School Psychology, and Certificate of Advanced Study–M.S. / C.A.S.

Admission

The CPS Department utilizes admission review procedures that involve (1) assessment of credentials presented by the applicant and (2) interpersonal evaluation of the applicant by faculty members. Applicants must have their application file completed by February 1. It is recommended that materials be submitted well in advance of the deadline.

The student must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. The student’s undergraduate grade point average should be 3.0 or higher.

1. Prospective students should submit to the Graduate Office:
   1. Evidence of scholarship and academic potential
      1. Undergraduate academic record and completed graduate course work. An undergraduate statistics course is required.
      2. GRE Aptitude Examination scores. Typically, verbal and quantitative scores are at the 50th percentile or better.
      3. GRE Advanced Education or Advanced Psychology Examination scores or scores on the Miller Analogies Test may be submitted with application materials if the applicant believes these scores will enhance the applicant’s candidacy. They are not required for admission.
   2. Evidence of professional commitment and potential for developing effective relationships with children, youth and adults
      1. Three letters of reference, at least one from an academic source.
      2. Student statement about goals, prior related experience and future plans. The statement should be typewritten on a page(s) separate from the application form itself.
2. An interview with faculty members of the Counseling and Psychological Services Department staff will be arranged contingent on the submission of competitive credentials.
3. All credentials must be submitted and then reviewed by the staff prior to the completion of nine hours of graduate study in the program.
4. Credentials are viewed in a holistic manner such that a strength in one area might offset a weakness in another. This holistic review of each individual’s materials helps avoid the exclusion of qualified students that may serve the field well but whose particular circumstances result in submission of admission credentials that fall below those of the typical entering student.

Degree Candidacy

It is the responsibility of the student to file for degree candidacy when 12 to 30 hours of course work have been completed. Hours over 30 are subject to forfeiture. A cumulative average of 3.0 or better, successful completion of CPS 511, and evidence of appropriate professional development are required to qualify for the awarding of degree candidacy status. Degree candidacy applications can be obtained from the Graduate Office.