Welcome to our SEPP Program FAQs page! We have compiled answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about our program. Whether you’re just starting your application or preparing to enroll, this resource is designed to help you navigate the process with confidence. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Jo Morrissey (morrissj@uwgb.edu)
What tracks are available? The SEPP Program offers two tracks: Course-based Track and Applied Track. SEPP students complete 39 credits over four academic semesters and one summer course between the first and second year in the program. You can learn more about these two tracks in this blog post.
How long does it take to complete the program? If a student is enrolled full-time as a graduate student (9 credits), the program will take two years to complete: 4 academic semesters taking 9 credits and 1 summer class between the first and second year.
When can I start the program? How often and how long are classes? The SEPP program accepts students for the fall semester only. The typical core SEPP class is 3 credits and meets once per week for 3 hour period.
What financial support is available to graduate students? The Office of Graduate Studies has compiled financial aid resources that you may qualify for to support your graduate education. Students are encouraged to review all of the resources to learn which they may be eligible. Most notably is the Phoenix Scholar Award. The Phoenix Scholar Awards provide a discounted tuition rate to qualified non-resident graduate students who meet the academic and residency criteria described below. This is not “financial aid” nor is it a “scholarship” in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a lower tuition rate offered to qualifying graduate students. There is no need to apply; rather, students are automatically be considered for this during the admissions process.
Are graduate assistantships available? Yes, graduate assistantships are available. Several SEPP students hold assistantships across campus each year! Most graduate assistantships, including the SEPP Program graduate assistant, are funded by the Office of Graduate Studies. Students are encouraged to apply for any graduate assistantship that is available across campus. Programs and departments may announce assistantship opportunities through the Graduate Studies Office, via email to enrolled graduate students, or via Handshake on the Graduate Studies website. Students need to be enrolled in a graduate program in order to apply for assistantships.
Assistantships are available as teaching assistants, research assistants, or program assistants, which you can learn more about in the following graphic.
Dr. Jenell Holstead, a professor in the Psychology department, offers two graduate assistant positions through the Consortium of Applied Research (CAR). These positions are year-long, with a 9-month assistantship during the academic year and hourly pay in summer months and may be renewed for a second year dependent upon performance and grant funding. You can learn more about CAR assistantships here.
Will this program help me prepare for the CMPC? Yes. The SEPP core curriculum is aligned with AASP’s knowledge areas. Students have opportunities to take classes in the knowledge areas, which is a CMPC application requirement. Students can also start to accumulate hours towards mentored experience for the CMPC requirement. While it is unlikely that students earn all 400 required hours by graduation, there are various opportunities to earn mentored experience hours throughout a student’s time in the SEPP program (e.g., practicum for applied track students, service opportunities and class related applied presentations and workshops for all students).
Will this program prepare me to be a mental health provider or a clinical psychologist? No. We are not a mental health focused program, so we do not prepare students to provide mental health or counseling services. We utilize an educational scientist-practitioner approach that focuses on utilizing specific mental skills and strategies to optimize performance. Opportunities in our program can contribute to preparedness for further graduate training and educational development.
What are examples of careers for students who graduate from the UWGB SEPP Program? Our recent graduates currently have careers in athletic departments, mental performance consulting companies, healthcare organizations, student-athlete support positions, coaching, military, and private practice. Some of our graduates also continue on to additional graduate training in doctoral or master’s programs.