Admissions FAQs

The admissions cycle begins September 6th for the next academic year.

Masters Applicants: The MA and MA with Applied Behavior Analysis concentration programs begin classes in the fall semester only. There are five application due dates and interviews scheduled throughout the year. See table here for dates and more information. 

PsyD Applicants: The priority deadline for Fall applications is January 31st. All documents must be submitted for the application to be reviewed.

Humanistic psychology was popularized by Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and MSP’s co-founder Clark Moustakas. This school of thought focuses on the individual experience and the tenants of self-actualization, health, creativity, intrinsic nature, being, becoming, individuality, and meaning. Clinicians who practice under the humanistic tradition emphasize empathy, authenticity, and connection in the therapeutic relationship. More on humanistic psychology. 

A PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) is a doctoral-level degree that focuses on training clinicians. A PsyD program is ideal for individuals who wish to become Licensed Psychologists (LPs) as these programs place a great emphasis on clinical training and psychotherapy. More information on the difference between a PsyD and PhD in Psychologist can be found here.

A background check is required for applicants/current students that have been convicted of a felony and/or misdemeanor violent in nature and/or involving children/minors. Having a felony or misdemeanor conviction does not automatically exclude admission to the academic program(s).

MSP welcomes campus visits, but they must be scheduled in advance with the Admissions Coordinator.

Email [email protected] or call 248.476.1122, ext. 135. Arrangements can also be made for you to speak with a current student or alumni.

MSP safety statistics can be found here. MSP is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. The importance of campus safety is reviewed annually at orientation and an annual report is emailed each fall. A paper copy of the report is available upon request.

As of September 1, 2023, MSP will no longer require proof of COVID vaccination to be on campus. To mitigate risk and potential disruption to campus activities and learning, we strongly recommend that students, faculty and staff stay up-to-date on their vaccinations. MSP is dedicated to the health and well-being of our community and reserves the right to reinstate a vaccination requirement should current levels of COVID merit a change.  The answers to more COVID related questions can be found here.

No, the programs are on-site only.

No, MSP is solely a graduate institution.

You must have, or be completing, a bachelor’s degree to apply to the MA program. If your major is not psychology, social work or counseling you may still be considered for admission upon completion of required prerequisite coursework with a B or better. These courses are Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology and Developmental Psychology from an accredited college of your choice. For the PsyD program, a master’s degree in psychology, social work or counseling is required. To be considered for admission for the ABA certificate program, applicants must have a master’s degree in psychology, education, counseling, social work, or other approved human services fields. Students with a masters in other fields of study will be considered if they have experience implementing behavior analytic therapy. 

Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

MSP is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, http://www.hlcommision.org, 800.621.7440

American Psychological Association

The Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation, American Psychological Association , 750 1st Street NE, Washington DC 2002, www.apa.org/ed/accreditation, 202.336.5979

Behavior Analysis Certification Board^®

(BACB^®)

The Applied Behavior Analysis courses are designated by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board^® (BACB^®) as a verified course sequence, and the BACB approves MSP’s ABA coursework sequence as meeting the academic requirements for students intending to sit for examination to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). 

The GRE general test is optional for 2024 admission to the PsyD program. For applicants who choose to submit scores, the GRE must have been taken within five years of your intended start term at MSP. The MSP school code is 1413.

Admission criteria for all degree and certificate programs can be found here. 

No, you can send in documents individually. However, applications will only be reviewed upon receipt of all required documents.

MSP does not offer housing. There are a variety of housing options in the surrounding communities.

Yes, however acceptance to the program would be conditional upon degree completion. No exceptions are made. For full admission a final, official transcript indicating completion of the degree must be submitted directly to MSP prior to August 15th of the entering year.

Tuition and fee information can be found in the Office of the Registrar section of the website and cost of attendance for financial aid purposes is found under the Financial Aid section of the website.

Yes, MSP participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.  MSP’s school code is G21989. See Financial Aid for more information.

Individuals who have completed the ABA program are eligible to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). The average salary for BCBAs is  $96,477.

Individuals who have completed the MA program are eligible to become Limited Licensed Psychologists (LLP) in the state of Michigan. The average salary for LLPs is $78,736.

Individuals who have completed the PsyD program are eligible to become Licensed Psychologists (LP). The average salary for LPs is $114,708.

*According to data from ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and Indeed

 (Last Updated September 2022)