School Psychology Programs

Doctor of Psychology in School Psychology (PsyD)

Applicants to the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in School Psychology program must have completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field at a regionally accredited college or university, with a 3.0 GPA (B) or higher prior to matriculation. Prior to admission, applicants must have completed the following foundational coursework:

  • 6 credits of English
  • 6 credits of Math (research methods and/or statistics coursework will meet this criteria)
  • 15 additional credits of Psychology coursework

At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, students may be required to take additional prerequisite courses that would enhance their preparation for the graduate program.

Application requirements and a link to the online application is available at https://www.pcom.edu/admissions/apply/.

This program utilizes a rolling admissions policy, so applications will be considered throughout the year as they are received. Students will be accepted into the program until the desired enrollment is reached. Classes begin in the fall term (early September). The application closes on Friday, August 15, 2025, but an early application is highly recommended.

The Admissions Committee screens applications, invites some applicants for an interview, evaluates the applicants and selects new students. Following the completion of the admission process, applicants will be notified of the Admission's Committee decision via their PCOM Admissions portal, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.

The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants on a number of factors. These include: a commitment to working with children and families, a commitment to diversity, past academic performance, letters of recommendation, the content and writing style of autobiographical essays, prior work history and volunteer experiences, research activities and publications, presentations at workshops or conferences in psychology, and personal and professional presentation in the interview. Intellectual ability, academic potential, strong writing skills, emotional stability, maturity, integrity, motivation and high ethical standards are necessary for successful program completion and acceptance into the professional community.

Following the completion of the admission process, each applicant will be notified of the Admission's Committee decision in writing, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.

Required Application Materials:

  • Official transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate course work
  • Official scores from the GRE General Test (PCOM institutional code for GRE - 2662). The GRE is waived if undergraduate cumulative GPA is above 3.30.
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • A general autobiographical statement explaining how PCOM’s School Psychology PsyD program fits your interests and how the academic program relates to your career goals (in 500 words or less) Additionally, applicants should briefly discuss the resources and support available to them to successfully complete the program.
  • Writing sample - preferably a graded literature review-based paper in APA format

Official college transcripts from all colleges/universities schools attended must be sent directly to:

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office of Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

We will accept electronic transcripts via email from Parchment Services and National Student Clearinghouse to admissions@pcom.edu. 

Letters of recommendation can be sent directly to PCOM Admissions in .pdf format to recommend@pcom.edu. All other admissions documents can be sent to admissions@pcom.edu.

We are offering both in-person and virtual interviews for the 2024-2025 application cycle for this program.

Transfer Policy:

A candidate who currently holds a graduate degree in psychology or a related field may be eligible to have up to 30 credits of graduate work transferred towards the PsyD degree program. Eligibility for course transfer is as follows:

  • Each course must have been taken in an APA-accredited or NASP-approved program within a 7 year period.
  • A grade of “B” or better is required for each course
  • A syllabus for each course must be submitted for Program Director review.
  • At least 2 graded assignments (per course) must be submitted for Program Director review

 or

  • An exam may be completed to demonstrate content knowledge.

It is the discretion of the program director as to which courses can be transferred based on the above criteria.

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology (PhD)

Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Psychology program must possess a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in school psychology, school counseling, school social work, or a related field or a related field with a 3.0 GPA (B) average or better and who are certified to practice in their field.  Preference will be given to applicants who have completed a 60-credit (or more) graduate-level program and who have a strong background in research and statistics.

Application requirements and a link to the online application is available at https://www.pcom.edu/admissions/apply/.

This program utilizes a rolling admissions policy, so applications will be considered throughout the year as they are received. Students will be accepted into the program until the desired enrollment is reached. Classes begin in the fall term (early September). The application closes on Friday, August 15, 2025, but an early application is highly recommended.

The Admissions Committee screens applications, invites some applicants for an interview, evaluates the applicants and selects new students. Following the completion of the admission process, applicants will be notified of the Admission's Committee decision via their PCOM Admissions portal, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.

Required Application Materials:

  • Official transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • A general autobiographical statement, including the following (no word limit):
    • Personal journey
      Share your personal journey that led you to pursue a PhD in Educational Psychology.
      Discuss significant life events, experiences, or individuals who influenced your decision.
    • Academic and professional experiences
      Detail your academic achievements, such as research projects, coursework, publications, or presentations related to educational psychology.
      Highlight any professional experiences that have contributed to your understanding of educational psychology, such as teaching, counseling, or working in educational institutions.
    • Research interests
      Clearly articulate your research interests within the field of educational psychology.
      Discuss any relevant research experience or projects in which you have been involved.
    • Fit with the program
      Explain why you are specifically interested in the PhD in Educational Psychology program at PCOM.
    • Future goals and contributions
      Describe your long-term goals and how obtaining a PhD in Educational Psychology will contribute to achieving them.
      Explain how you envision making an impact in the field, whether through research, teaching, policy development, or other avenues.

Official college transcripts from all colleges/universities schools attended must be sent directly to:

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office of Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

We will accept electronic transcripts via email from Parchment Services and National Student Clearinghouse to admissions@pcom.edu. 

Letters of recommendation can be sent directly to PCOM Admissions in .pdf format to recommend@pcom.edu. All other admissions documents can be sent to admissions@pcom.edu  

We are offering virtual interviews for the 2024-2025 application cycle for this program.

Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology (EdS)

An applicant to the Educational Specialist Degree (EdS) in School Psychology program must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in psychology, counseling, education or a related field with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher prior to matriculation.

It is expected that students enter the EdS program with adequate academic preparation to undertake graduate studies, and a knowledge base that is equivalent to an undergraduate major in psychology. Applicants must have completed, prior to admission, the following foundational coursework:

  •  credits of English
  • 6 credits of Math (research methods and/or statistics coursework will meet this criteria)
  • 15 credits of psychology (or related field) coursework

At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, students may be required to take additional prerequisite courses that would enhance their preparation for the graduate program.

Application requirements and a link to the online application is available at https://www.pcom.edu/admissions/apply/.

This program utilizes a rolling admissions policy, so applications will be considered throughout the year as they are received. Students will be accepted into the program until the desired enrollment is reached. Classes begin in the fall term (early September). The application closes on Friday, August 15, 2025, but an early application is highly recommended.

The Admissions Committee screens applications, invites some applicants for an interview, evaluates the applicants and selects new students. Following the completion of the admission process, applicants will be notified of the Admission's Committee decision via their PCOM Admissions portal, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.

Required Application Materials:

  • PCOM Application for Admission
  • Autobiographical Statement: In a 500 words or less, please describe your professional goals and how an EdS degree in School Psychology can help you achieve those goals.
    • In this statement, applicants should articulate why they are a good fit for our program, and conversely, why our program is a good fit for the applicant.
    • Additionally, applicants should briefly discuss the resources and support available to them to successfully complete the program.
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • Writing sample - preferably graded - that demonstrates your best writing ability. No page length or subject matter requirements. A paper written during your undergraduate career would suffice.

Letters of recommendation can be sent directly to PCOM Admissions in .pdf format to recommend@pcom.edu. All other admissions documents can be sent to admissions@pcom.edu.

Official college transcripts from all colleges/universities schools attended must be sent directly to:

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office of Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

We will accept electronic transcripts via email from Parchment Services and National Student Clearinghouse to admissions@pcom.edu. 

We are offering both in-person and virtual interviews for the 2023-2024 application cycle for this program.

Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis (MS)

An applicant to the master of science (MS) in the Applied Behavioral Analysis program must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in psychology, counseling, education or a related field with a 3.0 GPA (B) or higher prior to matriculation.

It is expected that students enter the MS program with adequate academic preparation to undertake graduate studies, and a knowledge base that is equivalent to an undergraduate major in psychology. Students entering the program must have:

  • 6 credits of English
  • 6 credits of Math (research methods and/or statistics coursework will meet this criteria)
  • 15 credits of psychology or relevant elective coursework

At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, students may be required to take additional prerequisite courses that would enhance their preparation for the graduate program.

Application requirements and a link to the online application is available at https://www.pcom.edu/admissions/apply/.

This program utilizes a rolling admissions policy, so applications will be considered throughout the year as they are received. Students will be accepted into the program until the desired enrollment is reached. Classes begin in the fall term (early September). The application closes on Friday, August 15, 2025, but an early application is highly recommended.

The Admissions Committee screens applications, invites some applicants for an interview, evaluates the applicants and selects new students. Following the completion of the admission process, applicants will be notified of the Admission's Committee decision via their PCOM Admissions portal, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.

Required Application Materials:

  • Official transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate course work
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum vitae or resume
  • A general autobiographical statement explaining your interest in PCOM's ABA program as it relates to your career goals (in 500 words or less).
  • A writing sample, preferably graded, that demonstrates your best writing ability. No page length or subject matter requirements (a paper written during your undergraduate career would suffice).

Official college transcripts from all colleges/universities schools attended must be sent directly to:

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office of Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

We will accept electronic transcripts via email from Parchment Services and National Student Clearinghouse to admissions@pcom.edu. 

Letters of recommendation can be sent directly to PCOM Admissions in .pdf format to recommend@pcom.edu. All other admissions documents can be sent to admissions@pcom.edu.

Classes begin in the fall term (early September). The Admissions Committee screens applications, invites some applicants for an interview and writing sample, evaluates the applicants and selects new students. Following the completion of the admission process, each applicant will be notified of the Admission's Committee decision in writing, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment. 

We are offering both in-person and virtual interviews for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

Applied Behavior Analysis Certificates

Applicants for a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis must have completed a master’s degree in psychology, education or a related discipline from a regionally-accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA (B) or better. Master’s degrees in other specialty areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants for a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis must have completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education or a related discipline from a regionally-accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA (B) or better. Bachelor’s degrees in other specialty areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application requirements and a link to the online application is available at https://www.pcom.edu/admissions/apply/.

These programs utilize a rolling admissions policy, so applications will be considered throughout the year as they are received. Students will be accepted into the program until the desired enrollment is reached. Classes begin in the fall term (early September). The application closes on Friday, August 15, 2025, but an early application is highly recommended.

The Admissions Committee screens applications, invites some applicants for an interview, evaluates the applicants and selects new students. Following the completion of the admission process, applicants will be notified of the Admission's Committee decision via their PCOM Admissions portal, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.

U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident status (green card) is required for enrollment.

Applications will be processed and assessed by the Faculty Committee on Admissions only after the receipt of:

Required Application Materials:

  • Autobiographical Statement: In 500 words or less, applicants should describe their professional goals and how the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis can help achieve those goals.
    • In this statement, applicants should articulate why they are a good fit for the PCOM program, and conversely, why the program is a good fit.
    • Additionally, applicants should briefly discuss the resources and support available to them to successfully complete the program.
  • Official transcript(s) from all undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum vitae or resume

Official college transcripts from all colleges/universities schools attended must be sent directly to:

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office of Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

We will accept electronic transcripts via email, from Parchment Services and National Student Clearinghouse to admissions@pcom.edu. 

Letters of recommendation can be sent directly to PCOM Admissions in .pdf format to recommend@pcom.edu. All other admissions documents can be sent to admissions@pcom.edu.

The Admissions Committee screens applications, invites some applicants for an interview, evaluates the applicants and selects new students. Following the completion of the admission process, each applicant will be notified of the Admission's Committee decision in writing, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.

We offer virtual interviews for this fully online program.

Information for international students

PCOM fully online courses are not open to applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents for the 2024-2025 academic year.

In accordance with the March 2020 guidance, new or Initial F and M students who were not previously enrolled in a program of study on March 9, 2020, will not be able to enter the United States as a nonimmigrant student for the 2022-2023 academic year if their course of study is 100 percent online. Consistent with this guidance, PCOM cannot issue a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” for a student in new or Initial status who is outside of the United States for courses operating fully online.

Applied Behavior Analysis Certificates

Applicants for a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis must have completed a master’s degree in psychology, education or a related discipline from a regionally-accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA (B) or better. Master’s degrees in other specialty areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants for a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis must have completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education or a related discipline from a regionally-accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA (B) or better. Bachelor’s degrees in other specialty areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application requirements and a link to the online application will be available beginning in the Fall 2025 term at https://www.pcom.edu/admissions/apply/.

This program utilizes a rolling admissions policy, so applications will be considered throughout the year as they are received. Students will be accepted into the program until the desired enrollment is reached. Classes begin in the fall term (early September).

The Admissions Committee screens applications, invites some applicants for an interview, evaluates the applicants and selects new students. Following the completion of the admission process, each applicant will be notified of the Admission's Committee decision in writing, including any conditions that must be satisfied prior to or following enrollment.

Applications will be processed and assessed by the Faculty Committee on Admissions only after the receipt of:

  • PCOM Application for Admission
  • Autobiographical Statement: In 500 words or less, applicants should describe their professional goals and how the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis can help achieve those goals.
    • In this statement, applicants should articulate why they are a good fit for the PCOM program, and conversely, why the program is a good fit.
    • Additionally, applicants should briefly discuss the resources and support available to them to successfully complete the program.
  • Official transcript(s) from all undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum vitae or resume

Official college transcripts from all colleges/universities schools attended must be sent directly to:

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office of Admissions
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

We will accept electronic transcripts via email, from Parchment Services and National Student Clearinghouse to admissions@pcom.edu. 

Letters of recommendation can be sent directly to PCOM Admissions in .pdf format to recommend@pcom.edu. All other admissions documents can be sent to admissions@pcom.edu.
 

Information for international students

PCOM fully online courses are not open to applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

In accordance with the March 2020 guidance, new or Initial F and M students who were not previously enrolled in a program of study on March 9, 2020, will not be able to enter the United States as a nonimmigrant student for the 2022-2023 academic year if their course of study is 100 percent online. Consistent with this guidance, PCOM cannot issue a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” for a student in new or Initial status who is outside of the United States for courses operating fully online.