Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) - School Psychology

Students complete multiple supervised practicum experiences in school and related settings prior to the doctoral internship. These experiences support the development of applied skills across assessment, intervention, and consultation.

The program follows a predetermined course sequence. Students advance through the program as part of a cohort, fostering collaboration, professional socialization, and continuity of training.

Faculty members bring experience in school psychology practice, supervision, and scholarship. Students benefit from close faculty mentoring and supervision throughout coursework and field experiences.

The School Psychology program prioritizes in-person instruction and supervision to foster active engagement, collaborative learning, and the development of applied professional skills. Through case-based learning, skills practice, and direct interaction with faculty and peers, students integrate academic knowledge with the assessment, intervention, consultation, and interpersonal competencies essential for doctoral-level practice in school psychology.

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in School Psychology at University of the Pacific is a doctoral program that prepares students for professional practice supporting the academic, social, emotional and behavioral development of children and adolescents. The program provides advanced training in psychological assessment, intervention, consultation and systems-level practice in school and community settings.

School psychologists use psychological and educational expertise to help children and adolescents succeed academically, socially, emotionally and behaviorally. They may collaborate with students, families, teachers, administrators and community providers to assess student needs, recommend supports, deliver interventions, consult on school-wide practices and help create learning environments that promote student well-being.

The PsyD in School Psychology may be a good fit for students who want advanced doctoral training for professional practice in school psychology and related child- and adolescent-serving settings. It is designed for applicants who are interested in assessment, intervention, consultation, ethical practice and research-informed decision-making in schools and communities.

Students develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in areas such as:

• Psychological and educational assessment
• Academic, social, emotional and behavioral intervention
• Consultation with families, teachers, administrators and other professionals
• Systems-level practice in schools and community settings
• Ethical standards and professional practice
• Research-informed decision-making
• Support for the development and well-being of children and adolescents

Systems-level practice means improving the broader environments, policies and supports that shape student success—not only working one-on-one with individual students. School psychologists may use systems-level approaches to support effective school practices, prevention initiatives, positive behavioral supports, family engagement, crisis response, mental-health services and equitable access to learning opportunities.

Yes. Psychological assessment is a core component of the PsyD in School Psychology program. Students are prepared to use assessment as part of professional practice, helping identify students’ strengths and needs and informing intervention, consultation and support planning.

Yes. The program prepares students to use interventions that support the academic, social, emotional and behavioral development of children and adolescents. Training emphasizes professional practice in school and community settings, where school psychologists collaborate with families, educators and other service providers.

Yes. Consultation is an identified component of the PsyD in School Psychology program. School psychologists use consultation to work collaboratively with educators, families, school teams and community partners to understand concerns, plan supports and strengthen outcomes for students.

School psychologists often work in public, charter or private schools; school districts; county offices of education; early childhood programs; behavioral-health organizations; community agencies; hospitals; clinics; and private practice settings, depending on their qualifications, credentials, licensure and local employment requirements.

A PsyD is a doctoral degree designed for advanced professional preparation. In school psychology, a doctoral program may provide additional depth in assessment, intervention, consultation, systems-level practice, leadership and research-informed decision-making beyond the preparation available in a master’s or specialist-level program.

Specific eligibility for school psychology credentials, psychologist licensure and other professional roles depends on the program’s accreditation and training structure, as well as the laws and regulations of the state where a graduate intends to practice.

The PsyD in School Psychology focuses on the academic, social, emotional and behavioral development of children and adolescents in school and community contexts. It emphasizes assessment, intervention, consultation and systems-level practice that support students, families and schools.

The PsyD in Clinical Psychology focuses more broadly on professional clinical psychology practice, including psychological assessment, clinical intervention, ethics and research-informed clinical decision-making across clinical settings.

The PsyD in School Psychology is designed for advanced doctoral training grounded in professional practice, ethical standards and research-informed decision-making.

However, requirements for school psychologist credentials, national certification and psychologist licensure vary by state and can depend on degree accreditation, course requirements, supervised field experiences, examinations and other factors. Prospective students should confirm the program’s current alignment with California credentialing and licensure requirements—and the requirements of any other state where they plan to practice—before applying.

No, the PsyD in School Psychology requires in-person attendance, though individual courses may have online components.