Learn more about topics related to the School Psychology programs by reading the School Psychology program FAQs listed below.
General Questions
How long does it take to complete the program?
On a full-time basis, the MS/EdS program takes a minimum of 3 years, including a one-year full-time, paid school psychology internship in the third year. Students take 12-13 credits in a semester and 6-9 credits in the summer. Students complete 600 hours of school-based practicum in their second year.
On a full-time basis, the PhD program takes a minimum of 5 years, including a one-year full-time predoctoral internship in the fifth year. Students take 12-13 credits in a semester and 6 credits in the first summer. Students complete school-based practicum in their second year and advanced practicum in their third and fourth years.
What is the format of the program and when are classes offered?
The program format is face-to-face. Although online and hybrid offering is available for some of the required courses and elective courses, the majority of required school psychology courses and clinical experiences are in person.
Classes are typically offered in the afternoon and early evening, with online options available for some courses. When students fulfill practicum requirements, they have to be available during the day. For example, students do practicum in schools for a minimum of two days in their second year.
What do graduates do with their degrees in School Psychology?
Both EdS and PhD programs lead to licensure as school psychologist under public instruction/department of education. If students pursue a license in a different state, they must follow each state’s requirements.
PhD graduates are eligible for a doctoral psychology license upon completing post-graduation requirements, including examination for professional practice in psychology.
Almost all of our EdS graduates become a school psychologist in K-12 settings. Most of them stay in WI, but we have a number of graduates practicing outside WI.
Graduates of our PhD program pursue multiple career tracks, including school psychologist in K-12 settings, academia, and psychologist in pediatric and community settings.
Applying to the Program
To learn more about the School Psychology program and the application process, you are encouraged to attend our information session. Watch the UWM events calendar for dates for these fall information sessions, held each fall. You are also invited to attend the annual Graduate School open house, held each year in the fall semester.
What is the application process and when is the deadline?
You must submit your application electronically through Panthera, the online Graduate School application system. All the application materials will be submitted online, including your educational background, unofficial transcripts, personal statement/statement of purpose, letters of recommendation (submitted by letter writers), and an application fee.
If your intended degree is Educational Specialist (EdS), you must start your application with a master’s degree in School Psychology. Students must earn an EdS degree to be licensed as a school psychologist, and they earn a master’s degree along the way to EdS degree.
Application deadlines for enrollment as follows:
MS/EdS Fall 2024 Deadline: Jan. 3, 2024
PhD Fall 2024 Deadline: Dec. 15, 2023
What are the requirements for letters of recommendation?
Three letters of recommendation are required for the MS/EdS and PhD programs. At least two should be from individuals (e.g., faculty, instructor, research supervisor) who can speak to your academic skills, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. If you are unable to provide a letter from such individuals, provide your reasons in the personal statement. In all cases, the letters should be from individuals who can speak to your abilities and skills in an academic or professional context.
Once you provide the names and email addresses of your letter writers on Panthera, a link will be sent to them. They will submit their letters online through the link.
Is the GRE required?
Students are not required to take the GRE for either MS/EdS or PhD.
However, applicants to the PhD program must submit a sample of their academic writing. We consider all applications holistically, and we’re particularly looking for skills and potential for excellence in research and scholarly writing for PhD candidates.
What should I write in my personal statement?
The personal statement is one of the most critical pieces of your application. The Graduate School offers this Personal Statement guidance (PDF) on reasons statements (i.e., personal statement or statement of purpose). The statement should provide your academic and professional background, relevant experiences, the goals of and fit with the program, and specific research/career interests (PhD track).
After Applying to the Program
What do I expect after applying to the program?
The admission is determined based on review of application materials and interviews. After careful review of application materials, we invite selected candidates for an interview. EdS interviews typically take place in February or early March. PhD interviews take place in January or early February. Candidates will be informed of the program decision shortly after the interview.
Per Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) regulations, a criminal background check is required prior to official admission to the program. Admitted applicants will receive instructions for completing the criminal background check.
I’ve been admitted. Now what?
Information about tuition, registration, courses and the academic calendar can be found at the UWM One Stop website.
All admitted students are assigned an advisor. You are encouraged to reach out to your advisor before enrolling in courses.