Gladys L. Benerd School of Education

Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, with an emphasis in school psychology

About the Degree

The Ph.D. Program in Educational Psychology, with an emphasis in school psychology, prepares professionals for systems interventions as school psychologists, and provides advanced training in consultation, applied development, and program evaluation. The department has obtained approval of the new Ph.D. Program by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Please note:  The Ph.D. program is a full-time, day program, with corresponding fieldwork in local public schools.

Admission Information

• A completed application form should be sent to the  Office of Research and Graduate Studies.
• Applicant must hold the baccalaureate degree or equivalent.
• Applicant must take the General and Psychology Subject Test of the  Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  The Verbal and Quantitative scores combined should not be lower than 1000.  In addition, there should be no score lower than 400 in either Verbal or Quantitative unless the individual has learned English as a second language and the low score occurs on the Verbal test.  The GRE score for the Subject Test in Psychology should not be lower than 500.  for any applicant whose native language or principle language of instruction is not English, the  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required.  Scores on the TOEFL should not be lower than 550.
• The cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) should not be lower than 3.0.  The upper division coursework average should not be lower than 3.5.  Psychology coursework should not be lower than 3.5.  Overall graduate-level coursework should not be lower than 3.0.
• In the letter of interest, the applicant should explicitly state an interest in a leadership role as a school psychologist.  In addition, the applicant should state a research interest that is appropriate to department faculty expertise.  The applicant should demonstrate the ability to express thoughts and ideas clearly.
• An interview is required before the applicant can be considered for admission.  The applicant should demonstrate the following in the interview:  (a)  Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to listen, adapt, and address ambiguity; (b) a willingness to examine his/her own biases and assumptions as a graduate student and future professional; (c) communicate sensitivity and skill in recognizing his/her own biases when working with individuals with diverse characteristics; and (d) recognize and deal responsibly with personal strengths and weaknesses.

Ph.D. Program Design

The Ph.D. program represents a four-to-five-year course of study, including a year long internship. It is designed for the student who wishes to apply developmental theory to design programs that emphasize prevention and the promotion of mental health and academic success for all learners. Applicants are accepted at the Bachelor's and/or Master's level.

Required Coursework

Culminating Experience

(Qualifying Scholarly Activity[QSA] and Dissertation): 

After the student has been admitted to candidacy, he or she may begin to develop a dissertation research proposal in conjunction with a dissertation chair and other dissertation committee members.

Financial Aid Opportunities 

The  Valley Mountain Regional Center provides training and funding opportunities for students in the Ph.D. program.  There are also additional  funding opportunities available to Pacific students.

Additional Information

For additional information, contact  Dr. Linda Webster, Department Chair.

Department of Educational and School Psychology
Gladys L. Benerd School of Education
University of the Pacific
3601 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, CA 95211

Phone: (209) 946-2559
Fax: (209) 946-3110