PsyD in School-Community Psychology

Admission

Apply Now
Attend an Event
Request Info

Admission Requirements

BEGINNING LEVEL

Students admitted with a bachelor's degree will be required to meet the following admission criteria:

  1. Successful completion of the baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
  2. Submission of scores on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination is optional.
  3. Submission of scores on the Psychology Subject Test of the Graduate Record Examination is optional.
  4. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better in the following psychology courses, which must be completed prior to admission:
    1. Human Development
    2. Elementary Statistics
    3. Experimental Design or Research Methods
    4. History and Systems of Psychology.   Please note that we offer an asynchronous online course (undergraduate level) in the History of Applied Psychology each August for those incoming students who still need to meet this admissions requirement.
    5. While it is strongly recommended that a candidate completes a course in Neuropsychology or Physiological Psychology and a course in psychometric theory, it is not required.
  5. Three letters of recommendation
  6. A personal statement
  7. A copy of your curriculum vita or resume
  8. Attendance at a by-invitation information session prior to the interviews
  9. Personal interviews with faculty and a current doctoral student. Interviews are held in person except when prohibited by extenuating circumstances. Please discuss this with the Program Director.

ADVANCED LEVEL

Students admitted at the advanced level, already possess a master's degree in school psychology and are certified.  These candidates are required to meet the following admission criteria:

  1. Successful completion of a master's, specialist, or professional diploma, in school psychology, from an accredited institution.
  2. Submission of scores on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination is optional.
  3. Submission of scores on the Psychology Subject Test of the Graduate Record Examination is optional.
  4. Three letters of recommendation
  5. A personal statement
  6. A copy of your curriculum vita or resume
  7. Attendance at a by-invitation information session prior to the interviews
  8. Personal interviews with faculty and a current doctoral student. Interviews are held in person except when prohibited by extenuating circumstances. Please discuss this with the Program Director.

Over the past five years, the program has received an average of approximately 130 applications annually, from which 10–12 candidates were selected for admission. This number typically includes two advanced-standing candidates who already hold a specialist degree in school psychology and are certified school psychologists. The current incoming class was chosen from a pool of 160 applicants representing universities across the country, with a mean undergraduate GPA of 3.81.

The median time to program completion is 4.0 years, and the mean is 4.5 years, inclusive of the dissertation defense. Over the past five years, 90% of students have completed the program in five years or less, and 10% within six years. Our rigorous admissions process ensures that we select highly motivated and capable candidates; as a result, the program’s seven-year graduation rate is 95%. Detailed attrition and graduation statistics are available in the Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data section accessible from the top right of the program’s homepage.

Select individuals who complete their application materials by January 15 are invited to an in-person interview conducted jointly by a faculty member and a current doctoral student.  Prior to these interviews, invited applicants participate in a mandatory virtual Q&A session hosted by current students. This format allows prospective students to gain a realistic understanding of the program’s academic expectations, professional demands, and financial considerations.

A core value of the program is the active promotion of diversity, inclusion, and broad understanding. We seek students whose experiences and perspectives reflect a wide range of backgrounds and worldviews, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups. 

Selection of Students

Applicants considered for interview and possible admission to the program must demonstrate the requisite academic background and professional experiences as outlined in the Doctor of Psychology Program in School–Community Psychology brochure and on the program website under Admission Requirements. Candidates must hold at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have completed coursework in human development, history and systems, statistics, and experimental design or research methods—all with grades of B or higher. A course in neuropsychology is encouraged but not required.

Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae (CV), and a personal statement that addresses their motivation, relevant experience, and professional goals. In the personal statement, applicants should explain why the Psy.D. Program in School–Community Psychology at Hofstra University is of particular interest to them, and how their values and aspirations align with the program’s mission. Applicants may also note any preference for working in a specific area of specialization.

The program seeks people who are deeply dedicated to improving the emotional, behavioral, and educational outcomes, as well as the well-being, of children, especially those from marginalized, disempowered, or disenfranchised communities. This dedication often extends to a broader concern for the well-being of the child’s family and community.

Applicants meeting the above qualifications are invited to participate in an individual interview. Interviews are conducted with program faculty and current doctoral students, and each interview day includes a student-led information session designed to provide applicants with a realistic understanding of program expectations, culture, and opportunities.

Whenever possible, applicants expressing specific research interests are paired with a faculty member whose scholarly work aligns with those interests. Following completion of all interviews, faculty members independently rate the applicants, after which an admissions meeting is held to reach a consensus on final selections.

Given the large pool of highly qualified applicants, admission to the Psy.D. Program in School–Community Psychology is very competitive. Each year, only a select few candidates are accepted. Those chosen usually demonstrate excellent academic preparation, strong self-discipline, a genuine dedication to improving the lives of children, families, and communities, and a good match with the program. They also bring meaningful experience—either through direct work with children and families or relevant research—and clearly align with the program’s mission. Successful applicants are personally contacted by the interviewing faculty member and offered admission to the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PsyD Program in School-Community Psychology APA accredited?

Yes, it is fully accredited by APA as a PsyD doctoral program in school psychology. Should you have any questions please call the APA Commission on Accreditation at 202-336-5979, TDD/TYY (202) 336–6123, or Fax (202) 336–5978. 

You may also contact Aaron Joyce, PhD, ABPP, Director, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, aoaccred@apa.org, or at 750 First Street, NE, Washington, D.C., 20002-4242.

What is the application deadline for the PsyD Program in School-Community Psychology?

All materials must be in the admission office by January 15 in order to be reviewed.

What is the difference between the PsyD and PhD programs in psychology?

While there is a great deal of overlap between the programs, the PsyD's training emphasis is on the practice of psychology and the PhD emphasizes research.

Will I receive transfer credits?

Limited transfer credits are given for courses that are equivalent to those in the PsyD program. No transfer credit will be provided for any statistic or research methods courses (PSY 201, PSY 202, PSY 223, PSY 224). Courses considered for transfer can be no more than 10 years old. Time to complete the program is unaffected by transfer credits.

Will I be notified by the Graduate Admission office when all my materials have been received?

The Graduate Admission office does try to notify all applicants by mail of their files' status, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that the materials have been received. We are not responsible for incomplete applications or materials which have not arrived by the application deadline. You may call the Graduate Admission office to check on the status of your file if you have not received a letter. Do not wait for the application deadline to be near to assess the status of your application!
Graduate Admission office: 1-866-GRAD-HOF (472-3463).

How many openings are in a given class of students and how many apply?

We typically receive about 110-160 applicants per year and enroll a class of approximately 12 students.

Is it possible to take courses on a non-matriculated basis?

No. We offer a comprehensive program of professional study that is only open to full-time, matriculated students.

May I enroll in your program for only a master's degree?

A terminal master's degree is not offered in the PsyD program. One acquires an MS degree along the way to a doctorate.

Is financial assistance available?

Financial assistance is available to graduate students in several formats, including scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, awards, etc. After you have been accepted and have sent in a deposit, you can write a letter to the director of the program requesting an assistantship. Virtually all full-time students receive assistantships. The assistantships are normally awarded for two years. See the section of our website on financial aid for greater detail.

What is the nature of the internships?

The internship is a full-time, year-long experience in a school placement.  All internships are consistent with CDSPP (Council of Directors of School Psychology Programs), APA, and NASP standards for training and supervision. Students may enter the APPIC match for APA-accredited internships, but this is not required.

Do all applicants get interviewed?

No. There is a screening process of all applications. Students who meet qualifications and requirements are then invited to interview on interview day.

What is the interview process like?

The interview process is an in-person multi-step process conducted on a single day. This includes:

  1. A student-run group information session, including Specialty Clinics Q and A, and a tour of our facilities.
  2. Student interview
  3. Faculty Interview

During the week of interview day there is a required Q and A with current students on Zoom. Given their different needs and questions, there is a separate session of beginning and advanced standing candidates.