MSU's School Psychology Graduate School

BY: MELISSA

This week I attended a presentation about Michigan State’s Graduate program for school psychology. Before this week I had never really looked into the possibility of pursuing school psychology but after attending that presentation I can honestly say that I became curious as to what it is all about. During the presentation, the faculty member told us all about that different programs available and all about the application process and what it takes to get invited in for an interview.

School Psychology offers lots of jobs and choices as to where in the United States you want to work. But first off, you are probably asking yourself what even is a school psychologist? School psychologists apply psychology, schooling, and learning-related issues to their specific career. Some work in schools while others can work in other places such as a private practices or a community mental health agency. Another option is to work as a university faculty member (have to acquire a PhD).

Michigan State offers two different graduate programs in the field of school psychology. There is two routes you could take, first being an Education Specialist, otherwise referred to as a EdS, or a Doctor of Philosophy, also known as a PhD. To break down a EdS for you guys, it’s basically a certification to work in schools. This program is about 60 hours of course work and 2 years with a 1 year internship. On the other hand, a PhD allows you to work in schools or a private practice as a psychologist. Acquiring a PhD would also prepare you for fellowships and the ability to assume a faculty position in school psychology training programs right after graduation. This program is about 115 hours of course work and 4-5 years with a 1 year internship (2000 hours).

The faculty member that talked to us told us the most important things they look for in a graduate application: the personal statement and the letters of recommendation. A good personal statement may include engaging in a lab as an undergraduate (and possibly even a publication). Being an undergraduate TA may also help your personal statement stand out. Letters of recommendation are also a very important aspect of applying to graduate school. Some good qualities that someone could write about you are social, problem-solver, responsible, and independent. A good person to ask to write a strong letter of recommendation for you is someone who watched over you in a research lab.

If you didn’t know already, graduate school is very difficult to get into, where, in reality, around 100 people apply but only 4-6 are accepted. So if you think graduate school is in your future this blog post may be helpful when time comes to apply!

"Elizabeth Harris." Google Sites. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016. <https://sites.google.com/a/lcps.k12.va.us/elizabeth-harris/>.