FAQs
Below you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the School Psychology program at George Mason University.
Admissions Information
What are the prerequisite courses to apply?
General psychology, Statistics, Research Methods, Abnormal, Developmental
What if an applicant is missing one or more of the prerequisite courses?
Applicants who are missing one or more of the prerequisite courses are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline of Jan. 15. Acceptance for applicants who are missing prerequisite courses is conditional acceptance. Once the applicant has completed the missing prerequisite courses and has submitted a transcript with the missing classes, the conditional acceptance becomes full acceptance. Applicants with missing prerequisites are expected to complete the prerequisite courses before they enroll in the School Psychology Program. The prerequisite course may be taken online, at a community college, or at any college/university, as long as the institution is accredited.
What is the target GPA for acceptance?
An overall GPA of 3.0 or higher is desirable. Higher GPA in psychology courses is also common.
What is the target GRE score?
The GRE is now optional for admission into the School Psychology program.
Can I apply to just the EdS?
The MA Concentration in School Psychology and the EdS are a united program of study. All applicants apply to the EdS, but the EdS is not a standalone option that you can add to another degree or seek on its own. It does not provide all the requirements needed to practice school psychology in VA or in other states. You cannot become certified with just the EdS.
I have a master's degree in a related field – will my credits count?
The coursework for our program is carefully selected. The courses are necessary in order to become certified to practice school psychology. Most master's degrees do not share similar coursework, as school psychology is a highly specific discipline. The program is allowed to waive up to 17 credits toward the master's, provided the courses meet specific criteria. The program is allowed to waive 14 credits toward the EdS, provided courses meet specific criteria. In most cases, even with a master's in a related field, there are many specific courses in school psychology that must be taken. So frequently many of the classes from another master's are not equivalent and cannot be counted.
When is the application deadline?
Jan 15th is the priority deadline.
What does priority deadline mean?
Applications submitted by the deadline will be considered. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered on a space available basis.
Do you accept students in the fall and spring? How many are accepted?
We accept one cohort each fall, typically between 10 – 15 students. We do not have a spring cohort.
Program Information
Is the program online or in person? When are classes?
The program is not offered online. The classes meet in person, during the day and early evening.
What is a cohort model?
The students in the program move through the sequence of courses together as one cohort. The sequence of courses is our “program of study.” The courses are taken in a specific order and many are sequential (with one being a prerequisite for the next). The program of study is carefully planned, and all students generally follow this sequence.
How many courses do students take each semester?
Each semester, students register for approximately 12 credits (about 4 classes).
Are there courses in the summer?
Yes, students take courses in the summer between first and second year.
How long is the program?
The program is three years. The first two years are spent in classes and practica, and the final year is a full-time internship. Most of the internships where our students are accepted are paid, though not at the salary of a credentialed school psychologist.
Can I work while in this program?
Many students have part time jobs during their time in the program. Flexibility of the job is important, as students must attend class at designated times, and class times may change from semester to semester. Also, students complete their practica, which requires activities outside of class time.
What practica are part of the program?
Students start practicum placements in the first semester. In total there are five, one-semester practica. In the fall of 2nd year, students take two practica simultaneously. Practica occur in the schools and in our university training clinic. Practica focus on assessment, prevention, intervention, and consultation. Students are placed in practicum sites.
Where do students complete internship?
Students complete internships all over the U.S. Many students remain in this area, though. Internships in the northern Virginia area are generally paid. The program does not place students in internships; students apply to school systems, who post job announcements in fall and early spring.
Is there a research project?
No, there is no research project requirement, though many students elect to pursue research projects in conjunction with faculty in various programs at George Mason. The decision to become involved in research is up to each student. There is a culminating portfolio project completed during internship year.
What degree is awarded at the end of the program?
The MA Concentration in School Psychology is awarded upon the successful completion of the first 36 credits in the Program of Study. This typically occurs at the end of summer semester of the first year. The EdS is awarded upon completion of the remaining 30 credits, including the internship. Completion of the EdS allows students to seek a License with an endorsement in School Psychology and National Certification as a School Psychologist (NCSP).
Will I be licensed after this program?
You will be eligible to apply to the Virginia Board of Education for licensure in school psychology. It is a “pupil personnel licensure.” You can apply for licensure in other states, as well.
Can I find a job after graduation?
There is a national (and local) shortage of school psychologists, so hiring prospects are very good. Many school districts in Virginia and beyond have unfilled positions.