The School Psychology Program requires the following application materials:

1. A personal goal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 750 words (3 pages double-spaced) which addresses:

  • reasons for seeking entry into this program; 
  • postbaccalaureate experiences in teaching, counseling & assessment if any; 
  • your professional aspirations; and 
  • your research interests.

2. Three recent letters of recommendation from professors or first-line supervisors, on their letterhead, which address:

  • your communication skills, both written and oral; 
  • your ability to interact productively with supervisors, peers and children; 
  • your ability to function without supervision; 
  • your teaching, counseling and/or assessment skills; and 
  • other relevant aspects of your academic or professional development.
  • your research competence and experience.

3. Tests

The School Psychology program does not consider the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) for admission.

TOEFL/IELTS

Applicants whose native language is not English who attended school outside the US, UK, Australia, Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore, Trinadad, or Tobago are also required to submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores. More information about minimum scores for admission with the Graduate School can be found here.  Applicants should also review the Graduate School's COVID 19 Admissions FAQ.

The College will also accept electronic IELTS scores.  If you have taken the IELTS within the last 2 years, we encourage you to contact the Office of Student Services for instructions on how to send these to UW. Duolingo is also accepted for the 2022 cycle.

4. Grade-point average for latest 90 graded quarter credits (or 60 semester credits)

There is a minimum 3.0 grade-point-average (on a 4 point scale) from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits from a baccalaureate degree (for a Master’s, doctoral, or professional degree, the total cumulative average may be used).

If you earned additional credits from an accredited institution after your degree, you may include these credits in calculating your GPA

5. Writing Sample

6. Previous research experience along with experience in applied settings is highly recommended.

7. For PhD applicants with Masters or Specialist Degree in School Psychology:  PhD applicants with a previous degree in school psychology are also invited to apply to the program. For consideration at this level, a Masters or Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology, completion of at least two years of coursework in the Educational Specialist Degree program at the University of Washington, or certification as a school psychologist are required.  Applicants not meeting these requirements must first complete the EdS degree course work as part of the PhD program  (including the precertification internship).

8. Preferential considerations is given to applicants who have had employment or volunteer experiences in the schools, Pre-K-12.

9. Preferential consideration is given to applicants who have had research training and experience.

10.  We host an "interview day" during the first or second week of February for finalists who remain competitive after the primary and secondary review of their application.  For those who are unable to attend this event, a web based or phone interview with one or more members of the core faculty in school psychology is required. Interviews are by invitation.

11. Applications for admission will be considered only for admission in Autumn Quarter. Applications must be received by the Graduate School by December 1 (or the Monday after if the 1st falls on a weekend); faculty reviews will commence in January and continue until all vacancies are filled.

The College of Education is committed to recognizing and fostering the values derived from a diverse student population. We are striving to promote increased diversity among practicing school psychologists. Toward this end we apply a variety of criteria when evaluating applicants including special talents, experiences, aptitudes, and abilities. We strongly encourage minority students to apply to this program.