Become an expert in school and human service organizations with an advanced degree in counseling and psychology in education. You may pursue an M.A., Ed.S., or Ph.D. in human development and educational psychology. Our small class size allows you to develop one-on-one relationships with faculty as you gain the necessary skills to serve the educational and mental health needs of children. Learn more at usd.edu/cpe.
DELIVERY: On campus
Degree Requirements for Doctorate in Counseling and Psychology in Education - Human Development and Educational Psychology Specialization
Total 93 credit hours or a minimum of 60 credits hour beyond a conferred master’s degree.
Master’s degree or 30 credit hours master-level coursework
- Upon successful completion of the first nine credit hours of coursework, students will complete a preliminary examination.
- The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the master’s Degree.
- Students may earn a master’s degree during completion of the Ph.D. requirements.
- Comprehensive examinations must be completed after at least 80% of the course work toward a PhD is completed, preferably in the final year of coursework.
- For two consecutive years students must enroll in at least 6 credit hours of coursework, predominantly hybrid in modality.
- Candidates are required to complete a specified core of courses covering human development, learning theory, measurement, statistics and research design.
- Students may take up to 9 dissertation hours prior to proposal.
Human Development and Educational Psychology remaining core coursework (Ph.D.): 30 credit hours
- With the aid of their advisor and approval of their graduate committee, students can tailor their program to fit their areas of expertise and career goals. This is done through elective course work, independent studies and practicum experiences.
General Application Requirements
Completed application
$35 application fee
Official transcripts*
Letters of recommendation*
Statement of purpose
Resume/CV*
*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog
State Authorization- It Matters Where You Live
If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.