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PsyD in School Psychology
Doctor of Psychology
Accelerate your career and help students overcome obstacles. Capella’s PsyD in School Psychology equips you with theoretical and practical tools to assess students, consult with school personnel, and supervise school psychologists.
Develop your expertise through online coursework, graduate teaching, clinical practicum, and internships. Gain the skills to pursue supervisory positions in school districts or higher education and make a lasting difference in the lives of students.
Classes start July 10
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online and in-person
- 20 Core courses
- 50 Max transfer credits
- 4 Residency courses
- 2 Practicum courses
- 4 Internship courses
- Comprehensive exam
Explore school psychology courses
- This degree requires at least 145 credits
- You’ll need to complete 20 core courses in addition to residency, practicum and internship requirements
| PSY8335 |
Consultation and Collaboration in the School
This course provides an overview of consultation theory, research, and practice in psychology and education. In this course, learners study the rationale and techniques used in consultation and collaboration with teachers, parents, administrators, and other school personnel for the purpose of preventing and remediating the learning and adjustment problems of school-aged children. Learners familiarize themselves with the history and status of consultation, conceptual foundations and models, processes, intervention and evaluation considerations, practice and ethical issues, and training approaches to consultation. |
5 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY8338 |
Child and Adolescent Development for School Psychologists
Learners investigate the development of children and adolescents from infancy through adolescence. Learners apply a developmental framework to the process of designing, evaluating, and monitoring interventions to address complex school needs and apply information about developmental skills to evidence-based school- and district-level interventions. In addition, learners analyze the impact of multiple complex and challenging family issues on student development and apply an understanding of types of diversity along a developmental continuum to student needs at the school and district level. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY8251 * |
Neuropsychological Assessment
In this course, learners study current theories, research, and methods used in the neuropsychological assessment of various mental disorders in adults, children, and adolescents. Learners review various neuropsychological screening and assessment instruments, clinical interviewing methods, and neuropsychological test batteries that are commonly used in the evaluation and assessment of neuropsychological disorders. Learners are introduced to functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, as well as to common syndromes and disease processes that can impair the human brain and central nervous system functioning. In addition, learners investigate the role of emotional functioning and effort within the context of the overall neuropsychological assessment process and gain an understanding of how to write a neuropsychological report. For PsyD learners only. Prerequisite(s): PSY-R8206. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY7320 |
Advanced Biological Psychology
Learners in this course examine the biological factors related to psychopathology. The course emphasizes research problems and methods currently being explored in biological psychology. Topics include the role of genetic factors in psychopathology, the influence of physical and emotional trauma on brain function, biological considerations in treatment planning, addictive phenomena, and other clinically relevant subjects. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
Develop your skills for clinical practice, including psychological and neuropsychological assessment, clinical supervision and consultation, psychopathology of children and adolescents, and collaboration in school systems.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Effectively lead problem-solving, taking into consideration multiple, complex variables and perspectives
- Strategize a process for consultation and collaboration at the leadership level of the school system, and outside the school system, for systemic improvement
- Develop, monitor, and evaluate interventions to improve academic performance and address multiple, complex, and challenging issues
- Develop, monitor, and evaluate interventions designed to improve social, behavioral, and life skills
- Integrate knowledge of school system structure and evidence-based practice to design school- and district- level interventions
- Design, evaluate, and monitor systems to prevent and respond to multiple, complex, and challenging issues impacting the schools
- Analyze multiple, complex, and challenging family issues and their impact on student performance
- Integrate knowledge of various types of diversity and its potential impact on performance at the school and district level
- Integrate knowledge of research design, statistics, and measurement techniques to develop complex programs based on best practices
- Integrate knowledge of professional, ethical, and legal standards of performance and their impact at the school- and district-level
- Design strategies to supervise and mentor school psychologists
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the Doctor of Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$555 per credit, 140 coursework credits, 50 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Coursework
$555 Per quarter credit
140 coursework credits
Coursework
What is coursework?$555
Residency
—
Included in coursework costs, 4 required. 2 in-person sessions and 2 virtual sessions. Travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included.
Residency
—
Included in coursework costs, 4 required. 2 in-person sessions and 2 virtual sessions. Travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included.
Comprehensive exam
$2,780 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,780
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter, coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter, coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Amount of time spent working on practicum
- Number of quarters spent working on integrative project
- Complexity of your integrative project
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2023–24 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2023. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
| Coursework: $555/credit 22 quarters |
$77,700.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,780.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$80,480.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 22 quarters |
$3,850.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total 23 quarters |
$84,380.00 |
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University’s Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2024. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
What are the PsyD admission requirements?
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
Additional requirements for Doctor of Psychology programs are:
- 3 letters of recommendation completed by professionals in psychology who can assess your aptitude for doctoral education in psychology
- An extended goal statement and writing sample.
- Your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
- After submitting admission materials, applicants may be required to take part in a faculty interview for assessment of professionalism and academic fit to the program
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
What can you do with a PsyD in School Psychology degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PsyD in School Psychology.
Related job titles to explore*
- School psychologist
- Contract school psychologist
- Consulting psychologist
- School psychology specialist
- K–12 school psychologist
- Adjunct, part-time, full-time psychology or school psychology faculty**
Employment settings to explore
- Educational services
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community or technical college
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
**Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a doctoral program.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
Helping Professions Program Guide
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