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Admissions Questions

• When are applications due?

  Electronic applications must be submitted by February 1st for consideration and must include a complete application. 

• Can I transfer in credits?
  • Yes, 6 credits of relevant prior graduate coursework with a B or better can apply toward elective courses. 
  • Additional credits may be transferred in for prior graduate coursework that is similar to or the same course and must be taken within the last 7 years. 
  • Coursework taken prior to 7 years will need to be reviewed by program faculty and require graduate school approval. 
• What if I already have a Masters degree in Special Education or related field?
  • Prior coursework in special education or a related field may apply toward some of the coursework (see transfer credit question above).
  • The program aligns with the National Association of School Psychologists Graduate Preparation Standards and Alaska State requirements for professional licensure and certification as a School Psychologist. Candidates must meet all program requirements. See program catalog for requirements. 
• What are the prerequisite requirements?

  Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university in psychology, education, early childhood education, or related fields, with the applicant’s transcript showing evidence of courses in the three prerequisite areas: (1) child or human development, (2) learning and/or cognition, and (3) tests and measurements. 

• Can I be accepted if I have not yet completed all the prerequisite requirements?

  Applicants may be considered for provisional acceptance if they have a clear plan to complete the prerequisite requirements by the start of enrollment in the program (i.e., summer session). 
  

• How do I apply?

  All applicants to the UAA MS in School Psychology - Specialist program must complete an online application for admission, which includes a non-refundable $75.00 fee. 

  1. Complete an Electronic Application and follow instructions for completing your profile.
  2. Once the Application Profile has been created the application for admission is ready to be initiated. For the Program Selection page choose the following options:
     1. Level - Graduate
     2. Campus - Anchorage Campus
     3. College - College of Arts & Sciences
     4. Degree - Master of Science in School Psychology - Specialist
     5. Major - Select Fulltime OR Parttime Track
     6. Select the semester you plan to attend classes - Choose the Fall semester
  3. Once this is completed and submitted, a checklist of the following required supplemental items will show up in your application portal:
     1. Prerequisite Coursework
     2. License Information and Criminal History
     3. Transcripts
     4. Personal Goal Statement. Save your Letter of Intent as a PDF and upload it to your application.
        1. Personal goal statement should address (a) why you are seeking a degree in school psychology and how you are prepared to work with children and youth from diverse cultural backgrounds, (b) previous work with children and/or youth and families in school or community-based settings, (c) your reasons for selecting the Master of Science in School Psychology - Specialist at UAA with reference to the program’s mission and vision, and (d) reference to place-based and location preferences for field work if applicable.
     5. Resume/Professional Vitae that documents your vocational and professional experiences with children and/or families, academic achievements, research accomplishments or special projects, recognitions, and other information relevant to your qualifications for the program.
     6. Two Professional Letters of Reference (uploaded by recommenders). Letters should address the applicant’s suitability for the program and prior work in school or community settings with children, youth, or families. The program values academic excellence, a strong commitment to equity and justice, interpersonal skills, intrapersonal skills, professional behaviors, ethical decision-making, and sound reasoning. Applicants are asked to seek recommendations from those who can offer a recent and professional assessment of their knowledge, skills, and behaviors in these areas (e.g., direct supervisors, professors).
     7. Scholarship and Graduate Student Assistantship Statement of Interest. Here you will indicate if you are interested in funding through Project i-SPARRC, Graduate Student Assistantships, or other scholarship opportunities. 
• What is the process for admissions review and decisions?

  Applications to the MS in School Psychology - Specialist program are accepted and reviewed once a year. Applications must be submitted online by February 1st. Paper applications will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

  • The program committee will review completed applications and invite selected applicants for a Zoom interview. 
  • All applicants will be notified of decisions by March 1st. 
  • Accepted applicants must confirm the offer by March 15th.  
  • There are four categories of admissions decisions:
    • Admitted: All admissions requirements are met and the applicant is selected for admission to the MS in School Psychology program.
      • An Intent to Enroll form is enclosed with the notice of admission, and applicants must return this form to the School Psychology program by the date specified in the letter in order to confirm their seat in the program.
    • Admitted with Provisions: Applicants who show potential for success in the MS in School Psychology program but do not meet all the prerequisite requirements may be provisionally admitted. For example, applicants who are enrolled in the last semester of their undergraduate program or who have not completed the three prerequisite courses will be given a provisional admission if a clear plan is identified. Provisions must be completed by the date specified in the letter of admission. If the provisions are not met within the specified deadlines, the student may be removed from graduate degree-seeking status.
      • An Intent to Enroll form is enclosed with the notice of provisional admission, and applicants must return this form to the School Psychology program by the date specified in the letter in order to confirm their seat in the program.
    • Waitlisted for Admission: If we receive more qualified applicants than space available a small number of applicants may be selected for a waitlist. If space becomes available before May 1, applicants will be removed from the waitlist and offered admission. If space does not become available, then applicants on the waitlist must reapply to be considered for admission in subsequent years.
    • Denied Admission: Unfortunately, if we receive more applications than space available or if applicants are not qualified we must deny admission to applicants. Applicants who are denied admission may reapply in subsequent years.
• Can I apply if I hold a visa?

  UAA's Department of Psychology is not able to accept applications of admission from visa holders that would require the sponsorship of the University of Alaska Anchorage.

• Notice of Discrimination

  The University of Alaska is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution. The University of Alaska does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, parenthood, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, or other legally protected status. The University's commitment to nondiscrimination, including against sex discrimination, applies to students, employees, and applicants for admission and employment. Contact information, applicable laws, and complaint procedures are included on UA's statement of nondiscrimination.