School Psychology Specialist Program

The School Psychology Specialist (S.Psy.S.) program is a 3-year, full-time, 70-hour graduate program, designed specifically to meet NASP 1 / NCATE2 accreditation standards, leading to the Master of Arts degree in Psychology and the Specialist in Psychological Services. Students complete coursework that prepares them to be knowledgeable in the following core content areas:

  • Psychological and Educational Foundations
  • Research Method
  • Psychological and Educational Assessment
  • Intervention Strategies
  • Professional School Psychology  

1National Association of School Psychologist. (2010). Principles for Professional Ethics.

2National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, 2010 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036. Telephone: (202) 466-7496, Fax: (202) 296-6620.

School Psychology Specialist Program Overview Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Admissions process

Admission to the School Specialist Program is competitive with approximately eight to ten students accepted each year. An acceptable master's degree or 15 semester hours of undergraduate psychology or the equivalent as determined by the department. A 3.0 overall grade point average, transcripts, personal statement, three professional letters of recommendation are required for admission, and scores from the Graduate Record Examination (taken within the last five years) are optional.

Students who are deficient in certain subject areas will be expected to make up these deficiencies in addition to the normally prescribed graduate course work for the degree.

We encourage all applicants to be familiar with the American Psychological Association's guidelines for accepting offers for admission and financial aid.

Deadlines and dates

The deadline for receipt of all application materials is January 15th for the School Specialist Program. In addition to grades, the Admissions Committee is attentive to letters of recommendation, personal statements, and relevant professional experiences.  GRE scores are optional.

Contact information

If you have any questions with regard to the application requirements please contact:

Department of Psychology, 989-774-3001
Central Michigan University, School Psychology Program
Sloan Hall 101, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859

Fax number: 989-774-2553​

Application forms

    Complete and submit Central Michigan University's application form with all required application materials to the College of Graduate Studies. The Department of Psychology requires a Statement of Research Interest.  Requirements can be found in the application. Transcripts should be sent to the College of Graduate Studies, Central Michigan University, 802 Industrial Drive, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858. They can also be sent electronically directly from your prior school to apply@cmich.edu. For an update on your application status, please call (989) 774-4444.

    Apply Now

    Personal statement and resume or CV are required to be uploaded online with your application to the program.

    Your personal statement (under 1,000 words) should include information on your background, personal characteristics, and interests as they relate to successfully completing our School Psychology Specialist Program.

    The online application requires three letter writers to electronically submit their letters to your application portal. You will need to provide their email addresses within your application in order for the system to automatically reach out to them.

    Letter of Recommendation Form

    GRE scores are optional.  If you choose to send your GRE score, please use the following information:

    The code for Central Michigan University is 1106

    The School Psychology Program Code number is 3406

    The GRE is currently administered either in person at testing centers or remotely on your own computer at home.  Please visit the GRE at Home website.  GRE fee reductions may be available for those with financial need through the Educational Testing Service.

    Educational Testing Service Website

    Centers and student organizations

    Student forms

    State of Michigan Certification Forms
    The Michigan Department of Education is in the process of transitioning to the new Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) database.  MOECS went live on February 8, 2011.  For more information please visit the MOECS website.  If you have questions, please email Dr. Daniel Drevon, Director, School Psychology Program.

    Handbooks

    For past Student Handbooks, contact the Department of Psychology at psy@cmich.edu.