What does it mean to be an "accredited/approved" program?
Graduate programs in school psychology are evaluated by the American Psychology Association (APA) for accreditation. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) approves graduate school psychology programs. Such accreditation and approval designations assure higher quality training, comprehensive curricular content, and properly supervised field experiences. Both program accreditation and approval processes are rigorous and only the highest quality programs reach this level. A graduate of an accredited/approved program is eligible to take the examination to be certified as a School Psychologist qualified to work in public schools in Illinois. A Certified School Psychologist is eligible to take the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) examination allowing for easier movement to school systems in other states.

How important is it to enroll in an accredited/approved program?
It is very important. In Illinois, you cannot work as a school psychologist in the public schools unless you graduate from an approved program. At the national level, it is much more difficult to obtain National Certification and/or be approved to ";sit"; for the psychology licensing exams if you do not graduate from an APA-accredited/ NASP-approved program. The review committees will check every course and often ask for a syllabus. It is most difficult to move state-to-state (i.e., be granted certification in other states) with a degree from a non-accredited/approved program.

Should I choose the specialist or the doctoral program?
It depends on a number of factors including your career objectives. Most students who enter the doctoral program desire more flexibility in job functions (e.g., direct service, trainer in higher education, administrator) and settings (schools, hospitals, colleges/universities, mental health centers, hospitals, state departments of education) while most students who earn specialist degrees desire to work as school psychologists in the schools.

Can I enroll in the specialist program and then transfer into the doctoral program?
Yes. During the first two years of a student's matriculation in either of the school psychology programs, a request can be initiated for a change in program status (i.e., from the SSP to Ph.D. or Ph.D. to SSP program). The student must formally apply to the School Psychology Coordinating Committee (SPCC) for the request to be considered. The SPCC, in consultation with the Doctoral Admissions Committee for those requesting a change of status to the doctoral program, will consider requests during the last two weeks of every semester. Approval of such requests is subject to space and availability in the class into which the student would be entering (e.g., first-year doctoral students or second-year specialist students).

Can I enter the doctoral program with a bachelor's degree or do I need a master's or specialist degree?
Yes. You can enter the doctoral program after you receive a bachelor's degree. Students with a specialist degree in school psychology typically enter the doctoral program as an advanced student.

Students who have completed a master's in school psychology or a related area are given credit for their previous coursework based on an individual assessment of their transcript and class content. After being accepted into the doctoral program, the entering student should contact the coordinator of the school psychology program to initiate this individualized assessment.

How long will it take me to complete the program?
The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in five years and the SSP program in three years. This includes the full-time paid internship, which is the capstone experience in each of the programs. Doctoral-level internships are located throughout the state and country, while the SSP internships are within the State of Illinois.

Do I have to attend school full time?
There is no part-time option for the SSP program. It is intended to be full-time for three years: two years on campus and a full-time nine-month internship. The Ph.D. program is also intended to be a full-time program for five years: four years on campus and a one year full-time internship. Many of the courses and fieldwork (practicum and internship) activities are offered only during the day.

For the Ph.D. program there is a one year residency requirement (two semesters not including the summer session). After establishing residency, the student could possibly attend part-time. However, because of the sequential nature of the program, deciding to attend part-time would extend the length of the doctoral program and jeopardize the ability to complete all classes and requirements within the eight-year limitation for the doctoral program. Part-time attendance would also make it more difficult to take advantage of the full range of training opportunities.

Is there a part-time evening program so that I can continue to work in my job as I go to graduate school?
There is a very limited number of graduate classes offered in the evening. Field/practicum experiences are required during the normal operation of the school day.

What type of financial aid is available?
Graduate Assistantships and tuition waivers are available to graduate students. Last year all school psychology students (both Ph.D. and SSP) received such financial support. There are also some field/practicum/internship experiences that are paid positions.For more information on financial support, see Financial Assistance.

How can I apply for financial aid?
For information on the various types of financial support at Illinois State, see Financial Aid.

The Department of Psychology urges all applicants and current graduate students to apply for Federal Work-Study awards. The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) is a federally-sponsored program enabling students with demonstrated financial need to earn a portion of educational expenses while enrolled at Illinois State University. The federal government pays 70% of the FWS student's earnings and the university pays the remaining 30%. These awards are made through the Financial Aid Office and can be applied to graduate assistantships and student worker positions. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and return it (preferably by March 1 of each year) to the Financial Aid Office. This form is available at the web site for the Illinois State Financial Aid Office and at financial aid offices at most universities.

16. If I want to apply to either the SSP or Ph.D. program in School psychology, how can I get all the application forms?
To access and download all admission/application materials, see Aplication Information.

The deadline for completion of an application for best consideration for the doctoral program is November 15, and the deadline for the specialist program is December 1.

All graduate applicants in psychology must complete Illinois State's Graduate Application for Admission or Readmission and submit the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores and two official transcripts of all higher education coursework. Both programs require a writing sample. There are separate department forms (a VITA Sheet for doctoral applicants and a Graduate Student Data Sheet for specialist students) and separate Letter of Recommendation forms.

If an applicant is interested in being considered for a departmental graduate assistantship and/or tuition waiver, the Graduate Student/Assistantship/Graduate Trustees' Tuition Waiver form must be completed in its entirety and submitted with the remainder of the application material.

What undergraduate courses should I enroll in to best prepare me to enter the school psychology graduate program?
Applicants should have the equivalent of a minor in Psychology (approximately 16-18 hours). Required courses include general psychology, a laboratory section in research methods, and introductory statistics (for psychology or the social sciences). A requirement of finite mathematics or precalculus will be waived if a grade of B or above in a college-level statistics course has been earned or a score of 500 or greater is attained on the Quantitative section of the GRE General Test. Undergraduate deficiencies in the above courses may be satisfied after admission to the program.

Do I need to take the GRE Writing Test?
No, the Writing Test is not required. However, if you take it and want to submit it, the committee will consider your performance in combination with your other application materials.

Do I need to take the GRE subject test in Psychology?
No. The GRE Subject Test in Psychology is not required. If the score is submitted it will be considered along with all other application materials.

What is the minimum GRE score required for admission?
Earning scores above the 50th percentile of the GRE is preferred for admission to both the SSP and Ph.D. programs. However, extenuating circumstances may be considered. When evaluating an applicant's credentials for admission, the committee will consider the total application including undergraduate grade point average, three letters of recommendation, research experience, prior work and/or volunteer experiences with children and the consistency of career goals with program goals. Applicants must demonstrate the intellectual, emotional, and interpersonal abilities necessary to pursue training as a school psychologist.

What can I do to improve my credentials to gain admission?
Non-competitive credentials may be bolstered by completing graduate-level classes as a student-at-large. This graduate status offers an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to perform at the graduate level and allows for familiarity with the school psychology faculty. However, there is no guarantee of admission to the graduate psychology programs. The length of the program is not reduced by courses (class repetition will not be required) taken before admission to either school psychology program. Taking classes as a graduate student-at-large also may provide needed experiences by assisting psychology faculty with research.

What types of field experiences are available?
One of the unique features of the school psychology programs at Illinois State University is the variety of training sites available for both specialist and doctoral students. For more detailed descriptions of these opportunities, click on Practicum Experiences.

Can I get licensed for independent/private practice by enrolling in the SSP and/or Ph.D. program?
A student who earns a doctoral or specialist degree is eligible to work in independent/private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor (with appropriate post-degree experience and passing an exam) or as a School Psychologist but typically is not eligible for third party (insurance) payments.

Doctoral students are eligible to apply for licensure as a clinical psychologist after completing the Ph.D. program and relevant pre-doctoral and post-doctoral supervised experience.

What does the job market look like for the next 3-5 years? Will I get a job?
The job market is very robust in school psychology. Over the last 20 years, Illinois State school psychology graduates have enjoyed a 100% placement rate for both internships and full-time employment after graduation. Since 1976, shortages of school psychologists have existed in every region nationwide. These shortages are likely to be exacerbated by the retirements of a large number of school psychologists who entered the field in the 1960s and 1970s. Exciting, well-paying career opportunities in school psychology are evolving rapidly. School psychology offers an optimum career in helping and working with children and their families.

Any additional questions should be addressed to the School Psychology Program Coordinator, Dr. Mark E. Swerdlik, at meswerd@ilstu.edu.