Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology
Training the Next Generation of Mental Health Practitioners and Scholars
Preparing tomorrow’s mental health practitioners and scholars to make a positive impact on the profession and the community, the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers University–New Brunswick provides the clinical training and assessment skills needed for a career in psychology. Study with distinguished, research-oriented faculty and gain the skills and experience you need to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families, and within organizations.
(across grant periods)
Spotlight: Department of School Psychology
The Department of School Psychology at GSAPP consists of a vibrant group of scholars, practitioners, and students who are dedicated to highly intensive training and research in the use of empirically-based assessment, intervention, and consultation practices. Students are introduced to a wide array of contemporary, cutting-edge theoretical models, and professional practices.
The doctoral program in School Psychology (PsyD) prepares psychologists for professional practice with children/youth in schools and other community settings. The program emphasizes integration of scientific knowledge with innovation in the delivery of psychological services to individuals, families, groups, and organizations.
Programs and Certificates
Spotlight: Organizational Psychology
The Doctoral Program (PsyD) in Organizational Psychology embodies a scholar-practitioner model bridging theory and science with applied psychology. The program is delivered in a hybrid manner, including mostly online coursework with on-the-ground training opportunities. Students have an option to develop a course plan to meet their personal, professional, and academic goals.
The practice of organizational psychology consists of intervening with organizations to raise performance, enhance fairness and equity, and more. Organizational psychologists work within the context of organizations, although interventions may focus on individuals, pairs of individuals, groups, combinations of groups, or whole organizations.
Online Certificate in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Pioneered by scholars in education and school psychology, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is a framework for providing comprehensive academic and behavioral health services for K-12 students. Use of this framework has been strongly advocated by school systems, policymakers, and researchers at the state and national levels.
GSAPP offers two convenient, fully online learning paths: an 18-credit certificate program and a 30-credit master’s degree in applied psychology focused exclusively on MTSS in school settings. These programs have been designed for current or future professionals in education who are looking to become change agents in their schools or districts.
Rigorous. Thorough. Rewarding.
With programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology offers you access to a host of research and clinical opportunities, plus a pathway to professional licensure through foundational and specialized courses that integrate knowledge with innovation in the delivery of psychological services.
"I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring in a culturally unique perspective..."
Kevin Eslava (3rd Year, Clinical PsyD Student)
Kevin completed his two-year term on the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP) board as a student representative. The CUDCP is charged with promoting advancement of graduate education within the field of clinical psychology - Kevin was among the four student representatives out of 255 member programs.
"Being selected as a student representative for the CUDCP means a seat at the table as a future clinician of color, as a Latino, as a first-gen. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring in a culturally unique perspective that reflects a diverse future generation of psychologists. My hope is that by filling this position, I can help advocate for future clinicians and further highlight the importance of cultural representation within the field of psychology."
"It was truly an honor to represent GSAPP..."
Jaylene Sosa (2nd Year, Clinical PsyD Student)
Jaylene represented GSAPP as a student delegate at the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology conference. She presented on professional psychology issues with other delegate students and spoke about her career interests with field practitioners.
"It was truly an honor to represent GSAPP. I look forward to doing it again next year!"
Student Spotlight
Adam Ben-Hanania (Organizational PsyD Student, Class of 2024)
While working to complete the Organizational PsyD Program at GSAPP, Adam recently published the scholarly journal article, "Combatting Organizational Trauma in Family-Owned Businesses". The paper emphasizes how systemic experiences of trauma can impact individual and collective well-being, and even pose risks to the economy.
"My goal is to help individuals, teams, and companies evolve into better versions of themselves. We are all doing the best we can, the way we know how - an outside perspective can be a valuable tool in helping us perform even better. I help organizations fulfill their duty to better the lives of the people who work in them."
Discover GSAPP
From clinical training to community engagement, there’s plenty to get excited about at GSAPP. Learn from a faculty of distinguished professors and tap into a strong alumni network with connections across the profession.