School Psychology (Ph.D.)

School Psychology (Ph.D.) | Graduate

We prepare culturally competent graduates to assume leadership roles as school psychologists, researchers, and practitioners prepared to collaborate with educators, children, and families to promote the learning and development of students. Our students apply research to improve the cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and behavioral functioning of all children.

The Ph.D. program in School Psychology at Howard prepares school psychologists to promote learning and development in various social processes and systems. Our program has particular strengths in multicultural education and emphasizes theoretical foundations in school psychology, learning theory, and the biological, social, and cognitive-affective bases of development. Our program views research and practice as interconnected, reciprocal processes, advocating that psychologists must conceptualize human behavior from both micro (e.g., immediate antecedents and consequences) and macro (e.g., familial and community systems, beliefs systems, historical contexts) levels, attending to dynamic ways they interact and shape the educational and psychological outcomes experienced by children. As a student in the Ph.D. program in School Psychology, you'll gain a solid foundation in school-based consultation, psycho-educational assessment and remediation, behavior analysis and intervention, therapy techniques, and mixed methods research and evaluation. You'll complete clinical training and field-based internship experiences in school districts, charter schools, and hospital-based clinics throughout the Washington, D.C. area, and have opportunities to practice in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Our students benefit from the close mentorship of faculty with wide-ranging research interests including cross-cultural approaches to cognitive assessment in children, identification of specific learning disabilities, and the influence of school and home contexts on social-emotional learning. 

Program Snapshot

      ❱  118 credit hours 
      ❱  Full-time
      ❱  On-campus format
      ❱  Degree: Ph.D.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025 entry: 
      ❱  No spring entry 

Fall 2025 entry: 
      ❱  Nov. 1, 2024 (early deadline)
      ❱  Feb. 1, 2025 (priority deadline)
      ❱  Mar. 1, 2025 (final deadline)

Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible for earlier consideration of departmental funding opportunities. Applicants have until the final deadline to apply. However, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the admissions cycle. 

Transfer credits accepted (reviewed by committee)

Advanced Certification

The Howard University School Psychology Ph.D. program is structured to meet the requirements for certification as a school psychologist by a state department of education and licensure as a psychologist by a state board of psychology.

• Degree Classification: Graduate
• Related Degrees: Ph.D.

Application for Admission 

• Online PSYCAS application
• Statement of purpose/ Statement of academic interest (500-1,000 words)
• GRE scores not required
• Official transcripts sent to PSYCAS
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or the international equivalent 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Autobiographical statement (500-750 words)
• Interview (Qualified applicants)

GRE Required?

• No

GRE Preferred Minimums

• GRE Verbal Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning: N/A
• GRE Analytical Writing: N/A

GPA Required Minimums

• Overall GPA minimum: 3.0
• Undergrad GPA minimum: N/A

Reference Requirements

Evaluator type accepted:

• Professor (Required)
• Supervisor/Manager
• Coworker
• Other

Evaluator type not accepted:

• Clergy
• Friend
• Family Member

Personal Statement Guidance

Statement of purpose/statement of academic interest should highlight why you wish to pursue a degree in school psychology and address the following:

• Describe your academic and research interests, identifying specific faculty member(s) with whom you want to work.
• Describe your personal, professional, and educational goals related to the Ph.D. in School Psychology.
• How will obtaining your Ph.D. in School Psychology enhance you in your current position and/or future career?

Letter of Recommendation Guidance

Provide three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your ability and/or potential for rigorous graduate study, clinical work, and/or research. Whenever possible, Howard University recommends seeking recommendations from faculty members in psychology or practicing professionals in psychology or other mental health disciplines. Letters of recommendation should be submitted through the PSYCAS system. Strong letters of recommendation include the following:

• Discussion of prospective applicants past academic accomplishments with a specific focus on research and scientific endeavors (publications, peer reviewed presentations, supervised research experiences)
• Discussion of prospective applicants' personal strengths that speak to graduate study
• Discussion of professional accolades 
• Prospective applicants' alignment (fit) with prospective program- can include desire to work with a specific faculty member, similar professional focus, etc. 
• Remember that specific examples are also helpful