Child, Family, & School Psychology Program (CFSP) Frequently Asked Questions
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this document, the University of Denver and the Morgridge College of Education reserve the right to make changes in the policies and procedures outlined in this document without advance notice. Students should refer to the MCE Bulletin and/or the CFSP Program Handbook for the definitive word on polices and procedures.
General Application and Program Questions:
Application Deadline:
- January 4, 2013 Admissions Deadline
How do I apply?
You can apply online at myweb.du.edu.
What criteria are considered for acceptance to the CFSP program?
The CFSP program takes a "whole person" philosophy when accepting students. Thus,
in addition to looking at your scores on the GRE, the admissions committee will also
examine your transcript, letters of recommendation, statement of intent, and any prior
experience that is applicable to the program to which you are applying.
If I have a degree from outside of psychology, will that reduce my chance of being
accepted?
No. The CFSP program welcomes individuals with unique backgrounds to bring different
perspectives to the program. However, depending on the degree you hold, you may have
to take some additional coursework. Even with a degree outside of psychology, many
students find that they have prior experiences that relate to the field they are pursuing.
How important are my GRE scores for admission?
GRE scores are not the deciding factor for admittance; they are only one of many criteria
used for admissions purposes.
What if I do not have GRE scores? Can I use another test I took?
The CFSP program requires GRE scores from all applicants. The only exception to this
rule applies to international students who must have both TOEFL and GRE scores to
apply.
When will I hear about my application?
Applicants will receive an e-mail that their application was received by the DU Graduate
Studies Admissions Office and will be notified if there is any missing information.
Students are encouraged to check on the status of their application materials by e-mailing
them at gstadm@du.edu. Once an application file is complete, the file is sent to the Morgridge College
of Education Office of Admissions to be reviewed by CFSP Program faculty. Typically,
decisions about acceptance into the CFSP Program are made in mid-February. To check
on admission decisions, you may contact the Morgridge College of Education Admissions
office at 303-871-2509 or at edinfo@du.edu.
From whom should I get letters of recommendation?
It is best to obtain letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who
know you well and are engaged in studies similar to the program to which you are applying.
For recent graduates, ask for recommendation letters from former professors that can
speak to your academic abilities as well as your character. For individuals entering
the program with years of work experience, letters of recommendation from professionals
who have seen your abilities working with children, adolescents, and/or families are
recommended. Most importantly, choose individuals that are knowledgeable about your
past experiences as well as your goals for the future, and who know you well enough
to adequately discuss your accomplishments and potential.
Is an interview required for admission?
Yes, interviews are required as part of the admissions process. You will be notified
of the interview dates in January. If you are unable to come to your on campus interview,
you may complete your interview via Skype or phone.
Do you accept students mid year?
The deadline for all MA, EdS, and PhD applications is January 4, 2013. This is a
fall start program.
How many students will you be accepting and do you have an estimate of how many people
will be applying?
The number of applications we receive from year to year varies; however, on average
we typically receive 60-70 applications per year between the MA, EdS, and PhD programs.
From this number, 20-22 students are elected for spots in the three different degree
programs.
Is there some way to transfer in my undergraduate class in.....?
Only graduate level courses can be transferred and the course must have been taken
within the last five years and from an accredited program. Transfer credits cannot
have been used toward another degree. There is a limit to the number of graduate credits
you can transfer into DU based on the degree you are applying to - see below. If it
is appropriate to waive a course (e.g. similar course already taken, content knowledge
demonstrated, or successful test-out for certain research courses) the course credit
hours must still be utilized for another course.
A waived course does not mean a reduction in credit hours required. If your undergraduate work is similar in content to a required graduate course, you may be able to waive a required course after a review of the content with your advisor. A waived course lets you take a graduate course in place of one we require if you have already taken very similar content. Transfer courses are different than waived courses since they reduce the number of credits you take at DU.
What graduate coursework is accepted as transfer credit?
Transferring graduate coursework into the CFSP program is discussed on an individual
basis with your advisor. If you wish to transfer in comparable graduate level coursework
you will need to bring in the syllabus, text, other course materials, and you must
have an official transcript on file from the institution. The transfer must be initiated
through your advisor in the first quarter of your program. The graduate coursework
you wish to transfer in must be no more than five (5) years old, cannot have been
counted toward another degree, and must be transferred in your first quarter of enrollment
at the University of Denver. A maximum of 10 credits may be transferred into the MA
and a maximum of 15 credits may be transferred into the EdS and PhD programs. Graduate
coursework that is transferred-in will reduce the total number of DU credits you will
need to graduate.
Will my graduate coursework for my previous graduate degree count?
No. Credits that have already been applied to a degree cannot be counted again toward
another degree. If the credit was not used toward another degree, see above for information
on transfer credits.
Can I talk to a student from the program?
Yes. We encourage prospective students to communicate with current students in order
to get the clearest possible picture of graduate life at the University of Denver.
To do so, contact the Morgridge College of Education Office of Admissions at edinfo@du.edu and ask for the names and e-mail addresses of students who have given permission
to have you contact them.
I would love to set up an appointment with someone in your department who could provide
me a better understanding of the CFSP program at DU and be able to discuss my options.
Is that possible?
Yes. Although not mandatory, we encourage prospective students to see the campus,
meet current students and faculty, and attend classes. Such a visit does take some
planning, however. Call the Morgridge College of Education Office of Admissions and
Enrollment Services at 303-871-2509 or 800-835-1607, or email at edinfo@du.edu, and they will help you plan your visit. It is preferable if you would arrange for
visits through the Admissions Office and not through individual faculty. In addition,
please try to attend our Meet Us at Morgridge visit session on October 10, 2012. To RSVP to this event, follow this LINK.
Financial aid and other financial considerations
What funding or assistantships are there for graduate students?
A variety of types of aid are available for graduate students in the CFSP program.
A select number of stipends are available for incoming students who are paired with
a faculty mentor to conduct research in their area of interest. Advanced students
often have the opportunity to obtain stipends for similar work. There are a limited
number of Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships also
available to advanced students in the program that provide some tuition reimbursement
as well as monthly stipends.cholarship money is also available on a yearly basis to
students in the program that apply and have a Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA), http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ form on file. Lastly, federal financial aid, including Perkins loans and Stafford
loans, are available. For information on financial aid, visit http://www.du.edu/finaid.
What is the cost of tuition?
The current graduate credit costs can be found at http://www.du.edu/registrar/regbill/reg_tuitionfees.html.
The total number of credits needed for each degree follows:
- An MA in Child and Family Studies requires a total of 51-55 credits
- An EdS in School Psychology requires a total of 93-98 credits
- An EdS in School Psychology with emphasis on Early Childhood requires 111-115 credits
- PhD for EdS Professionals requires a minimum of 52 credits
- A PhD in School Psychology requires a total of 135-145 credits
- A PhD in the Child and Family Leadership Track requires a minimum of 96 credits.
Will I need to pay out-of-state tuition, or how do I get in-state tuition?
The University of Denver is a private institution, thus tuition is the same for both
in-state and out-of-state students. For an estimate of yearly costs, visit http://www.du.edu/finaid/index.html.
If I establish residency, will half of my tuition be paid?
No. See above.
What kinds of insurance coverage do graduate students receive?
Graduate students have the option of obtaining their own private health insurance
or using the health insurance provided by the University of Denver. For specific information
regarding the coverage under the University of Denver's plan, visit http://www.du.edu/duhealth/general/insurance/index.html.
What is the cost of housing?
Graduate students have the choice to live on or off the University of Denver campus.
Information regarding on-campus housing can be found at http://www.du.edu/housing/ and includes information about building options, dining plans, parking, etc. Off-campus
housing information can be found at http://www.du.edu/housing/resources/offcampus.html and includes links to nearby apartment complexes as well as information about how
to find roommates, transportation, childcare, banks, etc. Once you confirm you are
coming to DU, you can also use our CFSP student listserv to find other students who
may be looking for a roommate.
General information about the CFSP program
When does the program start? Can I begin anytime?
The program begins each year in Fall Quarter which is typically the first or second
week of September. On rare occasions, students can begin their studies in a different
quarter. However, this is arranged on a case-by-case basis only. Students should contact
the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services to explore this option.
Do I have to come as a full-time student?
Yes. It is necessary for the CFSP program to be a full-time program in order for students
to effectively complete their coursework in a timely fashion. Additionally, much of
the financial aid offered to graduate students stipulates full-time enrollment. However,
if students take additional courses at the beginning of their program they may be
able to drop down to part-time status toward the conclusion of their degree program.
What does full-time enrollment mean?
Full-time enrollment status in a graduate program is achieved by taking a minimum
of 8 credit hours per quarter. However, specific fellowships may require a student
is required to complete 9 credit hours per quarter.
How long will it take to receive my degree?
The number of years it takes to complete the program depends on which degree you are
seeking. An MA in Child and Family typically takes about a year-and-a-half. An EdS
in School Psychology involves two years of coursework and a one-year, 1,200-hour paid
internship. A PhD in School Psychology or Child and Family Leadership typically takes
five to seven years. For doctoral students in the School Psychology Licensure program,
an additional 1500-hour paid internship is required.
What is an EdS degree?
The EdS degree is a very well established, high level degree within the field. Essentially
it is a MA plus at least 30 additional credit hours, and it is the basic practicing
degree for School Psychology practitioners in Colorado. You can get more information
on the EdS degree by contacting the National Association of School Psychology at www.nasponline.org. The EdS here at DU is approved by NASP.
How does the EdS differ from an MA and a PhD?
An EdS degree is different from both an MA and a PhD, although in terms of credits
and length of program, the EdS falls in between the other two degrees. To learn more
about the specific differences in degrees, visit www.nasponline.org.
I noticed other EdS programs are two years and a third-year internship. Why does DU
require a third year practicum and fourth-year internship?
Our program is four years long because we do not require full-time enrollment in the
summer, and we provide more supervised practical experiences than other programs.
Our program is based upon the following timeline:
- First year: faculty mentorship
- Second year: clinic practica
- Third year: field practica
- Fourth year: paid internship
I am interested in counseling children and would like to apply to a program that will
best prepare me. Can I receive an LPC in this program, or would it be more beneficial
to apply to the general counseling program?
It is possible to receive an LPC in addition to your CFSP degree; however it does
add additional coursework and practica to your coursework plan, and will most likely
take additional time to receive your degree. To coordinate this, contact Dr. Cindy
McRae in the Counseling Psychology program at 303-871-2475.
If I come to get my MA or EdS in your program, will I be able to go on for a doctorate?
MA or EdS students in the CFSP program cannot automatically transfer into the PhD
program. However, students who show interest in pursuing a PhD, demonstrate success
in their coursework and practica in the EdS program, and are engaged in scholarly
and research pursuits are encouraged to apply. Current students that apply to the
PhD program no sooner than the end of their second year are compared with other PhD
applicants during the selection and admission process.
What do graduates from the MA, EdS, or PhD do after they leave DU?
Graduates from the CFSP program have expanded career opportunities in schools and
in the community and are able to work in a broad range of educational, medical, research,
or treatment-oriented environments at the local, state, and national levels. Additionally,
PhD students are prepared for administrative, supervisory, teaching and research positions
in institutions of higher education.
What percentage of students finds employment right after graduation?
All graduates of the CFSP program that seek jobs gain employment after graduation.
How can I be involved in faculty research?
All CFSP program faculty are very active in their research interests. For a description
of faculty members and their research interests, visit the faculty web page at http://www.du.edu/education/faculty/faculty.html. Faculty always welcome student interest and participation, and are often looking
for members of ongoing research discussion groups.
General information about a school psychology license
Is your program accredited by NASP or APA?
Our EdS degree was approved January 1, 2007 by the National Association of School
Psychologists (NASP).
What does a school psychologist do?
There are a variety of ways to get more information on the profession of school psychology.
Interested individuals can read about the profession by visiting the National Association
of School Psychologists Web site at www.nasponline.org. It is also helpful to read the prominent journals in the field including School
Psychology Review, School Psychology Quarterly, Journal of School Psychology, and
School Psychology
Review. Another great way to understand the role of a school psychologist is to contact
a practitioner in your community and ask to meet with him or her.
Does every student get a paid internship?
Yes. Program faculty will work with you to set up a paid internship in the community
of your choice. All internship sites must meet all Program and national accreditation
standards and must be approved officially by the Program Chair.
Can I take an internship out of state?
Yes. It is possible to complete your internship in another state; however it does
require extra work and planning to ensure that the internship site and supervisor
meet our internship requirements.
Does the program arrange for the internship placements?
Program faculty help mentor and facilitate the internship placement process. Students
are required to actively pursue particular internships they desire and complete the
interviewing process. All internships must be approved by the program director prior
to the beginning of the internship year.
What kinds of internship placements are there?
There are internship placements available in public and private school settings, alternative
school settings, community agencies, and home-based agencies. Specific sites must
be approved by the program director prior to the internship year.
Will I be able to work as a school psychologist in other states if I leave Colorado?
Most likely. Colorado has very stringent licensing requirements, thus students generally
do not have a difficult time practicing in other states. Contact the Department of
Education in the state you wish to practice in order to find out the necessary licensing
qualifications.
What is the average starting salary of a school psychologist in Colorado?
In Colorado the average starting salary for a school psychologist ranges from $40,000
to $50,000 per school year. Nationally, the average starting salary is even higher, especially if you are bilingual.
