Graduate Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in School Psychology is designed to equip psychologists with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to provide quality psychological services to children, youth, and families in multiple settings, as well as to conduct research in related areas. The program includes a planned sequence of course work in school psychology and supporting disciplines, complimented by practica and internship experiences. Students in the program receive the training necessary to become both a certified school psychologist in Michigan, as well as a nationally certified school psychologist. Students are also license-eligible as psychologists, pending completion of state-level licensure requirements.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in School Psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA) and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The doctoral program is also approved the Michigan Department of Education. Students who are enrolled in the program are expected to abide by the ethical principles of the APA and NASP.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the doctoral program in school psychology, applicants must submit both the university application forms and applicable application fee, and must have:

1. A bachelor’s degree in education or psychology, or in a related field.  A master’s degree or a teaching certificate is not required, but evidence of experience working with children, youth, and families in school, community, agency, or research settings is desirable.
2. A grade of 3.0 or higher in the following courses or their equivalent: Inferential Statistics, Child Development, and Abnormal Psychology.
3. A grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in the last two years of the bachelor’s degree program.
4. A grade-point average of 3.5 or higher in courses taken at the master’s degree level or beyond.
5. Professional goals and interests compatible with the program objectives and philosophy as evident in an applicant's statement of Professional Goals and Experiences, as judged by the faculty.
6. Strong personal recommendations from individuals who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic performance and ability to work effectively with people, as judged by the faculty.
7. Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test. This typically means scores in the above average range.
8. Evidence of previous research experience such as a master’s thesis or scholarly paper, work on a research project, publication in a professional journal, or presentation at a professional conference.
9. A writing sample.
10. An on-campus, web, or equivalent interview.
11. A completed Criminal Background Statement of Understanding Form.
12. A resume or curriculum vita.

Persons are admitted to the program once a year with enrollment starting fall semester. The deadline for submitting applications for admission is December 1st for the following fall semester.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in School Psychology
The student must meet the requirements specified below. Students who hold an Educational Specialist or a Master of Arts degree in School Psychology may already meet some of these requirements. Student's doctoral plans must be approved by faculty and be consistent with the following requirements.

1. Research. Complete 15 credits of course work which includes CEP 995 Practicum in Research Design and Data Analysis (3 credits), one additional research design course, and three quantitative/qualitative methods courses as approved by the student’s academic advisor.
2. Ethical and Legal Standards. Complete CEP 963 Ethics in Counseling and School Psychology (3 credits).
3. Individual and Cultural Diversity. Complete 9 credits of course work which includes CEP 885 Development and Psychopathology Across the Lifespan, CEP 919 Multicultural Practice in Mental Health, and CEP 972 Neurobiological Bases of Learning and Behavior.
4. Professional Values, Attitudes and Behaviors. Complete 15 credits of field-based course work comprising five semesters of Internship during the third and final years of study (CEP 894K/994K), and CEP 884 Roles and Functions of School Psychologists.
5. Communication and Interpersonal Skills. Complete 6 credits of CEP 893K Practicum in School Psychology during the second year of study.
6. Assessment. Complete 6 credits of course work including CEP 880 Cognitive Assessment and CEP 881 Social and Emotional Assessment and Intervention.
7. Intervention. Complete 9 credits of course work including CEP 918 Theories of School-Based Psychological Interventions, CEP 886 Psychological Assessment and Intervention I, and CEP 888 Theories of Child Psychotherapy.
8. Supervision. Complete at least one semester of CEP 993K Practicum in PhD School Psychology (3 credits), which includes a supervision experience.
9. Consultation and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills. Complete 3 credits of CEP 889 Consultation in School Psychology.
10. Internship. Participate in the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) national match and complete a 2000-hour Internship in Psychology at an APPIC-approved internship site and at least 3 credits in CEP 994K Internship in PhD School Psychology, for supervision purposes, during the time of the internship.
11. Dissertation. Successful completion and defense of the dissertation. Students may not earn more than 30 credits in CEP 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research, of which 24 credits are required.