The University of Dayton will expand its nationally approved school psychology graduate program to Columbus in fall 2026 to help address critical shortages of school psychologists in Ohio and the U.S.
The expansion will make UD’s training more accessible to students in central Ohio who want to serve schools and communities, particularly in rural and other underserved areas.
The program offers full- and part-time options, making it Ohio's only school psychology program with a part-time track designed for working professionals.
Students in the Columbus program will complete the same coursework, field experiences and faculty mentorship as students on UD’s campus. Full-time students can complete the program in three years, attending classes two or three evenings a week. Part-time students can finish in four years, with classes one or two evenings a week.
From their first semester, students begin hands-on field experiences that provide early exposure to the role of psychologists in schools.
“By extending our program to Columbus, we can prepare more professionals to meet the growing demand for school psychologists who promote equity, learning and well-being for all children,” said Elana Bernstein, program coordinator. "Our program follows a model emphasizing community and professional connections among students, faculty and supervisors."
The program, approved by the National Association of School Psychologists, is accepting applications until Jan. 10; apply at udayton.edu/apply/graduate.
For more information, contact Bernstein at 937-229-3624 or visit go.udayton.edu/schoolpsychology.
For interviews, email mediarelations@udayton.edu.