Application Information

The application deadline is February 1st. We accept a new cohort of students to begin in the fall of each year.

Application Requirements

Applicants must have at least an overall GPA of 3.0 and be a psychology major or have earned at least 18 hours in psychology (preferred courses include: Tests and Measurement, Child or Adolescent Psychology, Human Development, Statistics, Research Methods, Abnormal Psychology or Exceptionalities, and Learning or Cognition) or the equivalent coursework and work experience as deemed acceptable by the school psychology program faculty.

All application materials are submitted to the College of Graduate Studies and Research.

A completed application includes:

  • Graduate School application
  • GRE not required, but optional
  • Resume
  • Three letters of reference; (one from major department; if applicant is not a psychology major then a letter of reference from a psychology faculty member is needed)
  • Approximately 2-3 page Personal Statement explaining why you are interested in school psychology and your future plans (we do not require a separate writing sample).
  • Undergraduate and any graduate transcripts.
  • Admissions Interview.

Once complete, the College of Graduate Studies and Research forwards the application package to the School Psychology Admissions Committee that is comprised of the program faculty. Each applicant is rated on five dimensions; GPA, GRE, experience, personal statement and letters of recommendation. Following the review of all application documents, select applicants will be invited for an interview. Theses applicants will be further evaluated based upon the interview process.

Virginia Department of Education credentials individuals to provide school psychological services in VA schools. State license may be denied for individuals convicted of any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or conduct with a direct and detrimental effect on the health, welfare, discipline or morale of students. In addition, many school districts in our area require that students submit to and pass a drug/alcohol screening and criminal background check.