Academic Program
School Psycology
Doctoral Degree
The Specialist level (EdS) School Psychology Program at the University of Cincinnati is dedicated to preparing highly competent professional school psychologists according to the scientist-practitioner model. As a result of their comprehensive training, graduates are prepared to make significant contributions to this challenging field through the most up-to-date and research-based professional practice, child and family advocacy, and leadership for best practices. The specialist program prepares students at the level consistent with national standards for preparation of school psychologists. Training includes two years plus two summers of course work and related field-based experiences, plus a 10 month, 1500 hour internship.
Admission Requirements
Admission Guidelines
Students who wish to be admitted to the specialist (EdS) program in School Psychology must meet all the minimum requirements established by the program:
- The applicant must possess a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- The applicant must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 at the undergraduate level leading to the Bachelor Degree. All calculations are based on a 4.0 scale.
- Candidates who graduated from a non-accredited college or university or who do not meet the minimum grade point averages requirement for admission may be admitted by a committee of faculty members from the program to which the candidate applied based upon an evaluation of evidence submitted by the candidate. As a minimum, the evidence must address mastery of the knowledge prerequisite to the courses required by the program, acceptable writing skills, the ability to engage in critical thinking, and a personal commitment to completing the master's program. The evidence must convincingly demonstrate the candidate's potential for success in graduate level work.
Candidates who fail to meet the minimum requirements for admission into the Educational Specialist in School Psychology program, may not reapply to the program for at least one academic quarter. During that period, such applicants may be encouraged to enroll in appropriate course work to develop the knowledge, skills, and values deemed necessary for admission into the program, or to demonstrate that the applicant already possesses such qualifications. Whether such course work may apply to the specialist's degree program is left to the discretion of the program. Completion of this course work does not guarantee admission into the program.
International Admission Requirements
TOEFL Scores:The TOEFL is required of all applicants whose native language is not English, including those with F-1 visas and green cards. The test must have been taken within the five years prior to admission to the University of Cincinnati. The minimum acceptable score is 520 on the paper test, 190 on the electronic test, and 68 on the internet-based test.
The TOEFL requirement may be waived for students with a degree from an accredited American college or university in which coursework was taught in English. Waivers also may be granted for students who earned at least a 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam or at least a B in the Cambridge CPE exam. Requests to waive the TOEFL requirement should be sent with the appropriate documentation to the Assistant University Dean for Advanced Studies for consideration.
Application Information
Application Procedures
Admission occurs only in the Fall quarter for the School Psychology Program. Applicants are reviewed following the January 15 application date. After review of files, interviews with selected applicants are conducted typically in late February or early March. Students are informed of admission decisions in March. The program adheres to the decision date for students of April 15 in accordance with the Council of Graduate Schools Policy.
Transcripts:Provide one copy of final and interim transcripts bearing official seals from all institutions attended, showing courses, grades, all degrees and dates of attendance. Applicants whose previous degrees were earned at the University of Cincinnati may substitute "on-campus" transcripts. International students should submit official, translated transcripts.
Goal Statement:Provide one typewritten copy of your academic and professional goals, up to 3 pages long, explaining your career choice, goals in school psychology, and your decision to pursue graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati. This writing sample will also be used as one of the criteria for evaluating the application.
Current Vita (Resume):One typewritten copy of your resume relevant to academic and professional data. It should include: name; address; phone; email address; citizenship; college(s) attended with degrees, dates conferred and grade point average; employment history; research experience; professional and related experience; volunteer activities; present employer; and names of references who are writing letters for you.
Recommendations:Provide at least three current letters of recommendation from people familiar with your academic and professional abilities. These letters are to be sent directly to Admissions Coordinator, School Psychology Program, University of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 210002, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0002.
Graduate Record Examination:Provide original copy of scores taken within the seven year period preceding admission. All sections of the General Tests are required. Provide both the college and the program to which scores are to be sent or we will not receive the scores. You must allow at least six weeks for GRE scores to reach our office. To facilitate time, we will accept original student copies of the scores if they are enclosed with the above materials. This will allow us to process your application; however, you must still have ETS send us the original scores. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your student copy returned to you. Computer administered versions of the GRE are available at UC Monday-Saturday. For information on the procedures for taking the Graduate Record Examination via computer, call (513) 556-0648 or go to 316 Dyer Hall.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all materials are received prior to the deadline dates, including the application and appropriate GRE scores. Please check all other pertinent dates carefully and start the application process much earlier than the time you hope to be starting classes.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED AND MAY NOT BE RETURNED. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, GRE AND TOEFL SCORES, TRANSCRIPTS, AND RECOMMENDATION LETTERS.
Applications and Further Information
If you would like to submit an electronic application for the School Psychology program, please visit our On-Line Graduate School Application at https://www.grad.uc.edu/admissions/app/ and complete the form.
You will be responsible for contacting the School Psychology program directly to inquire about additional application requirements that need to be satisfied before you application is complete.
To request print copies of additional department information or a paper application form, please visit our Request for Information page at https://www.grad.uc.edu/request-information.aspx and complete the on-line form. Your information will be sent to the proper person in the School Psychology program and you will receive an information packet in the mail.
Application Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Quarter: Autumn (begins September)
Deadline: January 15
Program Requirements
Program Details
Program Timeline
Listed below are important stages that mark the progression leading to an Educational Specialist (EdS) Degree in School Psychology:
- Application for admission (admission is competitive)
- Financial aid application
- Completion of admission review and interview for students meeting the initial review requirements
- For admitted students, notification of acceptance
- Program planning
- Masters Degree (MEd) awarded based on successful completion of all curricular requirements and Masters Comprehensive Examination in Year 1
- Completion of course work including core and residency requirements and field experiences
- For licensure as a school psychologist, completion of a 10 month, 1500 hour internship
- Education Specialist (EdS) Degree awarded based pm successful completion of all program requirements, including the EdS Portfolio
Financial Aid
On a limited basis, two types of financial aid are available to full-time graduate students through the Division of Human Services. The Graduate Assistantship (GA) is a stipend and tuition award. The University Graduate Scholarship (UGS) offers tuition only and is available for academic year or summer. You must be admitted into a graduate program before you can receive these awards.