Psychology Students learning in a classroom

School Psychology

Earn the advanced knowledge to become a competent school psychologist. Advocate and serve the educational and mental health needs of children of diverse backgrounds to transform their lives through clinical assessment, diagnosis and intervention.

Support Student Success

School psychology is about becoming a skilled education professional who supports student success academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. In this graduate program at USD, you'll learn how to evaluate learning, emotional and behavioral problems, as well as design and implement academic and behavioral interventions that address these problems. Strengthen your sense of professional identity through training founded in social responsibility, self-awareness, diversity and inclusive excellence that prepares you to be an advocate for students. Along the way, you will form close mentorship with faculty that allows you to self-direct your program and develop professional expertise. Our students have a 100 percent pass rate on the Praxis School Psychologist examination.


Degrees & Offerings

CPE: School Psychology (Ed.S.)

Specialist
  Vermillion Main Campus

Pursing your specialist degree (Ed.S.) in school psychology from USD prepares you to primarily work in public and/or private school settings. The program requires 69 credit hours and two years of in-residence study where you will gain individualized, hands-on training in evaluation, assessment, intervention, collaboration and more. It does not require the GRE for admission.

View Admissions Requirements

CPE: School Psychology (Ph.D.)

Doctorate
  Vermillion Main Campus

The nationally accredited doctoral degree at USD prepares you to work in clinical and research institutions, universities or school districts as a senior school psychologist. The program requires 110 credit hours which includes independent research, internship, clinic practicum, dissertation and additional opportunities to customize the coursework through a wide range of electives to match your professional goals. This program does not require the GRE for admission.

View Admissions Requirements

Program Details

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Graduate Admissions

Known for Excellence

With qualities like small class sizes, specialized programs and incredible student opportunities, USD is not your typical university. What makes us unique is what makes your education exceptional.

DivisionS & Facilities

Explore the divisions, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in counseling and psychology in education.
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Counseling and Psychology in Education

We'll train students to make a difference and impact the lives of others as mental health counselors, school psychologists, or human development and educational professionals.

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Counseling & School Psychological Services Center

Community resources provided by supervised USD students.

Faculty & Staff

Get to know your professors in the School Psychology Program.
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Karissa Jensen

Adjunct Instructor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Anissa Johns

Anissa Johns

Assistant Professor
Bio Image for Faculty Member Kari Oyen

Kari Oyen

Associate Professor

Become a School Psychologist and Transform Children's Lives

Transform the lives of children through ongoing diagnosis and interventions. Train educational professions to support student success academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally.

School Psychology Program
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Discounted Tuition for South Dakota Teachers and Vocational Instructors

If you live in South Dakota, be sure and take advantage of the 50% reduced tuition program for currently contracted elementary/secondary teachers and vocational instructors.

 

Learn More

Surprisingly Affordable

Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program. 

Graduate Tuition & Costs

Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.

Financial Aid

Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.

Graduate Assistantships

USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.

 


Student success story

Success story Hser Lar Kpaw Htoo smiling.
As a refugee who has faced various challenges, I am aware of the significance of the support provided by school psychologists and educators within the system. As I familiarized myself with the dedicated staff members at the program, I felt that USD’s school psychology program was like a home to me. These professionals are committed to helping students achieve their goals and fostering their personal growth.

Hser Lar Kpaw Htoo

Ph.D. School Psychology '24

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