doctoral students gain competencies, not only in the provision of school psychological services to individual children and youth, but also in the promotion and implementation of systemic, preventative educational and mental health systems. Since the program's emphasis is on the application of psychology in applied educational and mental health settings, students are required to demonstrate competence in the substantive content areas of psychological and educational theory; the scientific, methodological and theoretical foundations of practice in school psychology; data-based decision making; intervention design and evaluation; and cultural and individual diversity.

The school psychology doctorate prepares students to work as leaders in applied practice in educational and mental health settings.