School Psychology

School Psychology at Indiana University Bloomington offers a comprehensive and rigorous doctoral program designed to prepare students for a successful career as school psychologists. The program focuses on developing skilled professionals who can support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of students within diverse educational settings. Through a blend of coursework, research, supervised practicum, and internship experiences, students gain a strong foundation in psychological assessment, intervention strategies, consultation, and evidence-based practices tailored for school environments. The curriculum emphasizes multicultural competence, ethical considerations, and collaboration with educators, families, and community agencies to promote positive student outcomes. Students are encouraged to engage in research activities that contribute to the field of school psychology, fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning. The program is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), exemplifying its commitment to high standards of training and professional development. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to work in public schools, private institutions, and community organizations, serving as advocates and agents of change for children and youth. Indiana University Bloomington's School Psychology program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as positive behavioral interventions, trauma-informed practices, and mental health. With experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a collaborative academic environment, students are prepared to meet the diverse needs of contemporary educational systems and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of students nationwide.

Major Requirements (40 cr.)*

• P650 Topical Seminar in Educational Psychology: Single Subject Research Methodology in Behavioral Sciences (3 cr.)
• P655 Cognitive Assessment and Intervention (4 cr.)
• P656 Practicum in School Psychology (4 cr.)
• P657 Academic Assessment and Intervention (4 cr.)
• P670 Behavioral Analysis and Consultation for School Psychologists (3 cr.)
• P680 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in School Psychology (3 cr.)
• P681 Psychology of Cultural Diversity (3 cr.)
• P682 Developmental Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence (3 cr.)
• P691 Personality Assessment and Intervention (3 cr.)
• P692 Seminar in Therapeutic Interventions with Children (3 cr.)
• P695 Practicum in Personality and Behavioral Assessment (2 cr.)
• P696 Practicum in Therapeutic Interventions with Children (2 cr.)
• P697 Advanced Practicum in School Psychology (1 cr.)
• P699 Internship in School Psychology II (2 cr.)

Psychological Foundations Requirements (15 cr.)*
These courses meet APA requirements for foundations in the respective areas.

Human Development (3 cr.)

• P514 Lifespan Development: Birth to Death (3 cr.)

Biological Bases of Behavior (3 cr.)

• P624 Biology of Behavior (3 cr.)

Social Bases of Behavior (3 cr.)
Select one course from the following:

• P622 Social Development (3 cr.)
• P566 Social Psychology in Education (3 cr.)
• G656 Social Bases of Behavior (3 cr.)

History and Systems of Psychology (3 cr.)

• P601 Educational and Historical Foundations of Psychology (3 cr.)

Cognitive/Learning Bases of Behavior (3 cr.)
Select one course from the following:

• P540 Learning and Cognition in Education (3 cr.)
• P544 Applied Cognition and Learning Strategies (3 cr.)

*Courses in School Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Learning and Developmental Sciences are included to bring the total to the minimum of 55 semester hours for the major area. Although not specifically required, we recommend that students have coursework and practicum in counseling and therapeutic interventions. Many internships sites, psychology licensing boards, and state departments of education require courses in counseling on an applicant's transcript. The University Graduate School requires at least 90 hours for the Ph.D. degree, but a program is likely to total 100-110 hours, due to student interest in specific courses or areas of study. If you are planning to complete an internship in a clinical setting, it is suggested that a course in psychopharmacology be considered as an elective.

Inquiry Requirements (12 cr.)

• Y502 Intermediate Statistics Applied to Education (required) (3 cr.)
• Y521 Methodological Approaches to Educational Inquiry (required) (3 cr.)
• Select one course from the following:
  • Y603 Statistical Design in Educational Research (3 cr.)
  • Y604 Multivariate Analysis in Educational Research (3 cr.)
• Select one course from the approved Inquiry Course list
  • A list of approved inquiry courses may be found athttp://education.indiana.edu/students/graduates/_docs/ApprovedInquiryCoreCourses.pdf

Minor Requirements (12 cr.)
The minor must have integrity in its own right and must complement the major. The minor field must demonstrate wholeness within itself and contribute to the student's overall doctoral program. Minors are normally formulated within a single program area. However, an interdisciplinary or individualized minor is also possible. Interdisciplinary or individualized minors require a written description of the minor's underlying theme along with a rationale for each course's contribution to that theme through the Minor Justification form. This form should be submitted and approved by the Graduate Studies Office prior to enrolling in the minor courses.

Most students select counseling for their minor, which provides a foundation for advanced practica and internships in clinical or school settings. Some students complete a second minor, most often in inquiry or special education. The minor should be selected to prepare for internship and professional positions upon graduation.

Elective Requirements (0-6 cr.)
Electives may be taken in fields inside or outside the School of Education. Students may take electives in any area of interest to complement their program of study.

National School Psychology Examination Requirement
All graduates of the School Psychology doctoral program are required to take and pass the National School Psychology Examination (Praxis II) as a condition for graduation. It is recommended that the examination be taken at the end of the second year of study. The examination must be taken and passed as a partial requirement for nomination to candidacy.

Dissertation Requirements (15 cr.)

• P795 Dissertation Proposal Preparation (3 cr.)
• P799 Doctoral Thesis in Educational Psychology (12 cr.)

Requirements

1. A completed online application (required of all applicants). The online application is campus-specific and non-transferable. Applicants are responsible for submitting an application to the campus where they wish to pursue a degree, certificate, or licensure program.
2. An application fee (required of all applicants). Online applications require a nonrefundable payment by credit card and cannot be processed before the fee is paid in full.
3. A personal goal statement (required of all applicants) addressing academic and professional background and objectives.
4. A current resume or curriculum vitae (required of all international applicants; also required of domestic applicants to some programs).
5. Official transcripts (required of all applicants). International applicants must provide official transcripts and degree certificates from every institution of higher education attended. Domestic applicants to degree programs must submit official transcripts from every institution of higher education where they attempted nine or more semester hours, whether or not a degree was granted. Domestic applicants to non-degree (certificate or licensure) programs must submit official transcripts from every institution of higher education where they have earned (or expect to earn) a degree
6. Letters of recommendation (required of all applicants) that address the applicant’s academic and/or professional capabilities. The number of letters required (one, two, or three) may vary depending on the program.
7. An academic writing sample (required for a few select programs).
8. Official GRE Scores (required of all international applicants and most domestic applicants). Some master’s programs and licensure programs may waive the GRE requirement for U.S. citizens whose cumulative undergraduate GPA meets a pre-defined minimum. Applicants who are required to submit GRE scores must submit official scores from a test taken within five years prior to application.
9. Official TOEFL Scores (required of all international applicants whose native language is not English). International applicants who are current degree-seeking students at a U.S. institution of higher education may be exempted from the TOEFL requirement. U.S. citizens who have been educated primarily outside the U.S. in a language other than English may be required to submit TOEFL scores. Applicants who are required to submit TOEFL scores must submit official scores from a test taken within two years prior to application.
10. Praxis or Indiana CORE Assessment Scores (required for teacher preparation programs, including the Secondary Transition to Teaching program and other initial licensure programs).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Scholarships

• Associate Instructorships
• Graduate Assistantships
• Research Assistantships

The School Psychology program at Indiana University Bloomington is designed to prepare students for a professional career as a school psychologist, emphasizing comprehensive training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of children and adolescents within educational settings. The program integrates coursework, supervised practicum experiences, and internship placements to ensure that graduates are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to support student learning, behavior, and mental health. Students in the program gain expertise in psychological assessment, intervention strategies, consultation, and collaboration with educators, parents, and other stakeholders. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices and adheres to the standards set by national accrediting bodies such as the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Indiana University Bloomington's School Psychology program also offers opportunities for research and specialization in areas such as multicultural competencies, crisis intervention, and special education. The faculty members are experienced professionals dedicated to mentorship and the advancement of school psychology practice. Graduates of the program are qualified to pursue certification and licensure as school psychologists, enabling them to work in public and private school settings, clinics, or research institutions. The program's mission focuses on training ethically responsible professionals committed to improving the educational and psychological well-being of children and youth.