ADMISSIONS & CANDIDACY

ADMISSION TO THE MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science Degree program in School Psychology, candidates must submit the following:

1. A completed application form to the Graduate School.
2. Official undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts that substantiate a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and a minimum of 15 credits in psychology with a grade point average of 3.0
3. Two professional (e.g., professors, employers) letters of recommendation. Letter of Recommendation Form to be used is located on the Graduate Web Page under "Forms".  Or you may click the following link.. Letter of Recommendation for the School Psychology Program
4. A 3-5 page autobiographical essay that focuses on the applicant's motivation to become a school psychologist.
5. Miller Analogies Test score.

ADMISSION TO THE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Individuals who have earned a Master's degree in School Psychology or a related area may apply for direct admission to the Certification phase of the School Psychology Program. Applicants to the Certification phase are not required to submit a Miller Analogies Test score; however, all other admission requirements listed for the master's degree program must be met.

CANDIDACY

Students admitted to the program do not have full approval to pursue their master's degree until they achieve candidacy status. Students should apply for candidacy after they have completed 6-12 graduate credits. All candidates must also meet the residency requirement of the School Psychology Program.

SPECIAL PROGRAM NOTES

1. Qualified applicants will be scheduled for an interview with the School Psychology Admission Committee. Meeting the minimum application requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the Program.
2. International students are required to submit a TOEFL score.
3. Summer entry is highly recommended.
4. Admission to the Master's degree Program does not guarantee admission to the Certification Program.
5. Students entering the Program at the Certification level may be required to take additional course work beyond the standard Certification Program requirements. This determination will be based on a review of the applicant's previous graduate work.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications must be received by April 1st.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Graduate assistantships may be available to qualifying students. Contact the Graduate School for more information.

CURRICULUM

A minimum of thirty-one graduate credits is required for the Master of Science degree when electing Option A, the thesis option. A minimum of thirty-six credits is required for the Master of Science degree when selecting Option B, the non-thesis option. For students seeking both the master's degree and the post-master's certificate in school psychology a core sequence of courses is required. For students seeking either the master's degree or the post-master's certificate, course selection will be determined on an individual basis.

GRADUATE DEAN AND PROGRAM COORDINATOR

If you have questions about this program, contact the graduate coordinator for School Psychology, Dr. Kirk John 724-938-4100. Application questions should be directed to the dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research by phone at 724-938-4187, fax 724-938-5712, or mail to The School of Graduate Studies and Research, California University of Pennsylvania, 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Note that the policies and procedures described above may be revised at any time. For details on current policies and procedures, contact the School of Graduate Studies and Research or the School Psychology Program.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The School Psychology Program is dedicated to equal educational opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, ancestry or sexual orientation. Consistent with this Program policy, and to promote diversity within the profession, minority students are encouraged to apply to the School Psychology Program.