We're here to help you!
Ask us anything

Requirements

The MSU School Psychology doctoral program typically consists of five to six years of academic coursework and research training beyond the bachelor’s degree, including an accumulated 1,100 hours of practicum experience in applied settings and a year-long, full-time internship (2,000 hours). These experiences support our scientist-practitioner model of training.

Please see our Ph.D. Program Handbook to view a typical five-year training sequence. Details about these and other doctoral program requirements including practicum, internship, the comprehensive exam, and research requirements can be found in this document as well.

Transfer credits: To grant recognition for relevant coursework previously completed at the graduate level, the School Psychology Program allows the waiver of certain required courses. Course credits earned in regionally accredited graduate institutions are eligible for waiver purposes and are discussed on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to discuss the possibility of course waivers with potential advisors prior to and following admission.  Program faculty and/or the MSU faculty teaching the course, in conjunction with the school psychology Program Director, will decide on the acceptability of such courses.

Students are required to complete approximately 90 credit hours of coursework pertaining to our eleven Program Aims (see course listing below).

  1. Research (15 Credits)
    • CEP 932 Quantitative Methods in Educational Research I (3 credits)
    • – Or three (3) additional credits in Statistics/Research Inquiry if 932 is waived
    • CEP 933 Quantitative Methods in Educational Research II (3 credits)
    • CEP 934 Multivariate Methods in Educational Research (4 credits)
    • CEP 968 Research Methods in Counseling and School Psychology (3 credits)
    • CEP 995 Research Practicum/Apprenticeship (3 credits)
  2. Ethical and Legal Standards (3 credits)
    • CEP 963 Ethics in Counseling and School Psychology (3 credits)
  3. Individual and Cultural Diversity (9 Credits)
    • CEP 885 Behavior Disorders in Children (3 credits)
    • CEP 903 Cognitive Development Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
    • CEP 904 Social-Emotional Development Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
    • CEP 910 Current Issues in Motivation and Learning (3 credits)
    • CEP 919 Current Research and Issues in School Psychology (3 credits)
    • CEP 972 Biological Bases of Behavior (3 credits)
  4. Professional Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors (15 credits)
    • CEP 884 Roles and Functions of School Psychology (3 credits)
    • CEP 894K Internship in School Psychology – 3rd Year Fall (3 credits)
    • CEP 894K Internship in School Psychology – 3rd Year Spring (3 credits)
    • CEP 982 Seminar in CEPSE (3 credits)
    • CEP 994K Internship in PhD School Psychology – Summer (1 credits)
    • CEP 994K Internship in PhD School Psychology – Fall (1 credits)
    • CEP 994K Internship in PhD School Psychology – Spring (1 credits)
  5. Communication and Interpersonal Skills (6 credits)
    • CEP 893K Practicum in School Psychology – 2nd Year Fall (3 credits)
    • CEP 893K Practicum in School Psychology – 2nd Year Spring (3 credits)
  6. Assessment (6 credits)
    • CEP 880 Cognitive Assessment (3 credits)
    • CEP 881 Social and Emotional Assessment and Intervention (3 credits)
  7. Intervention (9 credits)
    • CEP 886 Psychoeducational Assessment and Intervention I (3 credits)
    • CEP 918 School-Based Psychological Interventions (3 credits)
    • CEP 888 Theories of Child Psychotherapy (3 credits)
  8. Supervision (3 credits)
    • CEP 993K Advanced Practicum in PhD School Psychology (3 credits)
  9. Consultation and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills (3 credits)
    1. CEP 889 Consultation in School Psychology (3 credits)
  10. Internship. Participate in the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) national match and complete a 2000-hour Internship in Psychology at an APPIC-approved internship site and at least 3 credits in CEP 994K Internship in PhD School Psychology, for supervision purposes, during the time of the internship. All doctoral students must complete a 2,000 hour internship (CEP 994K) before their degree can be conferred on their official transcript
  11. Dissertation (24 Credits). Successful completion and defense of the dissertation. Students may not earn more than 30 credits in CEP 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research, of which 24 credits are required. One of these credits must be taken during the semester in which you graduate.

Total: 90 credit hours

Downloadable Coursework Checklist

Program Aims and Competencies with Training Elements and Outcomes

The tables below display expected competencies for doctoral students, categorized by the nine Program Aims. These competencies correspond with mandatory training elements (e.g., coursework, practicum/ internship experiences, research development and dissemination) and the minimum level of achievement needed to demonstrate acquisition of each competency.

Program Aims & CompetenciesSub-competenciesTraining/Experiential ActivitiesMinimum Levels of Achievement
1. Research.
To prepare future doctoral-level psychologists who demonstrate knowledge, skills and competence sufficient to produce new knowledge, disseminate scientific research and to make appropriate use of scientific methods and findings in all professional roles.		1a. Students will demonstrate integrative knowledge of and skills in research.1a. Preliminary Examination; Doctoral Comprehensive Exam, Question #5 (Research Specialization); CEP 894K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 1-11); CEP 994K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 1-11); CEP 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research1a. A ā€œPassā€ (score of 3.5 or higher) on the Preliminary Examination; A 3.0 (Pass) or better on the Comprehensive Examination Question #5 (Research Specialization); A rating of 3.0 (Satisfactory) or higher average rating on CEP 894K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 1-11) from Spring Semester; A rating of 4.0 (Emerging Professional) or higher average rating on CEP 994K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 1-11) from Spring Semester; A ā€œPassā€ in CEP 999
1ai. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and skills in research design.1ai. Grades: CEP 968 Research Methods in Counseling and School Psychology; CEP 994K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Item #1, Research Design)1ai.A grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 968 Research Methods in Counseling and School Psychology; Rating of 4.0 (Emerging Professional) or higher on CEP 994K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Item #1, Research Design)
1aii. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and skills in statistics.1aii. Grades: CEP 932 (or waived), CEP 933, CEP 934; CEP 994K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Item #2, Statistics)1aii. A grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 932 (or waived), CEP 933, and CEP 934; Rating of 4.0 (Emerging Professional) or higher on CEP 994K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Item #2, Statistics)
1aiii. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and skills in measurement1aiii. Grades: CEP 880 Cognitive Assessment Measurement Chapter Test and CEP 880 Psychological Assessment & Intervention I Test Review (Measurement), CEP 994K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Item #3, Measurement)1aiii. A score of 3.0 (80%) or higher on CEP 880 Cognitive Assessment Chapter Test (Measurement), CEP 880 Psychological Assessment & Intervention 1 Test Review (Measurement); Rating of 4.0 (Emerging Professional) or higher on CEP 994K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Item #3, Measurement)
1b. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and skills in proposing, conducting, and defending research projects.1b. Grade: CEP 995 Practicum Research Design & Data Analysis; Apprenticeship Project; Dissertation Project1b. A grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 995 Practicum Research Design and Data Analysis; ā€œPassā€ Apprenticeship Project Defense Meeting; ā€œPassā€ Dissertation Defense Meeting
1c. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in disseminating their scholarly work to national/local audiences and via submission of their work for publication consideration.1c. APA Annual Review Data Gathered on MSU SPā€™s Self-Assessment Form/Studentsā€™ CV1c. Students must present at least once each locally and nationally as gathered on their Annual Self-Assessment Form/Studentsā€™ Curriculum Vitae (by the end of 4th year); Students must submit at least 2 samples of scholarship for publication consideration as indicated on their Annual Self-Assessment Form/ Studentsā€™ CV
1d. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and skills in applying research within their practice.1d. Grade: CEP 894K Portfolio- Research Dissemination Section; CEP 994K Portfolio- Research Dissemination Section; CEP 894K Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 4-11); CEP 994K Supervisor Evaluation (Items 4-11)1d. A score of 3.0 or higher on CEP 894K Research Dissemination Section of Portfolio; A score of 3.0 or higher on CEP 994K Research Dissemination Section of Portfolio; Average rating of 3.0 (Satisfactory) on CEP 894K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 4-11); Average rating of 4.0 or higher (Emerging Professional) on CEP 994K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 4-11)
Program Aims & CompetenciesSub-competencyTraining/Experiential ActivitiesMinimum Levels of Achievement
2. Ethical and Legal Standards. To prepare future doctoral-level psychologists who conduct self in an ethical manner in all professional activities, and effectively collaborate with others in the delivery of services according to ethical and legal guidelines.2a. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and skills in applying legal and ethical standards within practice and research.
2a. Grade: CEP 963 Ethics in Counseling and School Psychology; CEP 994K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 12-16); Doctoral Comprehensive Exam Question #1 (Professional, Legal, and Ethical Issues); Responsible Conduct of Research Requirement2a. A grade of 3.0 or higher CEP 963; An average rating of 4.0 (Emerging Professional) or higher on Spring CEP 994K Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 12-16, Ethical and Legal Standards); A score of 3.0 or better (ā€œPassā€) on the Doctoral Comprehensive Examination Question #1 (Professional, Legal, and Ethical Issues); Completion of Responsible Conduct of Research Yearly Requirement Form
Program Aims & CompetenciesProgram Aims & CompetenciesTraining/Experiential ActivitiesMinimum Levels of Achievement
3. Individual and Cultural Diversity. To prepare future doctoral-level psychologists with foundational knowledge to effectively work with diverse individuals and groups, and integrate awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences in the conduct of professional roles and activities.3a. Students will demonstrate knowledge of cognitive and social-emotional development as it relates to professional activities.3a. Grades: CEP 903 Cognitive Development and CEP 904 Social Emotional Development3a. A grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 903 Cognitive Development and CEP 904 Social Emotional Development
3b. Students will demonstrate knowledge of biological aspects of behavior as it relates to professional activities.3b. Grade: CEP 972 Neurobiological Bases of Learning and Behavior3b. A grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 972 Neurobiological Bases of Learning and Behavior
3c. Students will demonstrate knowledge of social and individual aspects of behavior as it relates to professional activities.3c. Grades: CEP 910 Current Issues in Motivation and Learning and CEP 885 Behavior Disorders in Childhood, Doctoral Comprehensive Exam Question #4 (Psychopathology)3c. A grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 910 Current Issues in Motivation and Learning, and CEP 885 Behavior Disorders in Childhood; A score of 3.0 (Pass) or higher on Comprehensive Exam Question #4 (Psychopathology)
3d. Students will demonstrate self-awareness and integrative knowledge of individual and cultural differences; and understanding of the effect on interactions with others in the conduct of professional activities.3d. Grade: CEP 919 Current Research and Issues in School Psychology: Cultural Factors and Evidence-Based Practice in Childrenā€™s Mental Health, CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 17-22)3d. A grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 919 Current Research and Issues in School Psychology: Cultural Factors and Evidence-Based Practice in Childrenā€™s Mental Health; Average rating of 4.0 or higher (Emerging Professional) on CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 17-22)
Program Aims & CompetenciesSub-competenciesTraining/Experiential ActivitiesMinimum Levels of Achievement
4. Professional values, attitudes, and behaviors. To prepare future doctoral-level psychologists who behave in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology, and effectively collaborate with others in the delivery of services according to the professional standards of the professional psychology discipline.
4a. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the area of professional practices.
4a. Grade: CEP 884 Roles & Functions of School Psychologists, CEP 982 History of Psychology, CEP 993K, and CEP 994K; CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation (Item #23)4a. A grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 884, CEP 982, CEP 993K, and CEP 994K; Obtain a 4.0 (Emerging Professional) or higher average rating on the CEP 994K-Spring Supervisor Evaluation, (Item #23)
4b. Students will behave in way that reflects the values and attitudes of psychology in response to increasingly complex situations with greater independence across training4b. CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 24-29, 33)4b. Students must obtain an average rating of 4.0 (Emerging Professional) or higher on the CEP 994K-Spring Supervisor Evaluation Form, (Items 24-29, 33)
4c. Students will engage in self-reflection regarding oneā€™s personal and professional functioning to engage in continuous improvement of professional effectiveness and personal well-being.4c. Annual Review Self-Assessment; CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 30-32)
4c. Completion of self-assessment in yearly Annual Review; Average rating of 4.0 (Emerging Professional) or higher on CEP 994K-Spring Supervisor Evaluation Form, (Items 30-32)
Program Aims & CompetenciesSub-competenciesTraining/Experiential ActivitiesMinimum Levels of Achievement
5. Communication and interpersonal skills. To prepare future doctoral-level psychologists with the communication and interpersonal skills necessary for professional practice and for effective collaboration with others in the delivery of professional services.

5a. Students will demonstrate knowledge in the areas of communication and interpersonal skills.5a. Grade: CEP 893K Practicum in School Psychology5a. Grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 893K Practicum in School Psychology
5b. Students will demonstrate effective interpersonal skills to develop and maintain professional relationships with a wide range of individuals.5b. Grade: CEP 994K Doctoral Internship in School Psychology; CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 34-35)5b. Grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 994K Doctoral Internship in School Psychology; Average rating of 4.0 or higher (Emerging Professional) on CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 34-35)
5c. Students will demonstrate a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts through producing and comprehending oral, nonverbal, and written communications.5c. CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 36-38)

5c. Average rating of 4.0 or higher (Emerging Professional) on CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 36-38)
Program Aims & CompetenciesSub-competenciesTraining/Experiential ActivitiesMinimum Levels of Achievement
6. Assessment. To prepare future doctoral-level psychologists with the assessment skills, including selection, application, interpretation, and communication of assessments, necessary for competent delivery of professional services.6a. Students will demonstrate competent integrative knowledge of and skills in psychological assessment.6a. Grades: CEP 894K and CEP 994K Professional Portfolio; Doctoral Comprehensive Exam Question #2 (Assessment); CEP 894K, Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 39-44); CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 39-44)6a. Score of 3.0 or higher on Assessment Section of CEP 894K and CEP 994K Portfolios; Score of 3.0 (Pass) or higher on
Comprehensive Exam Question #2 (Assessment); Average rating of 3.0 or higher (Satisfactory) on CEP 894K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 39-44); Average rating of 4.0 or higher (Emerging Professional) on CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 39-44)
6ai.Students will demonstrate knowledge of and skills in cognitive assessment6ai. Grade: CEP 880 Cognitive Assessment; CEP 894K Cognitive Assessment Case; 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation (Item #39)6ai. Grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 880 Cognitive Assessment; Grade of 3.0 on CEP 894K Cognitive Assessment Case; Rating of 4.0 or higher (Emerging Professional) on CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Item #39)
6aii. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and skills in academic assessment.6aii. Grade: CEP 886 Psychological Assessment & Intervention I; Grade: CEP 894K Academic Assessment Case; CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Item #40)6aii. Grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 886 Psychological Assessment & Intervention I; Grade of 3.0 on CEP 894K Academic Assessment Case; Rating of 4.0 or higher (Emerging Professional) on CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Item #40)
6aiii. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and skills in social, emotional, & behavioral assessment.6aiii. Grade: CEP 881 Social and Emotional Assessment and Intervention; Grade: CEP 894K Social-Emotional, and Behavioral (SEB) Assessment Case; CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Item #41)6aiii. Grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 881 Social and Emotional Assessment and Intervention; Grade of 3.0 on CEP 894K Social-Emotional, and Behavioral (SEB) Assessment Case; Rating of 4.0 or higher (Emerging Professional) on CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Item #41)
Program Aims & CompetenciesSub-competenciesTraining/Experiential ActivitiesMinimum Levels of Achievement
7. Intervention. To prepare future doctoral-level psychologists with the intervention skills, including selection, application, interpretation, and communication of interventions necessary for competent delivery of professional services.7a. Students will demonstrate integrative knowledge and skills in psychological interventions.
7a. Grades: CEP 894K and CEP 994K Professional Portfolio; Doctoral Comprehensive Exam Question #3 (Intervention); CEP 894K, 2nd semester Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 45-51); CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 45-51)7a. Score of 3.0 or higher on Intervention Section of CEP 894K and CEP 994K Portfolios; Score of 3.0 (Pass) or higher on Comprehensive Exam Question #3 (Intervention); Average rating of 3.0 or higher (Satisfactory) on CEP 894K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 45-51); Average rating of 4.0 or higher (Emerging Professional) on CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 45-51)
7ai. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in academic interventions.7ai. Grade: CEP 886 Psychological Assessment & Intervention I; CEP 894K Academic Intervention Case; CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 45, 47a, 48a, 49a, 50a, 51a)7ai. Grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 886 Psychological Assessment & Intervention I; Grade of 3.0 on CEP 894K Intervention Case; Average rating of 4.0 or higher (Emerging Professional) on CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 45, 47a, 48a, 49a, 50a, 51a).
7aii. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in social, emotional, & behavioral interventions.7aii. Grades: CEP 883, CEP 888, and CEP 918; CEP 894K Social, Emotional, and Behavioral (SEB) Intervention Case; CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 46, 47b, 48b, 49b, 50b, 51b)7aii. Grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 883, in CEP 888, and in CEP 918; Grade of 3.0 on CEP 894K Social, Emotional, and Behavioral (SEB) Intervention Case; Average rating of 4.0 or higher (Emerging Professional) on CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 46, 47b, 48b, 49b, 50b, 51b)
Program Aims & CompetenciesSub-competenciesTraining/Experiential ActivitiesMinimum Levels of Achievement
8. Supervision. To prepare future doctoral-level psychologists with knowledge of supervision practices and basic supervision skills.8a. Students will demonstrate knowledge of supervision models.
8a. Grade: CEP 993K Advanced Practicum in Doctoral School Psychology8a. Grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 993K Advanced Practicum in Doctoral School Psychology
8b. Students will demonstrate basic skills in supervision.8b. Grade: CEP 993K Professional Portfolio; CEP 993K University-based Supervisor Evaluation (Items 1-10)8b. Grade of 3.0 on Supervision Role Section of CEP 993K Portfolio; Average rating of 3.0 or higher (Satisfactory) in CEP 993K University-based Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 1-10)
Program Aim & CompetenciesSub-competenciesTraining/Experiential ActivitiesMinimum Levels of Achievement
9. Consultation and inter-professional/
interdisciplinary skills. To prepare future doctoral-level psychologists with knowledge of consultation practices and the consultation skills necessary for competent delivery of professional services.		9a. Students will demonstrate knowledge of consultation models.9a. Grade: CEP 889 Consultation in School Psychology9a. Grade of 3.0 or higher in CEP 889 Consultation in School Psychology
9b. Students will demonstrate skills in consultation with other individuals and/or professionals.9b. Grades: CEP 894K and CEP 994K Professional Portfolio9b. Score of 3.0 or higher on Consultation Section of CEP 894K and CEP 994K Portfolios
9c. Students will demonstrate knowledge of and respect for other professions.
9c. CEP 894K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 52-61); CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 52-61)9c. Average rating of 3.0 (Satisfactory) or higher on CEP 894K Field Supervisor Evaluation Form (Items 52-61); Average rating of 4.0 (Emerging Professional) or higher on CEP 994K-Spring Field Supervisor Evaluation (Items 52-61)