School Psychology Programs
ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ offers two degree programs in school psychology: the Master of Arts (MA) and Educational Specialist (EdS) program and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. Three core faculty contribute to these programs. For more information about school psychology research, please visit our Research Teams page.
The doctoral program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), and it’s accreditation site visit was held in spring 2024. Information about APA accreditation can be found by contacting the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association at the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation; 750 First Street, NE; Washington, DC 20002-4242; Phone: 202.336.5979; and TDD/TTY: 202.336.6123. The Commission on Accreditation's website is . For more information, contact program director Dr. Beth Meisinger at bmsinger@memphis.edu.
 The MA/EdS program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and formally accredited as part of the education unit at the University of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. For more information, contact program director Dr. Ryan Farmer a³Ù rlfarmer@memphis.edu.
NOTE: To apply to any of the Psychology Department Graduate Programs, familiarize yourself
with the material at:
Important Information for Applying to Psychology Graduate Programs.
Here is a breakdown of each program's key features.
Master of Arts/
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Doctor of Philosophy |
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Years to Complete |
3 years, |
Typically, 5 years (without prior graduate education), including 1 calendar year of internship |
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Credit Hours |
66 hours |
97-100 hours |
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Graduate Assistantships Awarded |
Not typically awarded upon admission, but upon enrollment, most students secure graduate assistantships in the Department of Psychology or across campus. Most second-year students receive some funding. |
Yes, in all cases while on campus. The graduate assistantship provides a stipend of $18,000 or $19,000 per year, as well as a full tuition waiver for fall and spring semester courses. |
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Additional Support |
Liability insurance, conference registrations, and Tennessee Association of School Psychologists membership fees are paid. |
Liability insurance, conference registration, Tennessee Association of School Psychologists membership, and practicum hour tracking fees are paid. Travel to present research at national conferences is reimbursed. Support is provided for travel to internship site interviews. |
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Practicum Placements |
Yes. Two practicum experiences are completed under supervision by licensed school psychologists in school and community settings. |
Yes. Four practicum experiences are completed under supervision by certified psychologists in school, clinic, community mental health, and hospital settings. |
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Internship |
Yes. One school year, minimum 1,200 hours in length. All are paid and typically located in West Tennessee school districts and surrounding counties and states. |
Yes. They are 1 year and 2,000 hours in length. All are paid and located across the United States. |
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Thesis and Dissertation |
No |
Yes. Both a research-based thesis and a research-based dissertation are program milestones. |
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Eligible for Tennessee Department of Education Licensure as a School Psychologist |
Yes |
Yes |
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Eligible for Licensure as a Health Service Provider |
No, but can obtain certification as a Psychological Assistant to engage in supervised practice in non-school settings |
Yes, as a Psychologist |
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Employment Opportunities |
Most graduates practice as school psychologists in public schools. |
Graduates practice in schools, clinics, hospitals, and private practice settings and are professors in university settings. |
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Approval and Accreditation |
Full approval by the National Association of School Psychologists |
Full accreditation by the American Psychological Association |
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Program Director |
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