Admissions Requirements
Admission standards to the School Psychology Ed.S. program are designed to attract students with high academic and professional potential. The program does not discriminate in admissions on the basis of gender, race, disability, cultural background, sexual orientation, or national origin. The program actively seeks to build a student body with diverse backgrounds. Each application received by the program is evaluated individually and with care.
Admission to the program is on a competitive basis and is based upon evaluation of information from the following sources:
- A graduate college application. Apply here.
- Unofficial transcripts of all previous coursework required at time of application. Official transcripts of all previous coursework required at time of admission.
- Three letters of recommendation from professionals who can adequately address your ability to be a successful graduate student and professional. Applicants should request letters from people who have known the applicant in a supervisory capacity (e.g., faculty/instructor, work supervisors, and volunteer supervisors). Personal references will not be considered (e.g., friends, relatives, clergy). Individuals writing letters of recommendation are encouraged to use letterhead if available.
- International applicants must meet acceptable English proficiency credentials as outlined here by the Graduate College.
- A resume or curriculum vita that summarizes your educational and employment history and any relevant professional accomplishments (including publications, presentations, honors, awards, and other significant activities)
- A personal statement (see attached instruction)
These factors, as well as others that applicants choose to bring to our attention, are weighed into the selection of students for our program. GRE is not required but applicants can submit the scores if they choose to. Admission preference to the School Psychology Program is given to applicants with the following:
- A bachelor's or master's degree in Psychology, Special Education, Educational Psychology, or a related discipline
- Experience with children, adolescents, and people with disabilities and/or mental health concerns
- Experience in school systems
- Letters of recommendation that comment favorably on the applicant's potential to do advanced graduate work, as well as their potential for professional contribution to the field
Students with a bachelor's degree who demonstrate particular promise for doctoral study in School Psychology may apply directly to the Doctoral Program upon completion of the bachelor's degree. Prospective students may also first apply to the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Program in School Psychology. However, acceptance into the Ed.S. Program does not guarantee future admission into Ph.D. Program.
Your application will be considered once you have submitted all required documentation. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be automatically denied. If you have questions related to the application, contact Cecilia Carlon ([email protected] or 520-621-1248), the Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies.
Once your application has been submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time by logging into GradApp and opening your application. You will be notified via email if you are invited for an interview and when a final admission decision has been reached.
Information regarding the department, our faculty, and the academic requirements can be found at the program website. For questions regarding the program, please contact the program director, Dr. Jennifer Kirkpatrick for Tucson EdS and Dr. Marsha Spencer for Chandler EdS .
Applicants must meet the minimum standards listed in the UA Graduate Catalog to be considered for admission. Additional information can be obtained from the Graduate College or by emailing Graduate Admissions.
Personal Statement
In the personal statement, please address the following areas: Your interest in school psychology, research interests, and your personal background. Guiding questions are provided in each area below. The personal statement should be 2-3 single spaced pages with 12 pt font. Responses should address the following areas (in order of importance):
Interest in School Psychology
- Why are you interested in the field of school psychology?
- What aspects of the field are the most interesting to you?
- Please describe opportunities you have had working with children, families, and schools.
Professional and/or Research Interest
- How do you envision practicing school psychology after graduation?
- Please describe your research experiences to date.
Personal Background
- Describe unique background and experiences that would help us to understand you better. We are interested in diversifying our program by recruiting underrepresented students.
- Please describe personal strengths such as in communication, academics, problem solving, organization, etc.
- Where do you see yourself as having additional areas of growth as a school psychology graduate student? This may be an opportunity to explain any perceived areas of weakness in your application.
Standardized Tests
Please see admission requirements.
Funding Opportunities
Contact your advisor or faculty in your program for information by visiting the department web site.
http://www.coe.arizona.edu/dps
Admissions Deadlines
The deadline for submission of an application is January 15th. Admission is permitted only in the fall semester.
International Conditional Admission
International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.
Other Information
The GRE Institution Code for The University of Arizona is 4832
ETS Major Field Code(s) for this program: 3406 for Major
