School Psychology Program Overview
The mission of the University of Florida’s School Psychology Program (SPP) is to prepare school psychology practitioners and scholars whose activities promote the psychological and educational development and well-being of children and youth.
The program is grounded in a scientist-practitioner model as reflected in its commitment to a synthesis between science and practice throughout all academic and professional preparation opportunities. This is an on-campus program, with a small student-to-faculty ratio, situated in a resource-rich university.
About the Programs
Education Specialist
The vast majority of school psychologists with an Education Specialist (EdS) degree work in K-12 public schools providing psychological services to children and youth, families, and schools. School psychologists provide a comprehensive range of direct and indirect psychological services in the schools. To develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to work as a school psychologist, practicum and coursework are interwoven throughout the first two years of EdS training, followed a year-long full-time internship during the third and final year.
Doctor of Philosophy
School psychologists with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree assume professional leadership roles in university, school, mental health clinic, and other community settings. In addition to work in the K-12 public schools, many PhD school psychologists become licensed as a psychologist and provide psychological services in the private sector to children and youth, families, schools, and the community. Others work in school psychology programs in universities as researchers and trainers.
Student Testimonials
My experiences in the School Psychology Program at UF really prepared me for my next steps as an intern, and I leave work every day with a smile on my face because I know that this is the right field for me.
Being a part of the Gator Nation is truly an honor, and you really do feel like you are a part of a family. Our program strives to keep student connections strong; nowhere else that I interviewed did I get that sense of a unified family atmosphere.
When deciding which program to attend, I recall being especially impressed by the number of publications and conference presentations that UF’s students completed annually. This let me know that research activities were a priority and highly supported. I was also attracted to the possibility of receiving clinical training in diverse settings. UF has proven to be a perfect fit for me.
Contact Us
College of EducationPO Box 117042
Gainesville, FL 32611-7044
(352) 392-0726