School Psychology Doctoral Program

Accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)1, the Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology is designed to extend the training of the specialist-level school psychologist so that he or she is prepared to serve educational systems and the larger community. The program prepares school psychologists who can perform a variety of roles in the delivery of mental health services; who can assume a leadership role in the development of comprehensive and effective educational and psychological services to children, families, and schools; and who are able to supervise, coordinate, and direct the activities of others in the delivery of school psychological services.

The training model is based on the scientist-practitioner tradition emphasizing the application of behavioral science in educational systems and the larger community. Training emphasizes practice guided by scientific knowledge. Students are taught to use scientific principles to inform their practice (including consultation, intervention, and diagnostic services) and to evaluate their practice in order to improve services as well as contribute to the field of School Psychology. The program is committed to fostering in its students sensitivity to, appreciation for, and understanding of ethnic minority group members. Similarly, the program strives to promote understanding of, and responsiveness to, the special needs of individuals with disabilities.

We are NOT accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year PhD program.  Please check back for updates.

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Program requirements

This program of study typically includes four years of intensive, full-time academic preparation and field experience plus a one-year, full-time internship. Students must successfully complete 3 years of graduate study. Students are accepted into the program on a full-time basis. Normal progress through the program requires full-time study and will involve a course load of 9 to 12 credits per semester. Students are expected to take a minimum of 6 hours per semester. For at least one year of the program, students must be in full-time residence at Central Michigan University. The program meets the Michigan requirements for certification as a school psychologist as defined by the State Board of Education. In addition, completion of the program fulfills the requirements for certification as a school psychologist in the majority of states.

Students entering with a BS/BA degree will be required to complete approximately 106 graduate credit hours. Those entering with a MA/MS degree in School Psychology will be required to complete approximately 70 graduate hours.

Students are required to complete at least two years of academic training at Central Michigan University. The following courses must be completed while enrolled at Central Michigan University: PSY 767, PSY 890/891, PSY 898/899, and PSY 990/991. At least 50 percent of the minimum post-baccalaureate hours for a doctoral degree must be completed at Central Michigan University. A minimum of two-thirds of the credit hours for the doctoral degree must be at the 600 level or above, that is, no more than one-third of the credit hours may be at the 500 level. Any credits more than 10 years old at the time of graduation will not be accepted towards meeting degree requirements.

The Ethical Codes of the American Psychological Association2 and the National Association of School Psychologists3 are the foundation for the School Psychology training programs. Students are introduced to ethical codes and ethical decision-making early (in the first semester of coursework), and they are expected to demonstrate high standards of professional conduct in coursework and fieldwork. Consistent with our ethical codes and professional standards, students are taught to respect the dignity and worth of the individual and to strive for the preservation and protection of fundamental human rights. Throughout their training, they must demonstrate a commitment to using the science of psychology to promote human welfare.

Admissions process

We are NOT admitting PhD students for the 2025-2026 academic year.  Please check back for updates.

Minimum admission requirements include an undergraduate major in psychology or at least 15 semester hours of psychology and a 3.0 overall grade point average. A background in scientific psychology and basic research methodology including statistics and experimental psychology is strongly weighted to assure that students will be conversant with research. Students who do not meet the required 15 semester hours of basic psychology courses, but appear qualified for doctoral study, are required to remedy deficiencies as part of their initial coursework. The Doctoral Admissions Committee will identify what coursework is necessary and inform the student about remediation.​ 

In addition to grades, the Doctoral Admissions Committee is very attentive to letters of recommendation, personal statements, and relevant professional experiences. Work history, professional goals, capacity for relating to and working with other people, emotional maturity and stability, and motivation are also considered. GRE scores are recommended, but not required. 

We encourage all applicants to be familiar with the American Psychological Association guidelines for accepting offers for admission and financial aid.

Application deadline

The deadline for all application materials is January 15th for the School Doctoral Program. In addition to grades, the Admissions Committee is attentive to letters of recommendation, personal statements, and relevant professional experiences. GRE scores are recommended but not required.  

Contact information

If you have any questions regarding the application requirements, please contact:

Department of Psychology, 989-774-3001
Central Michigan University, School Psychology Programs
Sloan Hall 101, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859

Fax number: 989-774-2553

Application forms

    Complete and submit Central Michigan University's application form with all required application materials to the College of Graduate Studies. The Department of Psychology requires a Statement of Research Interest.  Requirements can be found in the application. Transcripts should be sent to the College of Graduate Studies, Central Michigan University, 802 Industrial Drive, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858. They can also be sent electronically directly from you prior school to apply@cmich.edu. For an update on your application status, please call (989) 774-4444.

    Apply Now

    Personal statement and resume or CV are required to be uploaded online with your application to the program.

    The online application requires three letter writers to electronically submit their letters to your application portal. You will need to provide their email addresses within your application in order for the system to automatically reach out to them.

    Letter of Recommendation Form

    GRE Scores are recommended but not required. If you choose to send your GRE score, please use the following information:

    The code for Central Michigan University is 1106

    The School Psychology Program Code number is 3406

    The GRE is currently administered either in person at testing centers or remotely on your own computer at home. Please visit the GRE at Home website. GRE fee reductions may be available for those with financial need through the Educational Testing Service.

    Educational Testing Service Website

    Student forms​

    State of Michigan Certification:
    The Michigan Department of Education is in the process of transitioning to the new Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) database. MOECS went live on February 8, 2011. For more information please visit the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) website. If you have questions, please email Dr. Daniel Drevon, Director, School Psychology Program.

    Handbooks

      For past Student Handbooks, contact the Department of Psychology at psy@cmich.edu. 

      Centers and student organizations

      Citations

      1Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Telephone: 202-336-5979. Email the American Psychological Association Accreditation Office.

      2American Psychological Association. (2011).  Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.

       3National Association of School Psychologists. (2010).  Principles for Professional Ethics.​