School Psychology

• Outstanding job security. 100% of program interns have immediately secured school psychologist positions since 2002.
• Easy access to and from the Twin Cities and many parts of western Wisconsin. The main campus in River Falls is a short 30-minute drive from downtown St. Paul, MN.
• Progressive, updated and relevant curriculum. See complete course sequence here.  
• Evening-based courses provide flexibility, with classes typically beginning at 4 p.m. or later. Many students find the structure to be integral to their success, allowing time to maintain daytime employment and/or time for other obligations as needed.
• Current students and new graduates benefit from our network of hundreds of school psychology program alumni populating western Wisconsin, the Twin Cities area and many other states/regions.
• Students receive varied and diverse field experiences in urban, suburban and rural schools. See the program's Values Statement Addressing Diversity.

Degree Requirements for Master of Science in Education

Required Courses, 34 credits:

SPSY 622 School Behavior Assessment & Intervention, 3 credits
SPSY 651 Diversity, Social and Cultural Issues, 3 credits
SPSY 701 Introduction to School Psychology, 3 credits
SPSY 744 Academic Assessment & Intervention, 3 credits
SPSY 745 Cognitive Assessment, 3 credits
SPSY 747 Mental Health Classification, Assessment & Intervention, 3 credits
SPSY 752 Advanced School Interventions, 3 credits
SPSY 770 Pre-practicum in School Psychology, 1 credit (.5 credits in Fall; .5 credits in Spring)
SPSY 795 Research & Program Evaluation, 3 credits
SPED 530 The Exceptional Child, 3 credits
COUN 732 Group Counseling, 3 credits
COUN 789 Special Topics: Micro Skills in Counseling, 2 credits

Degree Requirements for Education Specialist

Required Courses, 32 credits:

SPSY 722 School Safety & Crisis Response, 3 credits
SPSY 712 Early Childhood Assessment & Intervention, 3 credits
SPSY 740 Legal and Ethical Issues in School Psychology, 3 credits
SPSY 742 School-Based Advocacy & Public Policy, 1 credits
SPSY 769 School Consultation & Collaboration, 3 credits
SPSY 771 Practicum I: Comprehensive School Psychology Practice, 4 credits
SPSY 772 Practicum II: Comprehensive School Psychology Practice, 4 credits
SPSY 775 Internship in School Psychology I, 5 credits
SPSY 776 Internship in School Psychology II, 5 credits
SPSY 798 Independent Research, 1 credit

Candidates are eligible for full licensure upon completion of the 34-credit Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) degree and the 32-credit Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, for a total of 66 graduate credits.

NASP Accredited. In January 2021, the UWRF School Psychology Program was granted full accreditation (seven years) by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). 

For all the ins and outs and answers to your burning questions, view our Program Handbook or check out the list of Frequently Asked Questions that we've compiled. You'll find information ranging from admissions requirements to tuition details to internship guidelines. 

The School Psychology Program has one annual admissions deadline: January 15th.

Applications received and postmarked on or before January 15th each year will be prioritized for program entrance the following fall semester. Application review and decisions are typically completed in February. Late applications may be considered if open seats remain after April 15th (the date by which accepted applicants must inform the program of their intent to join the program or not).

Applicants are encouraged to check application status frequently by calling the Graduate Admissions Office at (715) 425-3500 or emailing graduateadmissions@uwrf.edu. Please do not assume your application file is complete until you have heard directly from Admissions that it is. 

To be considered for admission, an applicant must have a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Applicants with GPAs lower than 2.75 may be considered in special circumstances. All application materials must be submitted as indicated in the chart below:

Summary of Required Application Materials:

1. Completed Online Application (and paid $56 fee)
2. Three letters of recommendation
3. Letter of interest
4. Official transcripts from all undergraduate schools attended (required) and graduate schools attended (if applicable).
5. Optional (but highly encouraged): Attend information session for applicants.  
6. Optional: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required but will be considered if the official forms are submitted.

Forward materials to the Admissions Office via email or to the address below:

Graduate Admissions
School Psychology Program Application
University of Wisconsin - River Falls
103 David Rodli Hall
410 S. 3rd St.
River Falls, WI 54022-5001

An Admissions Office representative will organize a file on your behalf to include all of your submitted application materials along with a copy of your online application form. Final admission decisions are typically made in February. 

NOTE: A criminal background check is not required as part of the application, but will be required for all accepted students prior to formal admission. Accepted students will receive an email from the College of Education and Professional Studies Associate Dean about this process. Indications of any criminal history on the background check are not considered in the application review process but may require a meeting with the college Associate Dean. Additionally, the program cannot guarantee any graduate an educational license nor job opportunities. Some licensing agencies and some school districts may choose not to consider applicants with criminal histories.