Psychology (S.S.P.)

Program Admission Requirements

In addition to the Graduate School Admission Requirements, a B average calculated for the last two years of undergraduate work is required.  An undergraduate degree in psychology is not required but transcripts will be reviewed as to which psychology courses were taken as an undergraduate. An official GRE General Test score report from within the past five years must be provided by applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA less than 3.2. Submission of GRE General Test scores are optional for applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or above. Applicants must also submit a personal statement describing the applicant’s interest in school psychology and the graduate program at WCU as well as a resume/curriculum vita.  Finally, three letters of recommendation need to be provided from former instructors or relevant professional sources who are in a position to judge the applicant’s aptitude for graduate study and work as a school psychologists. A face-to-face or online personal interview will be required.

Program Description

The school psychology program provides a terminal Specialist in School Psychology degree program that requires the completion of 71 semester hours.  Students earn the M.A. in General Psychology with a concentration in School Psychology (50 hours required) on the way to completing the Specialist degree.  The program includes two practica (6 hours total), a year-long internship (12 hours total) and the completion of a thesis project (6 hours total). Successful completion of the program, including passing the Praxis II exam and requirements related to licensure, will lead to recommendation for Level II licensure and National Certification as a School Psychologist (NCSP).

Statement on Course Load

Psychology students are exempt from the standard course load limit and may enroll into a maximum of sixteen hours per term.