How To Apply

Interested applicants apply to the School Psychology Program through the Graduate School. Applications are due in mid January and are reviewed shortly after. Generally, about 30 to 40 applicants are invited to campus for a more detailed overview and presentation of of the program and a personal interview with faculty and current students.

Desired Student Characteristics

The School Psychology Program seeks students whose professional interests and academic pursuits are consistent with the program model. That is, the program uses an ecologically-oriented, scientist-practitioner model, with an emphasis on problem-solving, intervention-linked assessment, evidence-based intervention practices, consideration of diversity, and professional accountability. Applicants should be committed to professional development and careers consistent with these emphases.

Students are admitted through a selective admission process, with careful attention to applicant interests, aptitude, and prior achievement and experience. In addition, the faculty take special care to incorporate affirmative action into the admission process. The following documentation is required as part of the application and should be sent directly to the Graduate School (do not send documentation directly to the program):

Undergraduate and graduate (where applicable) transcripts
At least three letters of recommendation
Written statement of professional interests and goals
University application forms (available through the Graduate School)

In addition to the required materials, applicants also commonly submit:

Vita or Resume
Graduate Record Examination Scores
Examples of Research Skills
Examples of Professional Writing

The Program faculty consider the following information (gathered from completed applications, letters of recommendation, test scores, interviews, and other information submitted by the student) in making admissions decisions:

Identification with and knowledge of the field of School Psychology. The program seeks students who understand the field of School Psychology and have demonstrated School Psychology interests and/or participation.
Identification with and knowledge of an ecologically-oriented, scientist-practitioner orientation.
Applicants are expected to have interests in pursuing school psychology training from a scientist-practitioner perspective.
Interest in research. Previous experiences with and/or interests in applied educational research, especially a completed thesis, or research paper, and previous statistics grades are good indicators of ability in this area. We also seek students who have research interests commensurate with program goals and interests of the program faculty.
Commitment to full-time program participation. Student interests in and committment to graduate studies are one indicator of match with our program educational philosopy.
Appearance and presentation/interpersonal style. Successful applicants are expected to present themselves in a friendly, yet professional manner, and to demonstrate good written and oral communication skills. These attributes and skills are important to the professional growth and development of students.
Academic aptitude. Faculty review each applicant's undergraduate and graduate Grade Point Average, Graduate Record Examination scores, professional written statement, and letters of recommendation to estimate ability to successfully complete graduate work. In addition, students may be asked to participate in an on-campus interview with program faculty and students.
Potential fit with the program. The degree to which an applicant's professional interests are commensurate with faculty interests and program foci is an important indicator of student match with the program.
Related educational and/or clinical experience. The applicant's employment and volunteer work in applied settings are considered.

Students typically apply with a Bachelor's and/or Master's degree(s) in an area related to human services (e.g., Psychology, Education, Social Work, Human Developoment, Family Studies). Matriculating students are active scholars in terms of publication and presentations and typically are student member affiliates of Division 16 of the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists. Each year, approximately 100 applications are received with typical 1st year classes represented by 8 to 10 students.




Home Degrees Offered Courses of Study Faculty Talk to Our Students FAQs Links Contact		How To Apply Interested applicants apply to the School Psychology Program through the Graduate School. Applications are due in mid January and are reviewed shortly after. Generally, about 30 to 40 applicants are invited to campus for a more detailed overview and presentation of of the program and a personal interview with faculty and current students. Desired Student Characteristics The School Psychology Program seeks students whose professional interests and academic pursuits are consistent with the program model. That is, the program uses an ecologically-oriented, scientist-practitioner model, with an emphasis on problem-solving, intervention-linked assessment, evidence-based intervention practices, consideration of diversity, and professional accountability. Applicants should be committed to professional development and careers consistent with these emphases. Students are admitted through a selective admission process, with careful attention to applicant interests, aptitude, and prior achievement and experience. In addition, the faculty take special care to incorporate affirmative action into the admission process. The following documentation is required as part of the application and should be sent directly to the Graduate School (do not send documentation directly to the program): Undergraduate and graduate (where applicable) transcripts At least three letters of recommendation Written statement of professional interests and goals University application forms (available through the Graduate School) In addition to the required materials, applicants also commonly submit: Vita or Resume Graduate Record Examination Scores Examples of Research Skills Examples of Professional Writing The Program faculty consider the following information (gathered from completed applications, letters of recommendation, test scores, interviews, and other information submitted by the student) in making admissions decisions: Identification with and knowledge of the field of School Psychology. The program seeks students who understand the field of School Psychology and have demonstrated School Psychology interests and/or participation. Identification with and knowledge of an ecologically-oriented, scientist-practitioner orientation. Applicants are expected to have interests in pursuing school psychology training from a scientist-practitioner perspective. Interest in research. Previous experiences with and/or interests in applied educational research, especially a completed thesis, or research paper, and previous statistics grades are good indicators of ability in this area. We also seek students who have research interests commensurate with program goals and interests of the program faculty. Commitment to full-time program participation. Student interests in and committment to graduate studies are one indicator of match with our program educational philosopy. Appearance and presentation/interpersonal style. Successful applicants are expected to present themselves in a friendly, yet professional manner, and to demonstrate good written and oral communication skills. These attributes and skills are important to the professional growth and development of students. Academic aptitude. Faculty review each applicant's undergraduate and graduate Grade Point Average, Graduate Record Examination scores, professional written statement, and letters of recommendation to estimate ability to successfully complete graduate work. In addition, students may be asked to participate in an on-campus interview with program faculty and students. Potential fit with the program. The degree to which an applicant's professional interests are commensurate with faculty interests and program foci is an important indicator of student match with the program. Related educational and/or clinical experience. The applicant's employment and volunteer work in applied settings are considered. Students typically apply with a Bachelor's and/or Master's degree(s) in an area related to human services (e.g., Psychology, Education, Social Work, Human Developoment, Family Studies). Matriculating students are active scholars in terms of publication and presentations and typically are student member affiliates of Division 16 of the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists. Each year, approximately 100 applications are received with typical 1st year classes represented by 8 to 10 students.


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