GRE is Optional. Please see Test Requirements section under Other Requirements for more information.

In addition to the University’s required application materials, applicants should review the information below for additional expectations or application requirements.

Letters of Recommendation
Applicants should submit three letters of recommendation from people who know them well academically and/or professionally.  At least one of the three letters should be from someone qualified to assess a candidate’s academic ability/potential.

Transcripts
Transcripts from all post secondary education (including community colleges, summer sessions, extensions programs, study abroad and four year universities) are required to be uploaded in the application. Each applicant should obtain an unofficial copy of their transcripts and either upload the document directly if it is in an accepted format or scan it into a file that can be uploaded. It is the responsibility of the applicant to view each upload and make sure it is clear and legible. If a degree was earned at any post secondary institution, the transcript upload must show proof of degree.

Admitted applicants will be required to submit official transcripts from all institutions to The Graduate School as well as the School of Education.

Test Requirements

Applicants for Fall 2024: Beginning in Fall 2023, the PhD in School Psychology program no longer requires the GRE to apply. Applicants must demonstrate adequate quantitative, analytic, and writing aptitude to be admitted. Students who believe their application materials do not fully reflect their academic potential are encouraged to include in their application an official GRE score received within the last 5 years.  Any candidate may submit official, current GRE scores for consideration by the admissions committee.

Statement of Purpose
Provide a written statement of your goals and objectives for advanced graduate study. It should include your conception of what the degree will allow you to accomplish and why you have chosen to engage in advanced study in the field of school psychology. Also, include details of your relevant past experiences with research and service to children and/or youth in schools or other settings. Applicants should describe how the UNC program aligns with their own research and other professional goals.

Interviews
Applicants who are considered to be finalists for admission to the program will be asked to complete an interview with the faculty.  Interviews are scheduled on selected Fridays in January and February.  In the event an applicant cannot travel to Chapel Hill for a face-to-face interview, a telephone interview may be scheduled for particular circumstances.

Incomplete Applications
All application materials, including letters of recommendation and matched official test scores (if applicable), must be received by the application deadline.  Applications that are incomplete after the deadline will NOT be reviewed for admission.

All application materials are submitted electronically.  Applicants are responsible for monitoring their application status and ensuring that their application, including letters of recommendation and official test scores, is complete by the application deadline.  Failure to do so will result in your application not being reviewed for admission.

Funding
Funding is available but not guaranteed in the form of Teaching Assistant (T.A.) positions and Research Assistant (R.A.) positions.  T.A. and R.A. positions typically include tuition waivers (both in-state and out-of–state), health insurance, and a monthly or bi-weekly stipend.

*Only in unusual circumstances and after consultation with the program are other admission terms considered.