Frequently Asked Questions 
PCOM PsyD Program

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program in School Psychology is an innovative, applied professional psychology program designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in psychology (or closely related field) and, or, a MA/MS degree who are committed to working with children, youth and families in educational settings. The PsyD program consists of a minimum of 111 credit hours.

1. PCOM strives to bring the best of the discipline and practice of school psychology by providing a comprehensive, integrated, state-of-the-art program of study involving exciting courses, highly credentialed and qualified faculty, along with well-supervised field experiences.
2. PCOM offers an emphasis in cognitive behavioral therapy, applied behavior analysis and advanced assessment.
3. PCOM offers coursework in Neuropsychology in the Schools/Brain-based Learning.
4. PCOM School Psychology program emphasizes social justice and multicultural principles in the learning and execution of psychological practices.
5. PCOM can enrich your education with opportunities for interprofessional education with other disciplines found within a medical college.
6. PCOM has a state-of-the-art Clinical Learning and Assessment Center that offers simulated learning experiences.
7. PCOM's modern campus is conveniently located in the city of Philadelphia.

Yes, you may still apply to the program. The program may allow you to transfer up to 30 credits from your previous program providing you meet certain criteria as determined in consultation with the program director.

The program is a minimum 5-year commitment, with the last year being a full year (or half-time over two years) internship. The curriculum is sequential, cumulative and graded in complexity, with each year building upon the knowledge acquired from the previous year. The required dissertation is designed to be completed prior to the end of the internship.

Student loans, scholarships and other resources may be available. Learn more about financial aid at PCOM.

VIEW COST OF ATTENDANCE

While the majority of the courses are offered in the late afternoon/early evening (and some weekends), there will be some day courses and/or other commitments throughout the program. In particular, the second, third, fourth and fifth years of the program will require field training. As school psychologists' primary roles are in schools, this would require the student to spend two or more days out of the week in a school setting being supervised by an appropriately credentialed psychologist.

Using a practitioner-scholar model of training, the School Psychology program integrates cognitive behavior therapy and applied behavior analysis with advanced assessments/interventions (i.e., neuropsychology in the schools) in the training of school psychologists to work with children, families and schools.

PCOM has rolling admissions; therefore, a potential student can apply at any time throughout the academic year. Please note, for a guaranteed review of application and possible early acceptance, potential students are encouraged to apply early in the process.

VIEW APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

PCOM’s PsyD program in School Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Our next required site visit is in 2033. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242

Phone: 202-336-5979
Email: apaaccred@apa.org
accreditation.apa.org/contact

The PsyD program also contains a course sequence verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) to provide the course content required for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) credential.