Application & Admissions

We are very excited that you are interested in applying to the program. The School Psychology Program at Kent State is very well respected and has a national recognition for providing progressive training.

Program prestige can make a big difference when seeking later employment in the field. If you want to work in a high-quality setting, you will need a degree from a well-respected training program. The School Psychology Program at Kent State is steeped in history and remains as a national leader in preparing tomorrow's school psychologists. Graduates of this program not only are well prepared for working in the field, but also emerge as leaders and agents of change in a variety of educational and/or clinical contexts.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND MATERIALS

Application materials to the School Psychology program must be submitted as an electronic application through the Online Graduate School Application. The following materials listed below are required for application to both the Ed.S. and Ph.D. programs:

1. Apply online

• There are two separate degree programs in the KSU School Psychology Program: Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) or Doctoral (Ph.D.).

• For Ed.S. Applicants:

  • If you do not have a prior Master's Degree in school psychology, you must apply to the M.Ed. program. Your application still will be reviewed for admission acceptance into the Ed.S. program. If admitted, you will be on track to earn an M.Ed. en route to your Ed.S.

• For Ph.D. Applicants:

  • If you do not have prior advanced training (i.e., Master’s Degree or Specialist Degree in school psychology), you must apply to the M.Ed. program. Your application still will be reviewed for admission acceptance into the Ph.D. program. If admitted, you will be on track to earn an M.Ed. en route to your Ph.D.

2. Written Statement of Personal Goals

3. Two Letters of Recommendation (additional letters are permitted)

• Letters will be submitted through the online application portal. Each of your references will receive an email with steps for submitting on your behalf.

4. School Psychology Supplemental Data Form

5. Questions in Anticipation of Licensure Form

• This form is for review and does not need to be uploaded. You will answer each of these questions within the online application. 

6. Copy of Current Resume/Vita

7. Official Transcripts with Degree Posted

8. One official transcript from each college and/or university (except Kent State) in which 12 quarter hours (8 semester hours) or more were earned

9. Sample of Written Work

• When selecting a sample of written work as part of required application materials, please note that program faculty are most interested in reviewing a paper or writing sample related to the education and/or development of school-aged children (e.g., a paper written for a previous course or an original research project summary).

10. Application Fee

• $45.00 (this fee is non-refundable)

11. Graduate Assistant Application (optional)

In addition to these required application materials, applicants are encouraged strongly to interview or shadow practicing school psychologists (this is not a requirement; all arrangements are to be made by the applicant). Furthermore, applicants are encouraged to visit the website of the National Association of School Psychologists, to find out more about the role of the school psychologist.

Please feel free to use the checklist provided to ensure and keep record that you have completed and submitted all required materials.

Applicants are encouraged to confirm receipt of all application materials prior to the application deadline. For questions about the status of online application materials, please contact the Division of Graduate Studies at 330-672-2661.

DATES AND DEADLINES

Application materials for admission to the School Psychology Program are due in October, December, and June (see table below).

The Program Coordinator will arrange an interview with applicants meeting the minimum requirements when completed files have been reviewed. The program's three admission cycles follow the schedule below:

*Students are able to defer enrollment to a preferred semester

ADMISSION CRITERIA AND SELECTION

MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO THE ED.S. PROGRAM INCLUDE:

• An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher; a graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher (if applicable).
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with people.
• Evidence of leadership traits important for school psychologists, including persistence, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• Interview with program faculty (arranged by the Program Coordinator when all other application materials have been received).

MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO THE PH.D. PROGRAM INCLUDE:

• An undergraduate GAP of 3.0 or higher; a graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher (if applicable).
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with people.
• Evidence of leadership traits important for school psychologists, including persistence, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• Interviews with program faculty (arranged by the Program Coordinator when all other application materials have been reviewed).

The School Psychology Program at Kent State University is committed to the recruitment and retention of persons from diverse backgrounds. A holistic review of applicants' materials is conducted by core program faculty members; and performance below the criterion listed in a single area will not necessarily eliminate a candidate from consideration. Approximately 15 to 20 students enroll into the Ed.S. program annually. Approximately two doctoral students enroll into the Ph.D. program annually. All applicants receive written notification of admission decisions.