The doctoral program plan requires 160 credits minimum, culminating in:

• an original research dissertation
• a predoctoral internship
• the doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree

Students may enter the doctoral program with or without a master’s degree.

Prior graduate course work may reduce the amount of time needed to finish the doctoral program.

The doctoral program is a 5-year program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and approved by the Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commission for the educational licensure of school psychologists in the state of Oregon.

Graduates of this program meet school psychologist licensure requirements through the Oregon Teacher Standards & Practices and are eligible for the nationally certified school psychologist credential offered by the National Association of School Psychologists. Additionally, the doctoral program prepares students to qualify for licensure as a professional psychologist through the state board of psychologist examiners. 

SPSY PhD Handbook

PhD Requirements — Total Credits: 160

Psychological and Education Foundations — Minimum Credits: 33

Measurement and Assessment — Credits: 16

Statistics and Research — Minimum Credits: 49

Statistics and Research Design — Credits: 23

Application of Research Skills: Dissertation Research — Minimum Credits: 26

Practice of School Psychology — Minimum Credits: 53

Consultation — Credits: 8

Academic and Social Behavioral Interventions — Credits: 15

Teaching and Supervision — Credits: 7

Professional Standards and Ethics — Credits: 10

Practicum Experiences — Credits: 13 / Minimum 520 Clock Hours

Integrated Practicum — Credits: 9 / Minimum 360 Clock Hours

Internship Experience — Credits: 9 / Minimum 1,500 Clock Hours²

² See student handbook for possible exceptions to the 9 credit internship registration requirement. Prior to completion of internship, students are required to pass the Praxis II School Psychologist licensure exam.