Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the general requirements for acceptance to the School Psychology programs at Temple University?
- Minimum undergraduate GPA for admission in 3.0.
- Minimum GRE (Verbal plus Quantitative) for admission is 1000 or 50th %. GRE scores must be official reports from ETS, taken within the past 5 years.
- The Psychology GRE subject test is no longer required.
- Admission to the School Psychology Program is generally quite competitive, so the above minimum scores are generally NOT sufficient to ensure admission, especially for the Ph.D. program.
- Minimum TOEFL score for admission is 230 (computer) or 575 (paper).
- Transfer credits: Up to 30 semester hours of advanced standing into the either program if you have a masters degree. Coursework should generally have been taken within the last 5 years.
What if I do not meet the above minimum criteria?
You will have to go through an alternative admissions process, which is designed to justify why a student with scores below the minimum should be admitted. We review GRE scores, undergraduate and graduate GPA, recommendations, essays, and interview. Ph.D. applicants are also evaluated on research interest and accomplishment. Exceptionally strong performance in one area may offset another.
What if I have done well in all areas except the GRE?
GRE scores are counted in combination with other factors. However, we are required by various accrediting agencies to maintain a high average GRE for the program. This is one of the qualities on which most graduate programs are judged. Further, in times of economic stress, graduate programs with below average scores for their students are vulnerable to elimination. We occasionally make exceptions when all other factors are high. This may in part be determined by the overall scores on all factors of any given applicant pool, so there is no guarantee.
What if I already have a masters degree in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, social work, or other related area, and I want to transfer credits?
The Graduate School establishes the maximum credits that can be transferred. You can transfer up to 30 semester hours from a prior masters degree toward the Ed.S. or the Ph.D. However, if you do not come from a school psychology program, many of your courses may not count toward our requirements. If you enter the Ph.D. program with a specialist-level degree, you will be credited for courses taken relatively recently and updated training, but you will still be required to complete the university minimum credits for a Ph.D. to graduate.
Anything else I should know about transferring courses?
Yes! If a course has been taken to satisfy degree program requirements elsewhere (i.e., you took the class as part of another masters degree), the course CANNOT be transferred in toward a second masters. However, we may substitute a more advanced course so that you will not have to repeat the same course.
What courses can I transfer that meet the program requirements?
First, compare the courses that you have taken at the graduate level with those in our graduate catalog, which is available online. If you took them more than 5 years ago, you will have to demonstrate that you have kept current in the field. We do not evaluate course equivalencies prior to admission, but in general, we consider when you took it, where you took it, and how much you know about the current course material.
What if I was not a psychology major?
We prefer applicants to have been psychology majors or minors. However, as long as you have taken the prerequisite courses and done well on the Psychology GRE, a different major should not hold you back.
What if I have not taken the prerequisite courses?
You may still be admitted, but you are required to complete the prerequisite courses no later than the end of your first semester. Some courses may be completed by taking an equivalency exam. Discuss this with your adviser.
What if I am admitted and want to defer admission?
If you are admitted and wish to defer admission for a year, you should request this in writing. While we are allowed to grant deferments, it may have ramifications for our enrollments, course sizes, etc., so we are not anxious to do so. You must make a strong case for why a deferment is appropriate.
What financial aid is available?
Students applying for the Ph.D. program who have excellent credentials may be eligible to compete for a University Fellowship. If you believe you may qualify, we recommend that you submit your application by DECEMBER 15 so that we have time to consider recommending you.
Students applying for the Ed.S. and Ph.D. programs are encouraged to seek financial aid through the University and to apply for assistantships, academic intern positions, and student worker positions. Information about financial aid is available on the Temple website. The School Psychology Program has very few assistantship positions available, but our students have been competitive for positions elsewhere in the College and University.
How much time do I have to finish the program?
Four years for Ed.S. students; seven years for Ph.D. students.
Extensions of time can be granted for one year for the Ed.S. program (up to five years) and up to three years for the Ph.D. program (up to ten years). However, the faculty and the graduate school have to approve the request, and may deny an extension if you are not making adequate progress toward a degree.
What is the rule on Leaves of Absence?
Ed.S. students can get up to two semesters of leave; Ph.D. students can get up to four semesters. A leave DOES NOT stop the clock, so you still have to finish within the above limits. There is an online form to request a leave, and there is an application fee.
What is the rule on continuous enrollment?
Students must be continuously enrolled (taking at least one semester hour of coursework or having an approved leave of absence) for the Fall and Spring semesters from when they matriculate until they graduate.
What constitutes full time status?
Full time is defined as 9 semester hours in a given semester. Students who are on a full-time internship, or are working on a thesis or dissertation, can be considered full time even with fewer semester hours. Ph.D. students can have up to six semesters of full time dissertation work.
Can I attend the program part-time and continue to work?
Although we allow part-time students, many of our classes are offered only during the day. You cannot complete either program completely in the evening and weekends. In addition, Ph.D. students must have one residency year in which they are enrolled full time (9 semester hours) both Fall and Spring.
What does the program cost?
Graduate classes are priced per credit hour. Other fees for full-time students for technology, activities, health, and recreation. Some courses carry additional materials fees. Current information about tuition and fees can be found at the Bursar's Office Tuition Rate Schedule.
- Note: Students who move to Pennsylvania to attend school will be considered out of state students for the duration of their program.
See also information about Temple Graduate School Financial Assistance opportunities.
