Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree
The School Psychology Program (SPP) at the University of Florida prepares school psychologists as scientist-practitioners who, through their services, promote the psychological and academic development of children and youth. Doctoral training in the SPP consists of 136 graduate credit hours, including a year-long internship, early research experience, and dissertation, and leads to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. The SPP doctoral program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the Florida Department of Education (DOE).
The full-time course of study in the SPP is designed to integrate field experience and academic study. Through continuous enrollment in practica and internship, rigorous course work, and supervision of field placements, students continuously apply knowledge and skills in field settings and generate practical and relevant questions on issues needing further study. Because of this interwoven sequence of study, part-time study is very difficult. Moreover, non-degree status in the SPP is not allowed.
All students must meet the standards advanced by the Graduate School, College, and Department, as well as the SPP. All SPP requirements are congruent with standards from these other bodies (e.g., NCATE, NASP). Students occasionally enter the program with previous graduate coursework or experiences that may allow or require alteration of the typical program. Such changes are negotiated after admission to the SPP and no later than the first semester of coursework.
