School Psychology, M.S. & Psy.S.
School psychologists are mental health providers who collaborate with school professionals to improve academic and behavior outcomes. The graduate program in school psychology offers extensive training in the assessment, prevention, and intervention of academic, social, and mental health problems that affect a wide range of youth in school settings.
Visit the program website for more information.
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Program Overview
The full-time program spans three years and includes extensive coursework and practicum experiences. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for licensure as a school psychologist. Every student is automatically admitted to the Applied Behavior Analysis certificate program. The program requires a minimum of 68 credit hours including an internship. Students complete coursework and 600 practicum hours in school settings during the first two years of the program followed by a 1,200-hour internship in a school setting during the third year.
Why Study School Psychology at Grand Valley?
- The program is connected to state projects, field experiences, and national standards in which students participate in meaningful, high-quality experiences.
- There is a critical shortage at both the state and national level for school psychologists. School psychologist is listed on the "Best Social Services Jobs" report by U.S. News and World Report .
- The program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
- All required coursework is provided to pursue certification as a board certified behavior analyst.
- The program offers the K-12 School Psychologist Certification.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Location & Format
Graduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus and the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Format:- Face To Face
Application Deadline
Application deadline for fall semester is January 15. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Admission Requirements
All admissions materials must be received by January 15. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must have
- Completed a bachelor's degree in psychology, special education, or
a related field with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Students
with a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field are eligible for
admission; however, they may have to enroll in prerequisite courses
(beyond those listed as follows) prior to beginning the program. The
number and topic of courses will vary depending on the individual's
degree and background experiences.
- Submitted official transcript from the undergraduate degree granting institution.
- Successfully completed undergraduate prerequisite courses
(research methods, statistics, and child development).
- Submitted official or unofficial transcripts from institutions where required prerequisite courses were completed (if different from the degree granting institution)
- Submitted a personal statement.
- Provided a professional curriculum vitae or resume.
- Submitted three letters of recommendation.
- Recommended but not required: Submitted GRE scores (verbal, quantitative, and writing).
Helpful Links
For More Information
Department of Psychology2224 Au Sable Hall
[email protected]
(616) 331-2195
Program Director
Kristen Schrauben, Ph.D.
(616) 331-2336
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