Education and Counseling Psychology - Educational Psychology, PhD

The Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology offers programs leading to the following degrees: Master of Science in Education (Plans A and B available), the Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Students must apply for admission to both the Graduate School and to the Department. Doctoral applications must be completed by December 1 for summer/fall admission. All other degree applications have a deadline of January 15.  

Within the degree programs offered, three specializations are possible: counseling psychology, educational psychology, and school psychology. Specializations are designed to provide students with both a background in behavioral and humanistic components of human learning and behavior, and the competencies to practice the skills designated for these programs. Admission to candidacy in any of these programs includes not only demonstrated skills in the academic area, but a judgment by the faculty of the program that the candidate demonstrates the personal and social characteristics, as well as the professional commitment and ethical standards requisite, for providing the services and demonstrating the skills associated with the program and the advanced degree.  

For further information on specific program guidelines first garner information through the departmental website, http://education.uky.edu/EDP/ and if clarification is needed, contact the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology.  

The Ph.D. program is offered in the specialty areas of counseling psychology, educational psychology, and school psychology under one departmental program. The Doctor of Philosophy programs in Counseling Psychology and in School Psychology are accredited by the American Psychological Association through its Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation (750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, phone: 202.336.5500). A full-time, supervised one-year internship is required for both areas. Various concentrations are possible within the Ph.D. program. Representative of these are as follows: (a) learning, cognition, and curriculum design; (b) human development and social processes; (c) counseling psychology; (d) measurement, evaluation, and research design; and (e) school psychology. 

 

Admission Requirements 

Applicants to the Ph.D. Degree program in school psychology must possess an undergraduate degree in psychology, education, or a closely allied field (e.g., rehabilitation counseling or pediatric nursing). Applicants to the Ph.D. Degree program leading to counseling psychology licensure may apply with any undergraduate degree, but an undergraduate degree in psychology, education, or a closely allied field will facilitate movement through the program. Students with prior graduate work at the masters or specialist degree will also be considered for admission to advanced graduate status and, in the case of counseling psychology, are preferred. Students are selected for this program based on their undergraduate and prior graduate grade point average, Graduate Record Examination scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements describing their selection of a career in their chosen areas, writing samples, and personal interviews. These data provide information regarding student diversity, interests, and prior academic accomplishments in relation to program goals. The program faculty uses the Graduate School minimum requirements for undergraduate grade point average for admissions eligibility. 

 

Degree Requirements  

Year 1: Partial completion of required coursework-18-21 hours of formal coursework, including 

• first-year doctoral seminar (3 hours) 
• introduction to educational psychology class (3 hours) 
• human lifespan development class (3 hours) 
• one development and/or learning theories class (3 hours) 
• two to three research methods classes (6-9 hours) 

Selection of EDP members of Advisory Committee. Meeting with Advisory Committee to discuss program goals and objectives. Reflection and discussion with advisor regarding the independent study writing topic and research portfolio. Attendance at professional meetings and departmental colloquia. 

Year 2: Continued progress on completion of required coursework-21 hours of formal coursework, including 

• multicultural psychology (3 hours) 
• one development and/or learning theories class (3 hours) 
• two classes in area of specialization (6 hours) 
• two research methods classes (6 hours) 
• independent study writing project with major professor (3 hours) 

Selection of full Advisory Committee (by fall of Year 2). Fulfillment of teaching requirement (including corresponding enrollment in EDP 782). Progress toward completion of research portfolio. Reflection and discussion with Advisory Committee regarding the proposed internship. Internship proposed to Committee. Presentation at professional meetings and departmental colloquia. 

Year 3: Completion of required coursework-18-21 hours of formal coursework, including 

• two to three research methods classes (6-9 hours) 
• one development or learning theories class (3 hours) 
• one class in area of specialization (3 hours) 
• internship in educational psychology (3-6 hours) 

Completion of research portfolio and internship. Successful completion and oral defense of qualifying examination. Presentation at professional meetings and departmental colloquia. Progress on converting the empirical research study from research portfolio into a publishable manuscript. 

Year 4: No formal coursework, with the exception of continued enrollment in EDP 767 , Dissertation Residency Requirement. Submission of empirical study to refereed journal. Completion and defense of Dissertation Proposal. Permission obtained from Institutional Review Board to conduct research. Substantial progress on Dissertation data collection. Presentation at professional meetings and departmental colloquia. 

Year 5: No formal coursework, with the exception of continued enrollment in EDP 767 , Dissertation Residency Requirement. Completion and defense of Dissertation. Submission of dissertation for publication in refereed journal(s).