Admission Requirements:
All applicants need to apply to the university graduate school and supply official transcripts. This application also includes:
- the departmental application;
- three letters of recommendation;
- a personal statement (approximately 1000 words in length) describing academic objectives, research interests, and career goals;
- an academic writing sample.
Preference will be given to applicants with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 hours of coursework who have earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a substantial equivalent. Applicants who meet criteria for full admission and those being considered for conditional admission (see below) may be contacted for an in-person or virtual interview.
Substantial equivalent for admission without a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology includes those courses which are prerequisites for graduate courses. These include:
- general psychology or introduction to psychology;
- child development, lifespan development, or developmental psychology;
- statistics;
- abnormal psychology, child psychopathology, or personality;
- learning or cognitive psychology.
Applicants without these courses may be allowed to take these courses concurrently with graduate studies. Requirements may be waived if applicants demonstrate mastery of subject material.
If space is available, applications may be reviewed for conditional admission if they do not meet the requirements for full admission (above); however, admission is competitive due to supervision requirements. Conditions of admission are based on student needs and are discussed with the applicant.
All application materials should be uploaded to the WTAMU Graduate School Applicant Portal or sent directly to the WTAMU Graduate School.
Graduate School
West Texas A&M University
WTAMU Box 60215
Canyon, Texas 79016
graduateschool@wtamu.edu
For more information, contact the department at 806-651-2590.
Application portal and information available online:
Deadlines: Review of applications for fall admission will begin no later than April 1. All applications received after April 1 will be reviewed for any remaining positions. The deadline for spring admission is December 1.
Additional Requirements:
The School Psychology Program has adopted a comprehensive exam model, based on coursework and program goals and objectives. The comprehensive exam is comprised of both a written and oral component. Students are eligible for the comprehensive exam toward the end of their coursework. Both components must be passed prior to graduation.
Students will also develop an electronic portfolio. An electronic portfolio will document student progress, knowledge, and skills throughout the program, resulting in a comprehensive digital repository of information.
All students completing the School Psychology Program must take the Praxis II Specialty Examination in School Psychology and achieve a passing score (according to Texas L.S.S.P. guidelines) in order to graduate from the program.
Notes:
Changes in the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council or Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists rules and regulations and the National Association of School Psychologists: Standards for Practice and Training can impact program requirements. This applies to requirements for supervision and completion of practica and internship as well.
A student wishing to obtain licensure in Texas as an L.S.S.P. cannot have any criminal convictions other than minor traffic violations. Requirements for licensure vary from one profession to another and from state to state. If you are interested in professional licensure, please check with the appropriate licensing body in the state where you intend to practice. The specialist degree in School Psychology at WTAMU may or may not meet requirements for licensure or certification in other states.
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