PhD in Educational Psychology Program 
Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Educational Psychology (PhD) program

Candidates must possess a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in school psychology, school counseling, school social work or a related field with a 3.0 (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.

What else do I need to apply for the Educational Psychology PhD program?

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

• 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.

When is the deadline to apply?

This academic program operates on a rolling admissions basis. The application closes on Friday, August 15, 2025, but an early application is highly recommended.

How to apply

Prospective students may submit their application through PCOM's online application management system. Additional details, including application availability and instructions, are available on the application portal.

Where do I send my college transcripts?

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 Parchment Services or National Student Clearinghouse.

Where do I send my letters of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation can be sent through the PCOM application portal or directly to PCOM Admissions in PDF format to recommend@pcom.edu. Recommenders can be directed to our "For Recommenders" page for guidance.

What are the next steps?

Once your application has been submitted, you will be contacted via email with a confirmation of its receipt including reminders of the appropriate steps to complete the application process.

What happens after I apply?

The PhD 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 class size is achieved; therefore, it is recommended that candidates submit applications early. Classes begin in the fall term (early September).

Will I have an interview?

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

Interviews for this program will be conducted virtually throughout the year.

Criminal background check requirement

The College requires a criminal background check for all program applicants and enrolled students. The PCOM Office of Admissions will facilitate a criminal background check prior to matriculation processed by a PCOM vendor of choice. Subsequent criminal background checks can occur during enrollment, including but not limited to, when the student is conducting internships, clerkships, clinical coursework, or other types of coursework that occur off campus. Should you be charged, convicted of, or plead guilty or no contest to a misdemeanor or felony crime after the date of your original application submission, you are required to notify the Dean of your program in writing within 10 business days of the occurrence. This communication should be sent by certified mail to the Dean at the address on the acceptance letter.

Technical standards

Prior to enrollment, all candidates are required to complete the College's Technical Standards for Admission and Matriculation (PDF).

Should you have any questions, please contact us via email at admissions@pcom.edu.

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