2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]
School Psychology
School Psychology at Grand Valley
School psychologists are licensed professionals who provide academic, behavioral, and mental health services within the school environment. Collaborating with teachers, school administrators, and other school professionals, they conduct evaluations and design intervention plans for students who are struggling with a range of academic and behavior problems. Recent legislative and financial shifts in education are driving schools to make significant systemic changes. Schools often utilize a comprehensive tiered framework to support student outcomes including universal prevention supports at tier 1, targeted interventions in small groups at tier 2, and intensive, individualized interventions at tier 3. Because of their training, school psychologists play crucial roles in transforming schools, establishing and implementing tiered frameworks of support, and evaluating outcomes for students, schools, and communities.
The three-year, full-time school psychology program at Grand Valley is designed to create leaders and innovators in the field of education. Students will receive extensive training through coursework and practicum experiences in the assessment, prevention, and intervention for academic, social, and mental health problems in a wide range of students. We aim to create school psychologists who are data-based problem solvers that make an impact on schools at the local, state, and national level.
Upon completion, students will earn a specialist degree in school psychology and students are eligible for certification at the state and national level.
Mission Statement:
The school psychology program at Grand Valley State University prepares students to become knowledgeable, innovative, and multi-culturally competent scientist-practitioners who improve outcomes for children, youth, and their families by developing, evaluating, and implementing evidence-based practices and systems of service in schools.
College
For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section in this catalog.
Accreditation
The school psychology program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the Michigan Department of Education. Graduates of the program will be eligible for school psychology certification with the Michigan Department of Education and national certification as a school psychologist (NCSP).
Admissions Requirements
All admissions materials must be received by January 15. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must have the following:
- 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 may be eligible for admission if the applicant has extensive relevant experience.
- Submitted official transcript from the undergraduate 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).
After the application deadline, the faculty will meet to review completed applications, and the top qualified applicants will be invited to interview.
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