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

Is it important 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 take the psychology licensing exams if you do not graduate from an APA-accredited and NASP-approved program. It is most difficult to move between states (i.e., to 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 applicants 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, state departments of education) while most applicants who earn specialist degrees desire to work as school psychologists in the schools.

Can I enter the doctoral program with a bachelor's degree?
Yes, you do not need an advanced degree to be admitted to the doctoral program.

Applicants with a specialist degree in school psychology typically enter the doctoral program as an advanced trainees. Applicants who have completed a master's degree 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.

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

Do I have to attend school full time?
Yes. Both graduate programs require full time enrollment. The specialist program is full-time for three years: two years on campus and a nine-month internship. The doctoral program is full-time for five years: four years on campus and a one year internship. Many of the courses and fieldwork (practicum and internship) activities are offered only during the day.

What undergraduate courses should I enroll in to best prepare me to for a 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), and a finite mathematics or precalculus course. Undergraduate deficiencies in the above courses may be satisfied after admission to the program.

What is the minimum GRE score required for admission?
Earning scores above the 50th percentile of the GRE is preferred for admission to the Graduate Programs in School Psychology. When evaluating an applicant's credentials for admission, the School Psychology Admissions Committee will consider the total application, including undergraduate grade point average, the letters of recommendation, research experience, prior work and/or volunteer experiences with children, and the consistency of career goals with program goals.

Can I get licensed for independent or private practice by enrolling in the specialist or the doctoral program?
A trainee who earns a specialist or doctoral degree is eligible to work in independent or private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor (with appropriate post-degree experience and passing the licensing exam). Doctoral graduates are also eligible to apply for licensure as a clinical psychologist after completing relevant pre-doctoral and post-doctoral supervised experience.

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