Doctor of School Psychology (PsyD)

Admission Requirements

• (5-year track) Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in psychology or a minimum of 12 undergraduate credits in psychology, including a course in statistics and an experimental/research methodology course. Please note: an introductory course in psychology does not count toward the minimum credit requirement, though it might be needed as a pre-requisite to other psychology courses.
• (3-year track) Masters Degree and a Copy of School Psychologist Certification
• Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
• *F1/J1 seeking students are not eligible for this program.

Application Checklist

• Application Deadline: January 15. For Fall admission only
• Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
• Deposit Required: An enrollment deposit is required upon admission and will be applied to your first semester’s tuition.
• Transcript: One from each college attended.
• Resume or CV
• Letters of Recommendation: 2
• Interview: All applicants who are selected to proceed to the next stage of the admissions process following review of their applications, must complete an admissions interview with program faculty.
• Essay: Required (2 pages, APA style)
  • Prompt:
    • Why do you want to pursue a doctoral degree in school psychology
    • Why would attending Montclair State University's program be instrumental or important to you
• GRE Subject Test (Psychology): Optional

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of School Psychology (PsyD) program are prepared to support the academic, behavioral and social-emotional development of children and adolescents in educational settings. Through advanced coursework and applied training, you will develop the skills needed to assess student needs, implement interventions, collaborate with educators and families, and contribute to supportive learning environments. Graduates are prepared to pursue professional roles that focus on improving student outcomes, strengthening school systems and supporting diverse learners across educational settings.

Career Paths

Graduates of this program may pursue roles such as:

• School Psychologist
• Lead School Psychologist
• Educational Consultant
• Behavioral Specialist
• Child Study Team Member
• School-Based Intervention Specialist
• District-Level Support Specialist
• Program Coordinator or Supervisor
• Educational Services Specialist
• University Faculty

Industries Where Graduates Work

Graduates of the PsyD program typically work in:

• Public school districts
• Private and independent schools
• Charter school systems
• Educational service agencies
• Early childhood education programs
• Behavioral and mental health support programs
• Educational consulting organizations
• Community-based child and family services
• Hospitals
• Mental health facilities
• Colleges or universities

Professional Certification

Graduates of the five-year pathway are prepared to meet requirements for the New Jersey Department of Education School Psychologist Standard Certificate, supporting entry into professional school psychology roles. Graduates of both the three-year and five-year pathways will meet the coursework requirements for licensure as a psychologist in the state of New Jersey. They will complete a year-long internship that will allow them to complete many of the hours toward the supervised practice requirement for licensure as a psychologist in the state of New Jersey.