phd psychology university of minnesota

Graduate School

• Request Information
• Graduate Programs
• Academic & Career Support
• News & Events

Graduate Programs At-A-Glance

• Privacy Policy
• Staff Directory
• Office Locations
• Resources for
• Prospective Graduate Students
• Current Graduate Students
• Faculty & Staff

2024 Minneapolis Graduate Commencement information and recording First year students submit deposit here

• Find My Program
• Apply for Admission
• First-Year Undergraduate Student
• Online/Adult/Graduate Student
• Doctor of Psychology in...

Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology

Excel as a licensed psychologist with the leading psy.d. program in minnesota..

Take your career to new heights with Minnesota’s leading APA-accredited Psy.D. program at Saint Mary’s. Prepare to excel as a licensed psychologist by enrolling in the Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology program. If you hold a mental health-related master’s degree, elevate your professional path with a program designed to cultivate expertise and leadership.

In just five years, you’ll develop the essential competencies in assessment, intervention, clinical supervision, consultation, administration, and research necessary to become a licensed psychologist. Our program goes beyond technical skills, exploring the legal, ethical, and social issues that shape the field today.

The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program is based on a practitioner-scholar model and has two primary aims:

Aim 1: Develop professionally competent graduates prepared to demonstrate commitment to the pursuit of social justice and promote well-being across the lifespan.

Aim 2: Produce counseling psychologists who engage in ethical practice with cultural humility and self-reflection.

Experience our practitioner-oriented program, where you’ll receive personalized support tailored to your goals. Throughout the curriculum, we emphasize and integrate professional ethics, diversity and multiculturalism, and evidence-based practices, ensuring you graduate as a compassionate, empathetic, and highly skilled professional. At Saint Mary’s, our program is guided by the values of diversity, social justice, and our  Lasallian Catholic heritage .

By enrolling in our program, you’ll be well-prepared to take your career to new heights and meet the growing demand for licensed psychologists. Join us at Saint Mary’s and discover the difference we can make together.

" * " indicates required fields

Connect with your counselor

Completion time.

Program Highlights

• Through the Early Entry Program collaboration with the Saint Mary’s M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services, students without a master’s degree can fast track through the master’s level prerequisite courses, and if accepted in the Psy.D. program, complete the MA with Psy.D. courses.
• Customize your degree plan with a minimum of 10 elective credits in Diverse Populations, Diverse Settings, and Advanced Practice & Research. This flexibility allows you to individualize your education and align it with your specific interests and career goals.
• Benefit from the guidance and mentorship of our dedicated team of Ph.D. and Psy.D. core faculty. With their extensive experience and expertise, they will closely advise and support you throughout your academic journey, ensuring you receive a well-rounded and comprehensive education.
• Gain invaluable practical training through an intensive, full-time internship experience. This real-world exposure will serve as a strong foundation for your post-doctoral work.
• Explore a wide variety of community options available as training sites.
• Discover scholarships available through our partnerships with several regional and national employers. See if your employer is part of our Trusted Partnership Program.  Learn more.

Accreditation

The Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) . Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002

Phone: (202) 336-5979 TDD/TTY: (202) 336-6123 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

What You'll Learn

• Independent practice of psychology with a diverse range of clients
• Assessment, evaluation, and diagnosis
• Interventions from a variety of theoretical approaches
• Professional consultation/program development
• Assessment of outcomes
• Facilitating personal and interpersonal functioning across the lifespan
• Supervision of those providing psychological services

Ready to apply? Learn about taking the next steps.

General Requirements

• The program admits students to begin classes in fall. The number of students admitted each year is limited. Admission decisions are based on the applicant’s ability to meet the expectations for academic performance outlined in the Program Handbook. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not ensure admission to the program. 
• A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, for which the applicant maintained at least a 3.4 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, is required for admission. The master’s degree must be in a mental health-related area (e.g. psychology, marriage and family therapy, social work, counseling, nursing, or human development). Applicants must have completed a clinical practicum of at least 300 hours. 
• Students pursuing the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s M.A. in Clinical and Psychological Services Early Entry to Psy.D. option are required to have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and maintain a GPA of 3.4 in their graduate work.
• Selected applicants will be asked to complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.
• A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, for which the applicant maintained at least a 3.4 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, is required for admission. The master’s degree must be in a mental health-related area (e.g. psychology, marriage and family therapy, social work, counseling, nursing, or human development). If the master’s degree did not include graduate courses in Developmental Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Counseling Skills, Statistics, Psychological Assessment, Psychopathology, Personality Theory and/or Theories of Counseling, Clinical Interventions, and Professional Ethics, these courses must be taken before starting the program. Applicants also must have completed a clinical practicum of at least 300 hours.

English Language Proficiency

Students with transcripts from universities outside the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada (except for the Quebec Province) must take and pass English proficiency testing.

Saint Mary’s accepts:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 72
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
• International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0 or Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
• Duolingo Language Test with a minimum score of 100

Application Requirements

Your application must include the following items:

• A completed application form
• Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services , Educational Credential Evaluators , Educational Perspectives , One Earth International Credential Evaluators or any approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards.  
• Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 2500 Park Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404
• Or electronically: [email protected]
• Provide a very brief description of your background, training, and experience. Include work and experiences both within and outside of the healthcare field.
• Describe your long term career goals. Be as specific as possible. It is understood that these goals may change, and that they may not be clearly formed at this point in time.
• How does obtaining licensure as a psychologist fit into your career goals? What is unique about a professional identity as a psychologist in terms of meeting your goals?
• The doctoral program in counseling psychology is demanding of both time and energy, and sometimes students underestimate the commitment needed to complete the program in a timely manner. How do you plan to integrate your work as a student in the program with the other demands in your life? How do you anticipate making changes in your life so that you can successfully complete a doctoral program?
• Describe the academic, interpersonal, and personal strengths you would bring to your work as a student in this program.
• Describe the academic, interpersonal, and/or personal challenges that might hinder your success as a student in this program.  How do you plan to address these challenges?
• What concerns you the most about the prospect of embarking on graduate study in a doctoral program in counseling psychology?
• What excites you the most about the prospect of embarking on graduate study in a doctoral program in counseling psychology?
• How do you anticipate (and perhaps hope) that completing a doctoral program in counseling psychology will change you?
• What are your thoughts and beliefs regarding the etiology of client distress?  In other words, how do psychological problems develop and how are they maintained?
• What are your thoughts and beliefs regarding the nature of the psychological change process?  In other words, how do psychological problems become resolved?
• Three letter(s) of recommendation that verify professional and/or volunteer experience and academic ability,
• A current résumé listing educational background and work experience
• Copies of any professional licenses or certifications obtained
• Developmental Psychology
• Physiological Psychology
• Counseling Skills
• Psychological Assessment
• Psychopathology
• Personality Theory and/or Theories of Counseling
• Clinical Interventions
• Professional Ethics

Application Deadlines

Fall 2025: January 15, 2025

Start Dates

Fall: September 2, 2025

Notice of Acceptance

You can expect to be notified about your acceptance by April 15.

Explore options to finance your education.

At Saint Mary’s, we are committed to making your investment as accessible and affordable as possible. Learn more about tuition, fees, financial aid, and scholarships.

Course Catalog

In addition to foundational courses, students choose from elective courses such as:

• Counseling with Children and Families
• Play Therapy Across the Lifespan
• Counseling and Human Sexuality
• Counseling with Substance Abuse use and Addictions 

The course catalog provides complete information about course requirements.

Careers & Salary

Upon completion of this program and successful attainment of licensure, pursue a career as a licensed psychologist in clinical practice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a psychologist is $81,040. 2 A licensed psychologist also may pursue work as a clinical supervisor, independent consultant, adjunct instructor, administrator, or program evaluator.

Licensed Psychologist

Clinical Supervisor

Related Programs

Find the right program for right now — or the future. Saint Mary’s offers adult degree completion programs, as well as graduate certificates, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.

• Online Addiction Studies Graduate Certificate
• M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
• M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest differences between a psy.d. and a ph.d..

Psy.D. programs place more emphasis on clinical training and applying knowledge gained from psychology research through the use of empirically based treatments and services. Ph.D. programs place more emphasis on producing scientific research and gaining experience in teaching.

What are the biggest differences between a clinical and counseling doctoral program?

Clinical psychology doctoral programs tend to focus more on disturbances in mental health and psychopathology training, whereas counseling doctoral programs tend to focus more on overall well-being throughout the lifespan and emphasize multicultural training and a holistic education. 

Graduates from both programs tend to work in the same settings and conduct similar kinds of research.

Is it possible to complete the program in less than five years?

The program is designed to be completed in no less than five years. Students must complete the required coursework in sequential order and certain degree requirements (e.g. practicum, qualifying exam, dissertation proposal, individualized mentorship, clinical case presentation, dissertation) and have prerequisites that hinder completion of the degree in fewer than five years.

What are the steps to getting licensed as a psychologist after completing the degree?

Psychologist licenses in Minnesota are granted by the MN Board of Psychology, and current licensing requirements can be found here .

The first step toward licensure is the completion of the doctoral degree. Once all degree requirements have been met, students can work toward licensure as a psychologist in Minnesota.

Current licensure requires applicants to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) Part 1 (and soon Part 2), complete one year of practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, and pass the Minnesota Professional Responsibility Exam.

Can I still work while I am in the Psy.D. program?

Many students choose to work while they are in the program. Students take the most credits during the program’s first two years and spend 15–24 hours per week at practicum sites during years two and three, so it’s important to consider these time commitments when deciding if, and how much, to work while in the program. The fifth year is a full-time internship which may require relocation.

Classes are scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings, so students must ensure their employment does not conflict with these times.

Is there an option to specialize in an area of counseling psychology in the program?

The program does not offer any formal areas of specialization; however, students can choose among a variety of elective courses in three areas: Diverse Settings, Diverse Populations, and Advanced Practice and Research. 

The individualized mentorship is a unique opportunity to focus on a special area of psychology that students were not exposed to in their courses or during their practicum experiences.

Are work study options available to students (teaching assistant, research assistant, other)?

The program does not offer paid research assistantships. There has been a Graduate Assistant position with infrequent hours assisting on projects as needed, and one or two of the assessment courses have had supplemental coaching/instruction from a Teaching Assistant position (this position offers feedback and instruction but does not grade student work; all grading is done by the faculty member).

Psychologists in the community and practicum sites will frequently contact the program with paid opportunities for students (e.g. psychometrist positions, research opportunities, part-time psychotherapy positions), which are then posted on the Psy.D. program page on Canvas. Current students can check the Canvas page for opportunities.

Are there opportunities to participate in research in the program?

Faculty in the program conduct research projects occasionally, and often opportunities are available for students to participate, but there is not usually funding for payment. Opportunities in research could include:

• Gaining experience with conducting portions of the research study, such as collecting data
• Analyzing data
• Writing up results or literature reviews
• Presenting at professional conferences
• Submitting manuscripts for publication

Does the program sponsor any training in specialized areas?

Students are made aware of various training opportunities available, including in-person and virtual/web-based and free training. Also, from time to time the program and the Psi Chi graduate chapter sponsor speakers to come in and share research and/or discuss various psychological topics.

Students are encouraged to become members of the Minnesota Psychological Association, members of the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students , and student members of the American Psychological Association . As members, students can get substantial discounts on training opportunities and resources.

News and Information from the School of Health and Human Services

Why adult learners feel at home at saint mary’s university of minnesota, reasons to consider a career as a licensed professional clinical counselor, rural health care focus, sources and disclaimer.

• Lightcast, 2021 degree conferrals.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm (visited February 14, 2023).
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Health Services Managers at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm (visited February 14, 2023).

College of Education and Human Development

Institute of Child Development

Doctoral developmental psychology minor

Supplement your doctoral studies with a minor in developmental psychology. In our minor, you’ll take foundational courses in cognitive, social, and emotional development. You’ll also gain experience conducting research in the developmental psychology field.

About this program

To earn a minor, you’ll complete 12 credits of doctoral-level child psychology courses.

• CPSY 8301: Developmental Psychology: Cognitive Processes (Fall only - 4.0 cr)
• CPSY 8302: Developmental Psychology: Social and Emotional Processes (Spring only - 4.0 cr)
• Four credits of CPSY 8XXX courses

Learn more about the curriculum

Declare a minor

You’re eligible to pursue a doctoral minor in developmental psychology if you’re actively pursuing another doctoral degree at the University of Minnesota.

You must declare a minor prior to passing your doctoral program’s preliminary oral exam.

Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions before declaring your minor. Once you're ready, you can declare your minor via OneStop .

We’re here to help. Get in touch with our student services team: [email protected]

Quote from Bre Krzyzanowski

As the Student Services Director at ICD, I’m happy to advise and serve students looking to pursue further studies in developmental psychology. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions. Bre Krzyzanowski Student services director

College of Education and Human Service Professions

• Master of Arts in Psychological Science

The Master of Arts in Psychological Science (MAPS) program is a 2 year, full-time, in-person program with three integrated tracks:  

• Experimental Psychology
• Clinical Counseling  
• Industrial-Organizational

Our mission is to prepare graduate students with research-based knowledge and skills that are essential to successful careers in organizational, educational, clinical, and counseling settings. Students interested in applying to doctoral-level programs will have the opportunity to strengthen their quantitative skills and gain research experience. 

To contact us with questions or schedule a campus visit, email us at [email protected] .

• Students Overview
• About CEHSP Advising
• Advising Model
• Advising Staff
• Peer Advisors
• Academic Resources
• Student Success Resources
• Academic Standing & Holds
• Policies & Procedures
• Transfer Guides
• Faculty Advisor Handbook
• Dean's List & College Honors
• Scholarships
• Student Clubs
• About CEHSP UROP
• How to Apply
• Students with Approved UROPs
• National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)
• Majors & Minors Overview
• Childhood Nature Studies
• Communication Sciences & Disorders
• Environmental & Outdoor Education
• Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences
• Health & Physical Education
• Integrated Elementary & Special Education
• Physical Education
• Public Health
• Social Work
• Teaching Communication Arts & Literature
• Teaching French
• Teaching German
• Teaching Mathematics
• Teaching Sciences (Earth & Space, Life, and Physical Sciences (Chemistry or Physics))
• Teaching Social Studies
• Teaching Spanish
• Certificates
• Graduate Studies Overview
• Master of Arts in Communication Sciences Disorders
• Master of Education
• Master of Environmental Education
• Master of Social Work
• Doctor of Education
• Departments Overview
• Environmental & Outdoor Education Faculty
• Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty
• Physical Education Faculty
• Public Health Profession
• Public Health Major
• Public Health Minor
• Advising & Support
• Developmental Adapted Physical Education Minor
• Health and Wellness Coaching Minor
• Physical Education Outdoor Education Minor
• Coaching Minor
• Faculty & Staff Directory
• Location & Facilities
• News & Events
• Mission, Vision, & Strategic Plan
• Map & Directions
• Preceptor Information
• Faculty Resources
• Schedule a UMD CSD Program Tour
• Accreditation
• Student Outcome Data
• Undergraduate
• Speech Language Pathology Services
• Audiology Services
• Augmentative Alternative Communication
• Vision, Mission, & Conceptual Framework
• Accreditation and Reports
• Application for Admission
• Early Childhood Studies Minor
• Early Childhood Studies
• Community College Teaching Graduate Certificate
• Related Majors to the TESOL & Multilingual Education Minor
• What Can You Do with a TEFL Certificate?
• Why Minor in TESOL & Multilingual Education?
• Evaluation Process
• Admission to UMD
• Requirements
• Current Students
• Policy and Procedures
• Mission & Vision
• Student Experiences
• Educational Doctorate Ed.D.
• Academic English Language Program
• Course Syllabi
• Background Checks & Insurance
• International Student Teaching
• MN Tiered Licensure
• Teacher Licensure Exams
• Short Call Substitute License
• Approved Teacher Preparation Programs
• Committees & Councils
• Tk20 Help Documentation
• Psychology Major - On Campus
• Psychology Major - Online
• Psychology Minor
• Experimental Psychology
• Clinical Counseling Psychology
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Faculty & Research
• Diversity Matters
• Tuition & Funding
• Vital Statistics
• Psychology Peer Advisors
• Internships
• Directed Study & Teaching Assistants
• Graduating with Departmental Honors
• 5xxx Requirements
• Double Majors
• Research Opportunities
• Student Organizations
• Mission & Goals
• BSW Admission & Application
• BSW Mission Statement
• MSW Admission & Application
• MSW Mission Statement
• Prospective Students
• Handbooks, Forms, & Resources
• Funding & Scholarships
• Clinical Training Scholarships
• 2022-23 Newsletter
• 2021-22 Newsletter
• 2020-21 Newsletter
• 2019-20 Newsletter
• 2018-19 Newsletter
• 2015 Newsletter
• 2014 Newsletter
• 2013 Newsletter
• 2012 Newsletter
• 2011 Newsletter
• Supervisors & Agencies
• Practicum FAQ
• Practicum Student Highlights
• About CRTCWS
• Child Welfare Scholars
• ICWA Grant 2016-2023
• Tribal Training and Certification Partnership
• License Information
• Anishinaabe Information and Resource Manual
• Upward Bound Vision Quest
• Centers Overview
• Accreditation, Licensure, & Field Experience (ALFE)
• American Indian Learning Resource Center
• What MEEd Alumni are Saying
• Admissions & Applications Information
• Program Requirements
• Prospective Student Resources
• Reasons to Choose UMD's MEEd Program
• A Portfolio of Place (A Pictorial Introduction to Duluth)
• Theses & Projects from Program Graduates
• Current MEEd Handbook
• UMD Graduate Student Handbook
• EE Certificate
• Environmental & Outdoor Education Major
• Environmental & Outdoor Education Minor
• Teaching Earth & Space Science with EE Concentration
• Teaching Life Science with EE Concentration
• Childhood Nature Studies Major
• Physical Education Outdoor Education Minor
• Professional Associations
• Jobs & Internships
• Center for Regional and Tribal Child Welfare Studies
• Enrollment Information
• Rates & Payment Schedule
• Children's Place Parent Handbook (PDF)
• Application & Enrollment
• Parent Handbook (PDF)
• Rates and Payment Schedule
• Resources for Teaching American Indian History and Culture
• Tribal Training & Certification Partnership
• About CEHSP
• Mission, Vision, & Values
• A-Z Resources
• Performance Evaluations
• Academic Affairs Council
• CEHSP Senate
• Graduate Programs Council
• Social Justice Action Committee
• Technology Council
• Research Resources
• Distinguished Alumni
• CEHSP Employee Awards
• CEHSP Newsletter

University of Minnesota Morris

• Twin Cities
• Request Info
• What Is a Liberal Arts and Sciences Education and How Will It Benefit You?
• Small Classes; Big Rewards
• Low Cost; High Value
• Student Success
• A Community that Cares
• Student Community
• Sustainability & Green Living
• Student & Campus Life
• Degree in Three
• Internships
• Study Abroad
• Research and Creative Activity
• Visit Campus
• Majors, Minors, & Academic Programs
• Areas of Concentration
• Online Learning
• Division of Education
• Division of the Humanities
• Division of Science and Mathematics
• Division of the Social Sciences
• Honors Program
• Summer Term Tuition and Fees
• Truckers & Turnover Project
• Wind STEP Program
• How We Evaluate Applications
• Apply as a Transfer Student
• Apply as a PSEO Student
• Apply as an International Student
• Apply as a Returning Student
• Transferring Credit
• Family and Supporters Guide
• New Student Welcome Week
• Contact Admissions
• Net Price Calculator
• Scholarships
• Grants & Waivers
• American Indian Tuition Waiver
• Community of Scholars
• Residential Life
• Events & Activities
• Dining Facilities
• Student Employment
• Student Organizations
• Student Engagement at UMN Morris
• Intramurals
• Morris Campus Student Association
• Student Success Center
• Hasselmo Language Teaching Center
• Sports & Fitness
• Equity, Diversity & Intercultural Programs
• Native American Student Life
• Native American Student Success Program
• International Students
• LGBTQIA2s+ Support
• Multi-ethnic Student Program
• Accessibility Support
• Transportation Options
• Student Complaints and Grievances
• Student Affairs Office

Psychological science is at the core of the psychology program at UMN Morris. Our comprehensive psychology curriculum focuses on understanding and applying the scientific method to the problems of individual and social human behavior. After completing the psychology program, you will be fully prepared for a wide range of careers or further study to specialize in one of the fields of psychology at the graduate level.

As a psychology student, you’ll work closely with your academic adviser to develop a curriculum that is suited to your goals.

Specific areas of study in the psychology curriculum include:

• Learning and cognition
• Biological and comparative psychology
• Personality and clinical psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Social and applied psychology

You may also choose to complete the pre-licensed alcohol and drug counselor (pre-LADC) program as part of your psychology studies at UMN Morris.

Degree Requirements

Graduate in four years.

Regardless of whether you are majoring or minoring in psychology, you will start with three courses that introduce the field and cover the fundamentals of methods and statistics. Then you will begin taking specific classes that pertain to your area of interest. 

• Major Requirements
• Minor Requirements
• Four-Year Sample Plan
• Three-Year Sample Plan

Student Learning Outcomes

By completing a degree in psychology you will be able to

• apply knowledge of the subareas within psychology to the spectrum of psychological phenomena related to behavior and mental processes and explain how the environment (ranging from biological to sociocultural) affects both;
• use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena;
• interpret, design, and conduct psychological research in an ethical manner;
• communicate scientific findings effectively; and
• apply knowledge of statistical concepts to psychological data.

General Education Requirements

The University of Minnesota and its faculty are committed to providing an education that invites you to investigate the world from new perspectives, learn new ways of thinking, and grow as an active citizen and lifelong learner. The University’s general education requirements are designed to be integrated throughout your four-year undergraduate experience. These courses provide you an opportunity to explore fields outside your major and complement your major curriculum with a multidisciplinary perspective.

• Learn more about UMN Morris General Education Requirements
• World Language Placement Exam
• Math Placement Exam

Put your credits to work for you at UMN Morris, where you’ll earn a degree from a highly ranked public liberal arts university. 

Learn more about how we transfer credits

Careers & Graduate School

The psychology program at UMN Morris has a superior record of preparing undergraduate students for advance degrees and highly successful careers in psychology-related fields:

• Psychopathology, personality, and clinical psychology
• Cognition and learning psychology
• Social psychology
• Applied areas of psychology such as organizational, health, and educational
• Multicultural psychology
• Ethical standards, research methodology, and field experiences in psychology

Earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology at UMN Morris prepares you for numerous job opportunities, such as:

• Family services worker
• Mental health technician
• Employment counselor
• Events coordinator
• Public affairs coordinator
• Juvenile probation officer
• Laboratory assistant

Earning a bachelor's degree in psychology while meeting the requirements of UMN Morris's  pre-LADC program will also fully prepare you to take the Minnesota LADC licensure exam.

Research indicates a positive job outlook for students at all levels of psychology training. There are many helpful resources when exploring what you can do with your psychology degree.

• Information on Psychology subfields, schools, and licensures
• Careers in Psychology American Psychological Association
• Careers in Psychology
• Careers Options with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
• PsycCareers from the American Psychological Association

If you’re interested in becoming a psychologist, note that there are more than 15 different types of psychologists . Also, psychologists work in various settings .

Graduate School

Earning an undergraduate degree in psychology at UMN Morris can prepare you for post-graduate work in psychology and many other fields, such as law, social work, marriage and family therapy, physical therapy, public health, and urban and regional planning.

Costs & Aid

The University of Minnesota Morris is a national public liberal arts college committed to making a high-quality education available to students from across the country. Expenses for housing, meals, books and supplies, transportation, loan fees, and personal expenditures can vary.

Learn more about the cost of attendance

Use our net price calculator to estimate your cost of attendance

Scholarships are a type of financial aid awarded to you and are often based on specific criteria, such as your major, GPA, or financial need.

Explore available scholarships

Research & Engagement

During your time at UMN Morris, you may be able to take part in research opportunities to gain service and field experience as an undergraduate. This will be invaluable if you’re seeking admission to graduate programs and is highly encouraged and supported by the psychology faculty.

As a student doing psychology research, you’ll have access to UMN Morris's psychology laboratory, which is equipped with sophisticated technology for recording physiological information, an animal lab and related experimental equipment, sound-shielded experimental cubicles, numerous computers equipped for running experiments on cognitive processes such as attention and memory, and a child observation area.

Opportunities

In addition to research, there are other opportunities for experiential learning outside the classroom, such as authoring or co-authoring publications. You may also have opportunities to present at campus, national, and regional professional and undergraduate conferences and to qualify for certain scholarly awards

Most majors at UMN Morris have an affiliated club where you can learn and engage more with content related to your subject or area of interest. As a psychology student, you’ll be able to join these psychology-related clubs: 

• Psychology Club

Opportunities for Students

Undergraduate research symposium.

The Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) offers students an opportunity to present research plus scholarly and creative work. Types of presentations include posters, oral presentations, and short or abbreviated theatrical, dance, or musical performances.

• Creative Activity

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides University of Minnesota undergraduates from every college, major, and discipline, the opportunity to partner with a faculty member on research or creative projects.

Morris Academic Partnership

The University of Minnesota Morris offers the Morris Academic Partnership (MAP) program, in which faculty select academically talented, qualified second-year and third-year students to assist them in scholarly and creative projects. Selected MAP students undertake assignments intended to enhance their intellectual competence and increase their interest in graduate or professional study.

• Morris Academic Partnership (MAP)

Quick Facts

Admissions University of Minnesota Morris Welcome Center 600 E Fourth Street Morris, MN 56267 888-866-3382 [email protected]

• Anishinaabe Summer Language Immersion

College of Education and Human Development

Department of Educational Psychology

School psychology

Our graduates lead, innovate, and transform the field.

School psychologists help create learning environments where students, families and school staff feel safe, welcome, and supported. Our program approaches school psychology from an anti-racist scientific-practitioner orientation and will prepare you to become a leader, innovator, and change agent.

Our program has always been on the leading edge of the field. Today, our focus is on practices and systems change to advance justice and equity. As a school psychology student, you'll learn the foundations of psychology and school psychological research. Your training in research-based prevention, intervention, consultation, and assessment will prepare you to work with teachers, caregivers, community members, and staff to help students thrive and to support social justice by dismantling ineffective, harmful systems. 

You'll also contribute to the advancement of school psychology practices and policies by creating scholarship that addresses current issues and pushes the field forward. Through two recent grants, we are proud to offer funding for 28 graduate assistantships per year , so learn more today!

Why study school psychology at the University of Minnesota?

• Challenging, cutting edge training preparation with a focus on justice and equity
• 100% of our students are employed in their field within a year of graduation*
• One of the strongest, most established programs in the nation
• Innovative faculty and students who are state and national leaders
• Faculty commitment to and expertise in diversity, educational equity, student mental health, and social justice
• Over $12 million in research and graduate training grants
• Compassionate, nimble in responding to COVID-19
• Committed to advancing antiracism
• 85-100% of students present or publish research each year*
• Fieldwork in diverse, urban schools. Start your first semester as part of robust peer teams.
• Accredited/approved by APA and NASP
• More information on program goals and competencies
• View the University of Minnesota's School Psychology Diversity Statement .
• Develop competency to provide equity-centered mental health services or supports for multilingual learners in K12 schools.
• Funding is available for 28 graduate assistantships per year.  

*Percentages of students since 2012

School psychologists: In-demand and well-compensated

• 100% of our students are employed in the field upon graduation*
• Expected employment growth: 11% between 2012 and 2022**
• Mean 9-month salary (full-time, school-based practitioner): $72,000-$84,000***
• Mean 9-month salary (university faculty): $77,800***
• Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data

*Percentages of students since 2012   **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics   ***National Association of School Psychologists

Specialist-level school psychologists

Specialist-level school psychologists work in public and private schools, preschools, and state departments of education. Recently, our students have found internship placements with Minneapolis Public Schools, Robbinsdale Area Schools, South Saint Paul Public Schools, Southwest Metro Intermediate District 288, and Denver Public Schools.

Doctoral-level school psychologists

Doctoral-level school psychologists: work in schools, universities, mental health agencies, research centers and think tanks, clinical settings, state departments of education, and independent practices as faculty, researchers, clinicians, and more. The program emphasizes preparation of future faculty, so all students are trained not only in research, but in higher education teaching, supervision, and mentoring as well.

Programs and degrees

Coursework for both degrees includes a year-long internship. Choose between two degree options:

Master's of Arts and Specialist Certificate in education and school psychological services (MA and SC) (60 credits)

You’ll be eligible to receive your state and national school psychologist credential to work with students in schools.

Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) (90 credits)

You’ll be eligible to receive your state and national school psychologist credential, and the license to practice psychology. You can become a university faculty member, conduct research, work with students in schools, or work with children and youth in other settings as a licensed psychologist.

What to expect

Note: We no longer require GRE test scores for application and admission to the program.

All application materials must be received December 1 for admission in September of the following year. Files not complete by December 1 will not be reviewed.

Visit the College of Education and Human Development's Finance and Funding page for information on tuition.

• Project AWARE/LIME
• Project AMPS
• College of Education and Human Development funding
• Graduate School fellowships
• Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship

Our school psychology faculty are committed to and are experts in diversity, educational equity, student mental health, and social justice. We prepare students in research-based prevention, intervention, consultation, and assessment which equips them to become change agents in their school communities. Our graduates work with teachers, caregivers, and staff to help students thrive and to support social justice by dismantling ineffective, harmful systems.

• View our School Psychology Diversity Statement .
• Learn more about the Department of Educational Psychology’s commitment to change and to seek equity, social justice, and anti-racism .

Core program faculty

Lisa aguilar.

Assistant professor Currently accepting doctoral advisees

Faith Miller

Associate professor Currently accepting doctoral advisees

Kirsten Newell

Amanda l. sullivan.

Birkmaier Education Leadership Professor, program coordinator Currently accepting doctoral advisees

Annie Hansen-Burke

Senior lecturer

Jessie Kember

Teaching assistant professor, fieldwork coordinator, and director of clinical placements Currently accepting specialist advisees

Mollie Weeks

Lecturer Currently accepting specialist advisees

Sarah Wollersheim Shervey

Alisha wackerle-hollman.

Assistant research professor

Amanda Sullivan awarded the 2024 Sara Evans Leader Award

Dr. Amanda Sullivan, Emma Birkmaier Education Leadership Professor and program coordinator in the Department of Educational Psychology's school psychology program, has been selected as the winner of the 2024 Sara Evans Faculty Woman Leader Award.

Ed Psych receives MDE grant to alleviate school psychologist shortage

Ed Psych receives MDE grant to alleviate Minnesota's severe, longstanding school psychologist shortage.

Amanda L. Sullivan receives mid-career scholarship award

Amanda L. Sullivan, Department of Educational Psychology Birkmaier Educational Leadership Professor and coordinator of the School Psychology Program, was awarded the Tom Oakland Mid-Career Scholarship Award by the Division of School Psychology at the recent conference of the American Psychological Association.

The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association.

Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:   Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation   American Psychological Association   750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002   Phone: 202-336-5979 / Email: [email protected]     Web: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/  

• MyU : For Students, Faculty, and Staff

Department of Psychology

Social Interaction Lab

Lab Members

• Lab Director
• Graduate Students
• Collaborators
• Research Assistants

Jeff Simpson, Professor and Lab Director

Email:  [email protected] , [email protected]

S354 Elliott Hall Department of Psychology University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN  55455-0344

Phone: 612-626-0025 Fax: 612-626-2079

Curriculum Vitae

Additional Links

• Personal webpage
• IREL Program
• Minnesota Longitudinal Project
• International Association for Relationship Research
• Oxford Handbook of Close Relationships
• The Science of Inimate Relationships
• APA Handbook of Personality and Social Psychology
• Attachment Theory and Research
• Attachment: The Fundamental Questions  
• Orcid ID:  http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1899-2493
• Google Scholar - Jeff Simpson

Monique Nakamura

[email protected]

Research interests:  Interpersonal relationships, attachment theory, social support, health, and depression

Anshu Patel

Curriculum Vitae  

Research interests:  Interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, intimate partner violence, and emotion regulation

Abby Person

Research Interests: Interpersonal relationships, sexual assault, attachment theory

Grace Vieth

Research interests:  Adult friendships, friendship across the lifespan, attachment theory, and health behavior 

Charlotte Sudduth 

Research interests: Interpersonal relationships, parenthood, attachment theory, health

Emily Jones 

Research interests: Health behavior change, social influence, and friendships across the lifespan

Alex Rothman, PhD

Professor University of Minnesota, Psychology

Glenn Roisman, PhD

Professor University of Minnesota, Institute of Child Development

Nickola Overall, PhD

Professor University of Auckland, New Zealand

Ohad Szepsenwol, PhD

Associate Professor The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Israel

Vlad Griskevicius, PhD

Professor University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management

Current Lab Managers & Research Assistants

RAs are listed in alphabetical order by last name. 

Lab Manager: Rachel Rineman

Research Assistants:  Amilla Aceiro, Cash Differding, Nick Hadaeck, Beria Haugen, Zoe Hoornbeek, Elena Quintero, Brynn Tepp

Former Lab Managers & Research Assistants

* Completed empirical senior thesis using lab data. 

Former Lab Managers: Clare Hansen*, Julia Schultz*, Sarah Spray, Grace Vieth* 

Former Research Assistants: Jane Acierno, Rola Alasmar, Runar Arnorsson*, Kendra Berthiaume, Lauren Behnke, John Blaeser, Xiran Chen, Brogan Comstock, Kevin Coons, Allison Dai, Taylor Drinkman, Emily Dyson*, Ashlyn Enga*, Sami Faust, Ben Gardner, Tatia Jewell-Schwartz, Justin Johnson*, Maverick Johnson, Monica Johnson*, Ava Lam, Tiffany Li, Anna Lynn, Samantha Meyer, Sara Michael, Laurie Miller, Mackenna Morton, Kelly Ochocki*, Alexandria Papacosta, Samantha Peterson, Hailey Poole, Andrew Reimann, Griffin Renner, Emma Rogers, Kingsuk Roy, Wesley Saxena, Wendy Schlinsog, Kyobong Seo, Carter Smith, Kathryn Taterka, Eve Thao, Emily Van Tassell, Taylor Webb, Francesca Wurm, Yixin Yang, Mira Altobell-Resendez, Teagan Beckley, Brooke Bjork, Olivia Chareunrath, Kay Hyvare, Jack Johnson, J. A. Kalin, Rachel Parent, Therese Streeter, Frankie Vochko, Sophie Dobos,

• Research Overview
• Publications
• Scales/Measures
• Co-Parenting Study
• Prospective Graduate Students
• Contact Info

Psych Scoop, 8/20/24

Related News

Psych Scoop, 9/11/24

Psychology Advising is updating the Psych Scoop process and structure to ensure easy access and use for those who view the Scoop each week. We appreciate your patience as we

Mark Snyder Highlights Informal Volunteering and Challenges in Youth

In a recent Vox article, Mark Snyder discusses the challenges of tracking informal volunteering.

Liza Meredith on Loneliness within University Campuses

Liza Meredith was quoted by the Minnesota Daily on what loneliness means and how one can combat it.

More Psychology News