columbia university psychology phd

School Psychology

From Struggle to Success, New Research Provides Tips From Study on High-Achieving High School Students

Tc’s xiaodong lin-siegler, ben lovett and their doctoral students explore the science of getting knocked down and getting back up.

Learning—For Real Life

Through two degree options, TC students establish a strong foundation in psychological theory and research and learn innovative ways to apply that knowledge to support the wellbeing of children and families.

Helping Children Thrive

TC graduate students are prepared to apply psychological science to improve learning and mental health in schools and other settings.

Clinical Experiences

TC students engage in clinically relevant and cutting-edge research supporting the mental health needs of children, youth and families.

The Coping Cats!

The Second Year Ed.M. students celebrate Halloween by dressing up in costume together as The Coping Cats.

Welcome to the School Psychology Program

For Fall 2024 admissions, the TC School Psychology programs have retained use of the GRE scores. Faculty use the scores, along with undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, the personal statement, and other materials to perform a holistic review of each applicant. There is no minimum GRE cutoff score for either the EdM or PhD program in School Psychology.

The School Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University trains school psychologists to work in schools (Ed.M. & Ph.D. level), clinics, hospitals, universities, testing companies, and research centers (Ph.D. level) to serve the academic and mental health needs of children, youth, and families. Coursework provides students with a strong foundation in psychological theory and research. Practica and internship experiences provide students with the opportunity to apply this knowledge directly to their work with diverse clients and indirectly via consultation with teachers and other specialists in a variety of settings.

Read about our Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Program Annual Report

Choose Your Degree

• Master of Education (Ed.M.)
• Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)

Our National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)-accredited Master of Education (Ed.M.) program stresses a firm grounding in the core areas of psychology, as well as in the tools traditionally used by school psychologists to apply their knowledge and skills to school settings.

Completion of the 69-credit Ed.M. can lead to certification as a school psychologist in New York State. In addition, students may be eligible for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in New York State. Students who speak and read a foreign language may also add a New York - Bilingual Extension to their degree while enrolled at Teachers College.

Our American Psychological Association (APA)- and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)- accredited doctoral program (Ph.D.) prepares students for certification as a school psychologist and licensure as a psychologist.

In addition, students may be eligible for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in New York State. Students who speak and read a foreign language may also add a New York - Bilingual Extension to their degree while enrolled at Teachers College.

Student Testimonials

I chose the School Psychology program at TC because of the diverse research interests of the faculty, opportunity to serve clients at the university clinic in my first year, and opportunity to pursue the bilingual extension to my certification. Kayla Parr, Ed.M. Candidate

I chose the School Psychology program at TC because it provides the unique opportunity to gain clinical experience in a variety of settings and learn from experienced psychologists with diverse research interests. Marymilt Restituyo, Ed.M. Candidate

I chose the School Psychology program at TC because of its challenging coursework and wide variety of training opportunities. Geremy Grant, Ph.D. Candidate

For me, TC’s celebrated history of innovation and rigor was the hook, and meeting the experienced, passionate staff in the School Psychology program sealed the deal. Joe Tarantino, Ph.D. Candidate

The School Psychology program at Teachers College was my first choice because of the intensive clinical training, the ability to work with clients every year, the opportunity to take on leadership roles within the department, and the outstanding faculty advisors. Elena Tyson, Ph.D. Candidate

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Admissions Information

Application requirements.

• School Psychology NY State Provisional: School Psychology
• School Psychology: Applied Developmental and Learning Psychology NY State Provisional: School Psychology

Fund Your Degree

• Tuition & Fees
• Financial Aid
• Request Info

Doctor of Philosophy

• Major Code: SPSD
• Points/Credits: 90
• Entry Terms: Fall Only

Certification

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• NY State Provisional: School Psychology

Application Deadlines

• Spring: N/A
• Summer/Fall (Priority): December 1
• Summer/Fall (Final): December 1

Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *

• Online Degree Application , including Statement of Purpose and Resume
• Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
• Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
• $75 Application Fee
• One (1) Letter of Recommendation should be academic
• GRE General Test
• Academic Writing Sample

School Psychology: Applied Developmental and Learning Psychology

Master of education.

• Major Code: SPSM
• Points/Credits: 69
• Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
• Summer/Fall (Final): April 1

* The final deadline for this program has been extended to May 1, 2024*

Phone: (212) 678-3942

Email: schoolpsychology@tc.columbia.edu

Applications for 2024 Columbia Summer Session programs are now open!

Psychology certificate.

The Certificate in Psychology is a rigorous curriculum for students who are preparing for graduate study, but who did not major in the subject as undergrads. The program prepares students to advance their academic careers by providing the type of coursework that top graduate programs require, including research experience. 

The program provides valuable preparation for Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs, including psychology, education, management, public health, and social work. The Certificate can be completed in two semesters of full-time study, or longer, depending on your schedule.

Application Announcement

Now accepting applications. Learn more.

Information Sessions

Attend an info session on the Psychology Certificate Program.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics,  BLS Psychologists

Valuable preparation for Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs, including psychology, education, management, public health, and social work.

Who should apply:

• Recent graduates who wish to prepare for graduate school in a field related to psychology.
• Professionals seeking a career change into a cutting-edge industry.

Lifelong benefits you receive as a Columbia graduate:

• Access to a world-renowned system of libraries
• A Columbia email address
• Membership in a network of Columbia students, faculty and alumni

International Students:  Qualifies students on an F1 Visa to apply for  Optional Practical Training (OPT)  upon completion of the certificate.

Featured Faculty, Students & Alumni

Lydia roberts: from health care pr to a clinical psychology ph.d. with the help of sps lydia roberts, '20sps, leveraged her work in the psychology certificate program to pursue a ph.d. in clinical psychology. student postbaccalaureate students present research poster at society for personality and social psychology’s annual convention in new orleans their research poster was titled "assessing the role of psychological reactivity in the somatization of stress." student international student sophia armand gains new opportunities in psychology international student sophia armand leaves denmark for new york and lands opportunities in columbia's psychology research labs. related programs, narrative medicine.

Transform personal stories into better experiences and outcomes for both patients and caregivers.

Program Options

• Full-time, Part-time

Use interdisciplinary approaches to analyze and address the most pressing bioethical challenges.

• Online, On Campus, Hybrid

In the News

Students: send videos of hyflex life at columbia send us a 15- to 30-second video showing what hyflex learning is like on campus. school keep moving forward with columbia your columbia education is unstoppable. student postbaccalaureate students present research poster at society for personality and social psychology’s annual convention in new orleans their research poster was titled "assessing the role of psychological reactivity in the somatization of stress." view all news connect with us.

Learn more about Psychology at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, or contact the program advisor.

Psychology Admissions Counselor

Office of admissions, study with us.

As admissions to our programs are highly competitive, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Learn more about the application process, deadlines, and requirements.

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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion works to create an inclusive environment that values diversity in academic medicine.

Education and Training

Columbia Psychiatry is teaching the next generation of clinicians and researchers through our residency, fellowship, and training programs.

Research Areas

Clinical trials and research studies.

Would you like to help support our research? Learn about how to participate in clinical trials or research studies here at Columbia Psychiatry.

• Patient Care

Read about the world of psychiatric research, education, and patient care—and see what's happening here at Columbia Pyschiatry.

Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research

For members, psychoanalytic studies program.

The Psychoanalytic Studies Program (PSP) is a non-degree and non-clinical program. The student receives a graduate certification of achievement in Psychoanalytic Studies upon fulfillment of the program’s requirements, which is meant to augment his/her doctoral studies. (Note: this program does not qualify as training to prepare or authorize individuals to practice psychoanalysis.)  

In addition to issues of research, the PSP deals with the theory, application, and history of psychoanalytic thought and practice across a broad range of disciplines. The program is designed to meet the needs of students in the humanities and social sciences who want to gain a strong background in psychoanalytic concepts of mind, culture, and science to enrich their graduate training and inform their dissertation research. The PSP is offered by the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and it is housed at ICLS.

Requirements

This certification program is open only to students already enrolled in a graduate program in the Arts and Sciences at Columbia and is primarily designed for students pursuing a doctorate in departments in the humanities and social sciences, although students in free-standing Master’s programs may enroll in the core courses (and electives) and complete the certification. 

Program Design

The PSP will give students an additional and valuable set of methodological and disciplinary tools should they decide to pursue an academic or other professional career where cross-disciplinary training, research, and teaching ability are increasingly valued.

The program is co-sponsored by  The Sigmund Freud Foundation, Austria .

How to Apply

For further information and to apply, visit the Psychoanalytic Studies Program at the Institute for Comparative Literature and Society