Apply to a Graduate Program in School Psychology

Prospective students interested in applying to any of the degree programs in School Psychology should read this page carefully and all forms linked below.  Note that all prospective students must complete both a Graduate School application and a departmental application, both of which are described below.

Application Deadlines:     PhD Program: December 15             MS/EdS Programs: February 4

Information About Admissions

Admission to the program is competitive and limited by available resources. Decisions regarding acceptance are based on the following factors: (a) Undergraduate Grade Point Average; (b) Graduate Grade Point Average; (c) scores on the Graduate Record Examination; (d) letters of recommendation; (e) previous related volunteer or appropriate work experience; (f) statement of professional goals; (g) a sample of scholarly work; (h) evidence of professional promise; (i) a personal interview, when possible; and (j) student diversity. The interview, conducted with a selected pool of final applicants, is recommended but not required for admission to the program. The number of students admitted is subject to the availability of resources and is re-evaluated each year.

Application for admission to the School Psychology program is filed with the Director of Graduate Studies and reviewed by the program faculty. Applications for admission to the program are considered once a year and must be received in completed form (including letters, etc.) by the deadlines above. At that time, the Program Admissions Committee will review all applications that are complete. Typically, students accepted during the spring semester commence advanced graduate study the following fall semester.

How to Apply

PART I:  GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION

STEP 1: Apply online to the University of Kentucky Graduate School (click link below).

STEP 2: Send all official materials to the Graduate School:

The Graduate School
University of Kentucky
Attn: Records Office
The Gillis Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0033

Note: Official transcripts and offical GRE scores are required for all applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. Unofficial copies of these documents should also be sent to the EDP department (see instructions below).

PART II:  DEPARTMENTAL APPLICATION

STEP 3: Download and complete a departmental application

STEP 4: Compile the following supporting materials:

• Your resumé or vita (this should include your educational background, work experiences, professional certifications, professional memberships, publications, and references)
• Statement of purpose that explains your reasons for applying to the program and addresses the following:
  • What is your understanding of school psychology and why is this program a "good fit" for your specific career goals?
  • What is your theoretical orientation?  (PhD applicants only)
  • What previous clinical or educational experience and/or life experiences do you have with diverse populations and/or different cultures?
  • What is (or will be) your contribution to issues of diversity and social justice?
  • What are your specific research interests and with which faculty member(s) does your research interests most align? (PhD applicants only)  
• Sample of scholarly writing (PhD applicants only)
• Copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts (originals not required)
• Copy of your GRE scores (originals not required)
• Original or copy of TOEFL or IELTS scores (for applicants whose native language is not English)
  

STEP 5: Send printed application and all supporting materials to the EDP Department:

STEP 6: Request three letters of recommendation

STEP 7: Letters of recommendation should be sent in a sealed, signed envelope to:

Questions about the admissions process should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Rory Remer. If you have questions about the application forms, please call 859-257-7881 or contact Ms. Penny Cruse.