School Psychology, Ph.D.

• 3.0 GPA*
  *Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. However, exceptions may be granted on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student's academic competency.
• Bachelor’s Degree
  All majors welcome to apply

International Applicants

Transcript Credit Evaluation

If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report.

The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.

You may use the following services to request official foreign credential evaluations: World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements.

• Graduate Application
• Letter of Interest
• Curriculum vitae/resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE scores (strongly recommended)
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
  • A 3.0 GPA is required*
    *Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. However, exceptions may be granted on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student's academic competency.
  • If your transcripts are from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report. The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts. Please see Transcript Credit Evaluation section above.
• Although not required, applicants are permitted to upload additional materials that demonstrate potential for success and fit with the aims of the program.

Faculty members review all Ph.D. application materials and identify applicants who are judged to have a high likelihood of success in graduate studies, and have professional goals and interests that align with obtaining a doctoral degree in school psychology, the Ph.D. as a research-oriented degree, and the scientist-practitioner model of training. Successful applicants are invited to an interview.

Faculty members then consider all application materials and interview information to make admission offers. With an admissions offer, the student will then enroll in classes for the upcoming fall semester. The program does not engage in "rolling admissions."

Application Procedure

To be considered for admission, applicants must complete the following steps.

1. Prepare a letter of interest to upload into the online application. A letter of intent describes educational, professional, research and personal experiences that have resulted in an applicant's interests to pursue a career in school psychology, specifically pursue a Ph.D. in school psychology, and consider the Duquesne University Ph.D. School Psychology program in particular. The letter of interest should also outline an applicant's career goals so that the faculty may judge the match between the applicant's goals and the stated goals and competencies of the Ph.D. program . Applicants should be certain to cover his or her research experience and research interests as these are carefully evaluated by the program faculty when reviewing applications for the Ph.D. program as it is in part a research-oriented degree.
2. Prepare a curriculum vita/resume to upload into the online application.
3. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended, sent directly from the institution. We are unable to accept transcripts sent directly from applicants. Please see Transcript Credential Evaluation section in previous section.
4. The submission of GRE scores is strongly recommended. GRE scores obtained within 5 years of the date of application can be sent to Duquesne University. Please contact ETS to have your official GRE scores sent to Duquesne University- Institutional Code #2196. Note it takes 7-10 days for Duquesne University to receive your score after your order from ETS.
5. Duquesne University requires submission of TOEFL or IELTS scores for all non-native English-speaking applicants. Additionally, the English as a Second Language program conducts a review of each matriculated student upon arrival to determine individual needs for English instruction to support success in his/her degree program. The University requires the following minimum scores in each area to be considered for admission: TOEFL minimum of 80 (internet based) with no sub-score less than 17, or 550 on the paper-based test; IELTS minimum score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.5 for Reading, 5.5 for Writing, 5.5 for Speaking and 6.0 for Listening. Have these scores ready to insert into the online application.
6. The online application will ask the applicant to supply the names and email addresses of three persons who are willing to write a letter of reference. The online application process will then email each letter writer and ask them to upload a letter of reference regarding your application to the program. Please inform your letter writers to expect an automated email.
7. When all of the above are ready, applicants must complete Duquesne University's online application. This application requires you to upload the documents above.

Faculty members will review all completed applications and rate each according to the quality of submitted materials (letter of intent, transcripts, test scores and references) and match with the stated goals and competencies associated with the Ph.D. program. Successful applicants will then be selected for an interview. Applicants will be notified by email or telephone of an interview invitation, as well as the time of the video conference interview. After final admissions decisions have been made, letters of acceptance, rejection or wait list status will be emailed to all of the applicants. Final decisions are made after April 15 of each year.

Change of Degree Programs

If a student would like to change degree sequences, the student must complete a new application and follow all application guidelines for the desired degree program. It is not permissible for students simply to elect to change or migrate between School Psychology Program degree sequences without making a formal application. In the case where a current student is accepted into a new degree program, the student's program of study will be reviewed with the student's advisor to ensure that the future course of study will meet the requirements of the new degree sequence.

Students are admitted into the Ph.D. Program once per year with an annual application deadline of January 15.

The applicant final decision deadline is April 15 of each year.

Application FAQs 

Is there a different application for those who already have a master's degree or are practicing school psychologists?

No, the application process is the same. Each year, applications are due January 15. Practicing school psychologists often apply to the Psy.D. program, so the faculty are experienced in supporting applicants through that process.

Should I complete my master's degree first? What role does it play in my application? 

You do not need to have a master’s degree to apply to either the Psy.D. or Ph.D. programs. Some students have completed a master's program in order to gain experiences useful for doctoral program applications. Having said that, it is important to understand the research priorities of each program you apply to, because priorities vary across programs.

A student’s GPA, GRE scores, research and writing experience, and clinical experience matter.

While in the M.S.Ed. in Child Psychology program at Duquesne, students can join a research lab to gain experience. Take a look at each of the faculty's research to determine where your interests might mesh. As an MSEd student, you can reach out to a faculty member to discuss joining their lab and what projects they are pursuing that may be of interest to you.

Is admission cohort-based or advisor-based?

Students are admitted as a cohort and take classes together each year. Advisors are assigned based on the applicant's professional interests, as described in the letter of intent. We assign advisors so that each incoming first-year student has individual support. 

A Duquesne University education is an investment in your future. This investment will prepare you to reach the height of your career and provide a meaningful return on your investment. Financial assistance in the form of aid, assistantships, scholarships and tuition awards are available to help you reach your bigger goals.

• Discover scholarship and award opportunities
• Explore graduate tuition and financing
  
  

Ph.D. in School Psychology Funding FAQs

How common is funding?

The school psychology program has several Graduate Assistant (GA) positions. Many of these positions are held by more advanced students because they involve grading and supporting advanced coursework. Our students also find positions all across the School of Education and the university, and students leaving positions are often replaced by incoming students.

How much of tuition is typically covered?

Tuition remission and hours vary by position. Twenty hours a week is typical, though some positions are 10 hours. Tuition remission may be as much as 15 credits per year. We are not aware of any positions that are fully funded.

Who can I connect with to learn more about degree funding?

We encourage you to ask our Student Affiliates in School Psychology (SASP) co-chairs about funding; they may know more about the range of GA positions students hold.