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The doctoral program in School Psychology at Penn State was formally established in 1965. However, the first Ph.D. in psychology at Penn State was awarded in 1934 and the first student to earn a PhD who later became a school psychologist graduated in 1936. At present, there are more than 160 doctoral alumni of the Penn State School Psychology program.
The Penn State doctoral program in School Psychology is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979. It is also accredited by NCATE/National Association of School Psychologists, and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Only students who aspire to and are qualified for a doctoral program are admitted. Master's work is in preparation for a Ph.D., Students are selected for admission in keeping with their potential for advanced graduate study and research as well as the availability of facilities. Exceptions to the criteria may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests.
Both students with a bachelor's degree and students with a master's degree may be admitted to study for a Ph.D. Students with a doctorate who wish to change their specialization to school psychology may be enrolled as non-degree candidates seeking a certificate. Students who are certified as school psychologists who wish to qualify for a supervisor's certificate may enroll as Ph.D. or as non-degree candidates.
A brief history of the Penn State program can be found in French, J. L. (1987). School psychology at the Pennsylvania State University since 1931. Professional School Psychology, 2, 81-92.
Founded in 1855, Penn State is Pennsylvania's only land-grant university and has a broad mission of teaching, research and public service. It enrolls more than 80,000 students at 24 campus locations statewide, and offers instruction in more than 160 baccalaureate and 150 graduate programs. The University Park campus, with an enrollment of some 40,000 students, is Penn State's administrative and research hub. The campus is located in central Pennsylvania, adjacent to the community of State College and overlooked by majestic Mount Nittany. Other Penn State campuses -- including the College of Medicine at the Hershey Medical Center and the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle -- play a vital role in the University's overall mission. There is a Penn State campus within commuting distance of virtually every Pennsylvanian. (More information about Penn State) (Penn State's public accountability page)
According to a national survey by the Gallup Organization in 2003, Penn State is considered one of the top universities in the nation by the general public. It tied for 11th among survey respondents. Penn State ranks 13th among public national universities, according to U.S. News & World Report’s "America’s Best Colleges 2007." Penn State is ranked 40th among Newsweek's (8/13/06) top 100 global institutions, designated in part on the amount of research taking place at these institutions, number of international faculty, and number of students studying overseas. (other Penn State achievements)
Penn State is located in State College. Annual crime reports indicate that State College is one of the safest communities in the country.
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