Extending Doctoral Degree Opportunities to Nondoctoral School Psychologists

Abstract Doctoral-level school psychologists are critical for addressing the school psychologist shortage in the United States. Candidates especially qualified to pursue doctoral training in school psychology are among working, nondoctoral school psychologists. However, pursuing a doctoral degree is often precluded for these working professional. This pilot study is an initial step in examining the prospect of extending opportunities for doctoral training in school psychology to nondoctoral school psychologists with a master’s-plus degree in school psychology who are currently working in public schools. Based on finding from the study, a doctoral program structure amenable to working school psychologists is presented. Keywords: school psychology, psychologist shortage, adult learners, doctoral degree.