Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions from past prospective students regarding the School Psychology Ed.S. Program.
1. Is the program approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)?
Yes, the program is fully approved by NASP, and has received NASP approval for the longest number of years possible. The Ed.S. program will next apply for NASP approval in 2011.
2. Do most students enter the program with an undergraduate degree?
Yes, most students enter with a bachelor's degree; however some students enter with a master's degree or with coursework from another university.
3. Do you need to have an undergraduate degree in psychology to apply?
No, we accept students with degrees in other related areas, such as sociology and education. However, you may need to take one or two additional classes to make sure that you have the necessary educational background to be a school psychologist.
4. How long is the program?
If students enter with a bachelor's degree the program typically requires three years as a full-time student, including a year for the internship. Most students are hired as first year school psychologists during the internship year (which is the third year in the program).
5. Do most students attend as full-time students?
Yes, the majority of our students attend the program on a full-time basis; however, it may be possible to attend on a part-time basis for the first year or two. This would extend the length of time necessary to complete the program.
6. Does the program have any particular emphases?
Yes, the program has a very strong emphasis on training students to work with urban populations and for students to be multiculturally-competent psychologists. In addition, our School Psychology program has a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices and on prevention and intervention approaches.
7. Are students funded?
Many students in our Ed.S. program work as student hourly assistants on research projects funded by faculty grants. A few students obtain fellowships. On occasion, students who are out-of-state may be able to obtain funding on a research project, which provides an out-of-state tuition waiver (that is, the assistantship includes the cost for tuition).
8. Do I have to take the GREs? Do you look for any particular score?
No, we do not require GREs for Ed.S. students. 9. How many students are admitted each year? We typically admit a cohort of 8-10 Ed.S. students each year.
10. It's been a while since I've been in school. Do the letters of recommendation need to be from professors?
Yes, one letter must be from an academic professional. However, you can also submit letters of recommendation from anyone who can speak to your academic background, your background in School Psychology, and your potential for graduate work.
11. You have interviews scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 17. Will all applicants be interviewed? Would I still be considered for admission if I can't travel to Milwaukee?
We select the top candidates and will contact them regarding the interview process. We typically do NOT interview all applicants. If you are selected for an interview and can not travel to Milwaukee, we can arrange a phone interview with you.
12. How many credits are required for the program?
Students generally take a minimum of 69 graduate credits, which includes 9 credits of practicum and 6 credits of internship.
13. I took psychology and statistics courses in my master's program, can some of those be transferred in?
Yes, often courses taken in your master's program or another graduate program in psychology or educational psychology may be transferred into the Ed.S. program. It may be possible to transfer credits taken at another institution. This decision would be made by the director of the program and the student’s advisor upon being admitted. Most students, however, enter directly into our Ed.S. program from their undergraduate program.
14. Are there research requirements?
No, the Ed.S. program does not require students to complete a research thesis. However, you must complete program requirements for a master’s degree, which usually includes writing a master’s paper. Many students are involved in research, and some may volunteer to participate on faculty research teams. Prospective students may view current research team activities on the "Faculty Profiles" section.
15. Are students eligible for certification as a school psychologist?
Yes, the program is recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and students are eligible for certification as a school psychologist.
16. How are advisors determined?
We assign students a temporary advisor when they are admitted to the program. Once they enter the program, students are free to choose a new advisor, or continue with their assigned advisor.
17. How much interaction and advising is there among students and faculty?
Students and faculty interact on an informal basis on research teams, on a more formal basis in class, and through advising.
18. How much interaction is there among students in the program?
The School Psychology Student Association (SPSA) has regular meetings, attended by most students not on internship. SPSA has several social events a year, arranged mentoring for new students, and plans brown-bag presentations. There also is the Multicultural Connections for School Psychologists (MCSP) organization, which meets on a regular basis and has sponsored multicultural presentations and a variety of social activities. For more information on both of these organizations click on the SPSA link.
19. Is there someone I can talk to if I have any more questions? Certainly, please contact Dr. Karen Stoiber, the training director at (414) 229-6841. Also, you can contact Jenn Ping, who is the graduate student school psychology program assistant.
