Miami University

Specialization in School Psychology

"The School Psychology Program is representative of the strength of graduate education at Miami University. This program selects from among the finest students from across the country. These emerging professionals, over the course of three years of full-time study, are trained to meet the educational challenges and mental health needs of children and young adults from across the nation. This program of study reflects Miami's mission and obligation to provide the highest quality graduate instruction in the state of Ohio."                                                                                                                 -Dr. Bruce Cochrane, Dean of the Graduate School

 

Do you want to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, and emotionally? Do you want to be part of a profession that collaborates with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students? Then consider becoming a school psychologist.

The Department of Educational Psychology offers outstanding preparation for school psychologists. Our graduate program, which involves continuous clinical contact with children and youth, is accredited at state and national levels and leads to licensure as a school psychologist.

The program provides instruction and supervised experience in the practice of comprehensive school psychological services. Areas of training include assessment and intervention, consultation, counseling, and research methodology.

The combined Master’s/Educational Specialist program includes two years of full-time study on campus plus one full-time school year as a salaried intern in a cooperating school district. Over the past 35 years, over 325 graduates have been successful in acquiring positions as school psychologists in Ohio and throughout the nation. Over these years there has been 100 percent employment, with many graduates receiving multiple job offers.

Program of study

Download a copy in pdf format.

School Psychology Program Handbook

Download a copy in pdf format.

School Psychology Intern Manual

Download a copy in pdf format.

How to apply

• First, you must apply to Miami University’s Graduate School. The application is online and transcripts are required. Go here to begin the process.
• Application to the School Psychology program in the Department of Educational Psychology requires the following additional information:
  
  
  • Three letters of reference from faculty or other persons who can provide information about your potential for graduate study and your interpersonal skills. Please ask your references to send their letters to:
    
    Department of Educational Psychology
    201 McGuffey Hall
    Oxford, Ohio 45056
    Attn: Jennifer Turner
  • Official transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) from all colleges and universities attended. Transcipts are to be sent to the Graduate School.
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score. Registration information for the exam is at www.ets.org. Please request that your scores be sent directly to Miami University (code R1463) and indicate School Psychology as the department code name.
  • A vita or resume detailing your education and work experience.
  • An essay stating your reasons for pursuing the degree. Please tell us about your goals and why you are seeking admission to Miami’s program. The essay should be a minimum of 500 words.
  • A statement signed by you that you have not been convicted of a felony. This statement is requested by the State of Ohio for licensure.
    
    Send the vita, essay, and statement to:
    Department of Educational Psychology
    201 McGuffey Hall
    Oxford, Ohio 45056
    Attn: Jennifer Turner

For more information contact edp@muohio.edu. Or call Jennifer Turner, Administrative Assistant, at 513-529-6621; or Dr. Ray Witte, Associate Professor, at 513-529-6622.

Deadlines and selection process

Completed applications should be received by Feb. 1 to be considered for fall admission.

In order to facilitate admission, you should submit departmental items as soon as possible. You need not wait until you have been admitted to the Graduate School before sending references, essay, vita, and statement to the department.

If you wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship, please indicate this in a separate letter to the department and submit the request for an assistantship with your other application materials to be considered for the fall entry class. You may check with the administrative assistant (513-529-6621) at any time concerning missing items or the status of your application.

Typically, the department receives 60-75 applications for 10-12 openings.

Applicants are evaluated based on:

• academic record
• written goals and purpose
• previous related work or experiences
• letters of recommendation
• GRE scores

School psychology faculty will begin to review applicants after the Feb. 1 deadline. Finalists will be selected and invited to on-campus interviews in late February or early March.

Assistantships

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available. Recipients receive an annual stipend, a tuition waiver, and remission of the out-of-state tuition surcharge (if applicable). Graduate students who are awarded an assistantship are assigned research responsibilities in the department, except for one teaching assistantship.

Assistantships are available from other offices and departments. To be considered for an assistantship, you must send a letter to the department with your other application materials.

 

Career opportunities and salaries

The outlook for school psychologists is quite promising. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, it’s believed that the majority of current school psychologists will be retiring within the next 10 years. In 2008, U.S. News & World Report listed school psychology as “one of the best careers.”

Go here for the most recent salary survey by the National Association of School Psychologists.

Students in school psychology attended the Council for Exceptional Children's 2009 annual meeting in Seattle.

For more information

Contact program director, Dr. Ray Witte, at witter@muohio.edu.

Faculty in the School Psychology Program

	T. Steuart Watson watsonts@muohio.edu 529-0173
	Raymond Witte witter@muohio.edu 529-6611
	Alex Thomas thomasa@muohio.edu

	Michael Woodin woodinmf@muohio.edu 529-0173
	Susan Mosley-Howard mosleygs@muohio.edu 529-1877
	Randy Siler silerrs@muohio.edu

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there some way I can visit or talk with someone about the program?
Absolutely, if you would like to discuss the program by phone or visit with us please contact, Dr. Ray Witte, program director, at witter@muohio.edu.

Are there any special forms that should be printed out for recommendation letters?
No, we do not use any particular form.

My GRE is scheduled for December or January, should I wait to send the rest of my materials until I have taken the GRE?
No, you may send your materials at any time to the Graduate School and EDP Department. Be sure to request that your GRE scores be sent to Miami University; Miami's institution code is R1463.

How much does the GRE score factor in the decision making process?
GRE scores are never viewed in isolation. Applicants are accepted based on many qualities including GPA, GRE, letters of recommendation, interpersonal skills, research and/or practical experiences. A high GRE alone will not automatically get someone into the program, nor will a low score automatically preclude acceptance. There is no minimum GRE required.

How many students are admitted to the school psychology program?
There are usually 10-12 students accepted each year.

Is each student paired up with a faculty member to participate in school psychology research?
Yes, students choose a thesis advisor who shares research interests. Also, depending on graduate assistantships, students may do research with faculty as part of their graduate assistant duties.

Will applicants be interviewed before being accepted into the program?
Yes, there will be interviews for selected applicants. Applicants will have the opportunity to meet faculty, current school psychology students, as well as tour Miami's campus.

Current Students

 

Students in school psychology attended the August 2009 Graduation Ceremony.

School Psychology Student Calendar

Student Photo Album

Student Presentations and Awards