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Doctoral Degree Information The fundamental goal of the MSU School Psychology Program is to prepare school psychologists as data-based, system-wide problem-solvers in the educational domain who work with learners of all ages. Our goal is to prepare psychologists for a wide range of practice that is consistent with contemporary models of school psychological services. These go beyond the traditional diagnostician-tester role from which the profession evolved. We focus on three main types of expanded roles which require advanced scientist-practitioner training: 1) intervention services, 2) applied research, and 3) curricular innovations. The intervention service role that we envision involves preparing students to provide empirically grounded consultation on such matters as socio-emotional development, cognitive development, school adjustment (e.g., prereferral interventions), as well as indirect and direct services for children with learning problems, affective disorders (e.g., depression) and behavioral difficulties. We also strive to prepare students to conduct applied research on problems of concern to both special education and general education (e.g., alternatives to traditional assessment, socio-emotional interventions, academic interventions). Finally, an important goal is to prepare students to engage in curricular innovations at both the classroom (e.g., reading strategy interventions, social skills interventions) and larger systems levels (e.g., inclusion, school restructuring, gifted education programs). Graduates of the program have gone on to practice as school psychologists, teach in universities, and serve in administrative positions in schools. With additional supervised clinical experience and courses, doctoral graduates may be eligible for licensure as psychologists to work in clinical or private practice settings. The Doctoral Program typically consists of five years of academic coursework and research training beyond the bachelor's degree, including a year long, full-time internship (2000 hours). Data about the time it takes to complete the degree at MSU, estimated program costs, internships, attrition, and licensure are available here. The School Psychology Doctoral Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association(APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists(NASP). Students are expected to abide by the ethical principles of the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists. The program is also approved by the Michigan State Department of Education. Graduates of the program are eligible for certification in Michigan as a school psychologist. To be eligible for employment in states other than Michigan or for psychology licensure, a greater number of courses and internship hours may be required. We seek applicants who are interested in working in expanded roles as school psychologists that include research, consultation, counseling, and evidence-based interventions concerned with school-based problems. Applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution preferably in psychology, special education, or a closely related field. Although a masters or an educational specialist degree is not required, we give preference to applicants who have prior work experience in psychology or education. We prefer applicants who have experience working with children, youth, or families in schools or community agencies as well as those who have evidence of research experience. To be considered for admission, applicants must also satisfy the following criteria: 1. Professional goals and interests that are compatible with program objectives and philosophy. 2.
Evidence of previous successful academic performance, including
a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (B) in the last two years
of undergraduate course work and a minimum grade-point average of
3.50 in course work taken at the master's level or beyond. 3. Strong personal recommendations from individuals who are knowledgeable about your academic performance and/or ability to work effectively with people. 4. Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination. (The College requires that the GRE must have been taken no longer than five years prior to the application for admission.) 5. Evidence of effective interpersonal skills 6. Evidence of previous research experience (e.g., a master's thesis or scholarly paper, work on a research project, publication in a professional journal, presentation at a professional conference). 7. A teaching certificate is not required, however evidence of experience with children, youth, and families in school, community, or agency settings is desirable. In selecting students for the program, we attempt to bring together a richly diverse group of students representing women and men of varied cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds; life experiences; and physical abilities/challenges. We particularly encourage applications from individuals of racial and ethnic minority groups and individuals with prior work experience. The
deadline for admission is December 1 of each year (next business
day when this falls on a weekend). Applications are reviewed only
once each year, and students are admitted to the program for the
following Fall semester only. The admissions committee will review
all applications to the Ph.D. program and select a group of approximately
10-12 students to invite to campus for a day-long interview. All
invited applicants will be expected to participate in the on-campus
interview. In cases of extreme financial hardship, other arrangements
can be made. For further information see Application
Timeline and Application Checklist.
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