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Admissions Deadline for Fall 2027: December 1, 2026

We are glad to see you are interested in the MSU School Psychology Ph.D. Program! We encourage you to learn about our faculty or take a tour of the MSU campus. Once you have reviewed our website, contact our Program Director with questions about the PhD program or our Program Coordinator with questions about the application process.

Reach out to individual faculty directly with questions about research areas and advising. Applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with a faculty member and discuss their interest in applying to the program before submitting their application.

Admissions Criteria for Ph.D. Program

We seek applicants who are interested in working as doctoral-level school psychologists. Professional activities include research, assessment, intervention, and consultation with the school-aged population, their caregivers, educators, and other professionals.

We believe our profession benefits from the perspectives of those who differ by gender, ethnicity, race, culture, sexual orientation, age, religious beliefs, socioeconomic class, and varying abilities. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply to our program and to seek out opportunities to serve diverse clients and systems.

Faculty Members Accepting New Students for Fall 2027: TBD (Check back for this information in early Fall 2026)

Checklist of Application Steps (Details can be found below):

  1. Complete the University Application
    • Provide contact information for three recommendation letter writers.
    • Send one official copy of your transcripts from each previous institution attended.
    • Upload Required Documents.
      • Academic Statement
      • Curriculum Vita or Resume
      • Writing Sample
  2. Confirm in the Application that you can complete an internship of 2000, full-time clock hours.
  3. Submit your fee of $75. Email schpsy@msu.edu to inquire about the availability of fee waivers, if applicable.
  4. OPTIONAL: For the 2026-2027 cycle, It is optional to take the GRE. GRE scores are not required, but students may submit scores if they wish. Report any testing scores by designating Michigan State University (1465) as an official recipient.
  5. For International students only: Complete Step 4. 

Interview Day

The admissions committee reviews all applications and selects a group of approximately 10-15 applicants to invite to campus for a day-long interview. Invited applicants are expected to participate in the on-campus interview with current faculty and students. If a campus visit is not feasible, program staff work with applicants to make other arrangements. Interview Day will be 1/16/2026.