About
Appalachian’s dual Master of Arts and Specialist in School Psychology degree program provides learning experiences grounded in the scientist-practitioner model that enable our graduates to become well-rounded, effective school psychologists who practice competently and ethically in all domains of school psychology practice and who are prepared to work effectively with diverse populations in a variety of settings.
The multidisciplinary program produces leaders in the field who advocate for and facilitate positive change for the children, families and institutions they serve, by employing the best available scientific evidence and the most effective interpersonal and collaborative skills.
Professional Licensure
This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.
If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.
Courses
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Graduate Bulletin and Course Catalog
Application Essentials
Required Entrance Exam: The GRE is not required for students with a GPA of 3.0 or above. For those with a GPA below 3.0, entrance exam requirements follow those of the Graduate School (GRE score must be no more than 5 years old).
Required number of references to specify in the online form: 3
Supplemental Information: Resume (Required upload for application submission); and in lieu of a "Personal Statement" essay, ALL applicants must complete a questionnaire within the online application.
Basic Conditions for Consideration of Admission: Meeting or exceeding the conditions below does NOT guarantee admission. All applications for a given entry term will be weighed based upon the number of seats available and the quality of the complete application packages. With special permission from the Graduate School, a program may admit a limited number of students with exceptional circumstances who do not meet the graduate school minimums.
Graduate School: 3.0 GPA in the last earned degree and official scores from the appropriate admission test(s), OR 2.5 GPA in the last earned degree and official scores at the 25th percentile level from the appropriate admission test(s).
Admission to School Psychology: Both qualitative and quantitative aspects of applications are reviewed in comparison to the current applicant pool.
Employers
- Public school districts across North Carolina and other states
- Agencies that support children with disabilities
Application Deadlines
Fall Admission
February 1, priority review date for admission is December 15
Applications not completed by the priority date risk denial of admission; however, if seats remain for the invitation-only interviews in February, applications not complete by December 15 will be considered.
Why Appalachian?
- The program has been NASP-approved since 1991.
- Students have early and ongoing school-based learning experiences.
- Some School Psychology students choose to pursue either a graduate certificate (12 hours) or a graduate minor (9 hours) in autism — both offered by App State’s Department of Reading Education and Special Education.
- Faculty are accessible and supportive.
- The program has a cooperative, non-competitive culture.
- 100% of eligible students have received graduate assistantships in the past decade.
- 100% of our students have obtained third-year internship placements.
- 100% of our graduates who have sought employment as school psychologists have been successful.
- All graduate programs at Appalachian have small class sizes, providing intimate classroom interaction.
- The School of Graduate Studies offers scholarships, fellowships and assistantships to support eligible, full-time, degree-seeking students.
Location
On campus
Careers
- School Psychologist
- Nonprofit Director
- Educational Specialist
Contacts
Dr. Jamie Yarbrough
Program Director
yarbroughjl@appstate.edu