The Educational Psychology (PhD), offered at our main campus in Philadelphia, PA, is an innovative, applied professional psychology program designed for school psychologists and other master's prepared practicing professionals seeking additional skills/knowledge and expanded career opportunities.
Successful candidates are able to grow their field of expertise in a particular specialization and use this experience to achieve a more prominent leadership role within their organization. With a heavy research focus, there are no internships associated or licensing exams affiliated with this program.
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Candidates must possess a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in school psychology, school counseling, school social work or a related field with a 3.0 (B) average or better and who are certified to practice in their field. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed a 60-credit (or more) graduate-level program and who have a strong background in research and statistics.
Your application will be processed and assessed by the Faculty Committee on Admissions only after the receipt of:
This academic program operates on a rolling admissions basis. The application closes on Friday, August 14, 2026, but an early application is highly recommended.
Prospective students may submit their application through PCOM's online application management system. Additional details, including application availability and instructions, are available on our application portal.
Official college transcripts from all colleges/universities/schools attended must be sent directly to:
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office of Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
We will accept electronic transcripts via Parchment Services or National Student Clearinghouse.
Letters of recommendation can be sent through the PCOM application portal or directly to PCOM Admissions in PDF format to recommend@pcom.edu. Recommenders can be directed to our "For Recommenders" page for guidance.
Once your application has been submitted, you will be contacted via email with a confirmation of its receipt including reminders of the appropriate steps to complete the application process.
The PhD program utilizes a rolling admissions policy, so applications will be considered throughout the year as they are received. Students will be accepted into the program until the desired class size is achieved; therefore, it is recommended that candidates submit applications early. Classes begin in the fall term (late August).
The Admissions Committee screens applications, invites some applicants for an interview, evaluates the applicants, and selects the new students. Following completion of the admissions process, each applicant is notified of the Admissions Committee's decision in writing, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.
Interviews for this program will be conducted virtually throughout the year.
The College requires a criminal background check for all program applicants and enrolled students. The PCOM Office of Admissions will facilitate a criminal background check prior to matriculation processed by a PCOM vendor of choice. Subsequent criminal background checks can occur during enrollment, including but not limited to, when the student is conducting internships, clerkships, clinical coursework, or other types of coursework that occur off campus. Should you be charged, convicted of, or plead guilty or no contest to a misdemeanor or felony crime after the date of your original application submission, you are required to notify the Dean of your program in writing within 10 business days of the occurrence. This communication should be sent by certified mail to the Dean at the address on the acceptance letter.
Prior to enrollment, all candidates are required to complete PCOM's Technical Standards for Admission and Matriculation form. Visit the School of Professional and Applied Psychology Technical Standards page for additional information.
Should you have any questions, please contact us via email at admissions@pcom.edu.
PCOM Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Toll Free: 800-999-6998
Local: 215-871-6700
Fax: 215-871-6719
Email: admissions@pcom.edu
