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What is School Psychology?

School psychology is the field of study and practice that deals with the application of psychological principles to students in school settings. Individuals working in this field must be able to understand and relate to students, identifying learning or mental issues and how they relate to the learning process. School psychologists will employ various methods for gauging and identifying mental health and learning levels among individuals students, then use various methodologies and techniques to help assist in the treatment of those issues. Additionally, psychologists may be responsible for identifying exceptional or talented students and assisting in their proper educational placement.

A school psychologist will work with staff, administration, and students to foster & enhance learning and stability. School psychologists invest time with teaching staff, guardians, and parents to unpack student-related questions and concerns.  Issues may include behavioral, developmental, and/or clinical in nature.  Through analysis and data collection, psychologists work to create treatment plans to support student learning, growth, safety, health, and overall well-being.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$49,740

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

25.47%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

659,890

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best School Psychology Programs

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is America’s first private research university leading several world-class academic divisions that work together to fulfill its mission of bringing knowledge to the world. Based in Baltimore Maryland, the university revolutionized higher education in the United States in 1876. Today, JHU continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world by actively preparing students to become global leaders and citizens.  JHU offers a top ranked School Psychology degree program.  The academic program is punctuated by the values of empathy, compassion, critical thinking, and helpful advocates. 

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Offering an academic experience equivalent to an Ivy League university, the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill is a public research university and the flagship institution of the University of North Carolina system. Through its innovative programs, students’ learning is enriched by connecting and collaborating with different institutions worldwide.

The Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology at UNC Chapel Hill School of Education is an intensive program that integrates classroom instruction, field experience, and dissertation research for students to gain the necessary knowledge and skill needed for the profession. The program lasts for four to five years and students with prior experience in the field may be qualified to complete the program on an accelerated track. Students in the program are trained to conduct professional activities in order to promote the academic, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and youth. Since the program is accredited by the American Psychological Association, graduates are qualified to earn a licensure as a psychologist in North Carolina and in other states who then assume positions as researchers, administrators, school psychologists, state or national leaders, and clinicians. Access the program curriculum at ed.unc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Northeastern University, a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts, aims to provide interdisciplinary programs to students worldwide to transform learners into leaders. Established in 1898, the university prioritizes research and development in its curricula which provides experience-powered learning through partnering with different corporations.

Offered at Northeastern Bouvé College of Health Sciences, the dual MS in School Psychology & Certificate in School Psychology is a 3-year program approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and the Massachusetts State Department of Education. The program trains highly-skilled practitioners and professionals to employ the scientific, problem-solving method in their profession. Students in the program are exposed to urban and culturally diverse field placements as well as applied research projects that emphasize early childhood. Throughout the program, students will have the support of the college’s collaborative faculty and will attain a mastery of the discipline through comprehensive case studies. To know more about the program, go to bouve.northeastern.edu.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

As one of the most distinguished private research universities in the country, Lehigh University is a private research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The university has been fulfilling its mission to challenge over 7,000 students to become the leaders of the future by molding an entrepreneurial mindset and providing collaborative opportunities since 1865.

As the top-ranked School Psychology program in the United States, the College of Education at Lehigh University offers two programs in the discipline. The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) School Psychology is a program that trains students to become school-based practitioners. The program explores the pioneering research and best practices of the college’s experienced faculty to effectively train students in working with children of all backgrounds and abilities. Students who complete the program can apply for the state certification as school psychologists. The college also offers a full-time Doctor in Philosophy in School Psychology where graduates are also eligible to become certified school psychologists. More details are available at ed.lehigh.edu.

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Bucknell University is a private liberal arts college located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1846, the university provides a combination of liberal arts and professional programs to nearly 4,000 students worldwide. Bucknell houses three colleges in the fields of arts and sciences, engineering, and business where students from all walks of life engage in an intimate and free environment to live, learn and grow.  The graduate degree in school psychology provides students a viable platform for helping students of all ages and abilities.  In addition, those focused on continuing in academia go on to earn doctorate degree in human development, cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral medicine. 

Acceptance Rate

34.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

As one of the top universities in the country, the University of Florida (UF) is a public land-grant research university located in Gainesville, Florida. The university accommodates more than 200 research, service and education centers available for student use for their coursework and research work as it strives for a better world through research.

University of Florida’s School Psychology Program (SPP), offered by the College of Education, trains school psychology practitioners and scholars in creating activities that promote the psychological and educational development of children and youth. The programs in the college are grounded in a scientist-practitioner model as it combines science and practice throughout all academic and professional training and opportunities. The college offers two programs under SPP: the Education Specialist (EdS) training and a Ph.D. program. The EdS training is a 72 graduate credit-hour degree and a “Nationally Recognized” program by the National Association of School Psychologists. The Ph.D. program, on the other hand, consists of 122 graduate credit hours which includes a year-long internship, research experience, and dissertation. Read more about the program at education.ufl.edu.

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

With 13 schools and colleges across diverse disciplines, Syracuse University is a private research university based in Syracuse, New York offering over 200 customizable majors, 100 minors, and online degrees and certificates. The university has been a leader in providing professional programs and valuing research and innovation to fuel discovery and positive impact since 1870.

Housed in Syracuse’s Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology is a 3-year full-time program where students are exposed to a series of course work, clinical service, and research. For individuals entering the program without a master’s degree, a 6 credit master's thesis is required to be completed along with a 12 credit dissertation and a 6 credit internship in school psychology. Qualified students may choose to enroll in the Neuroscience Concentration which is a 4-course sequence that covers broad areas of neuroscience like biological and psychological processes. The concentration will appear as a graduate specialization on a student's transcript which also provides students with an in-depth knowledge across core disciplines. Learn more about the program at thecollege.syr.edu.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Originally located in Fordham, New York, Fordham University is a private Jesuit research university now situated in the Bronx, New York City with campuses in Manhattan and West Harrison. The university, founded in 1841, has over 7,000 students across its 3 schools and colleges on the main campus in Rose Hill, Bronx.

The Graduate School of Education at Fordham offers two programs related to school psychology available at the Lincoln Center: a Ph.D. program and an advanced certificate. Both programs aim to prepare individuals for positions in schools, mental health facilities, counseling services in higher education, adult education, business, and independent psychological practice. The Advanced Certificate in School Psychology is a 66 credit program that prepares students for a career as practicing school psychologists leading to the New York state certification. The Ph.D. program, on the other hand, employs a scientist-practitioner model in order to train students in analyzing the educational and social-emotional development of children and youth in urban settings with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Check the entire program curriculum at fordham.edu.

Acceptance Rate

45.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Marist College is a comprehensive academic institution of higher learning in Poughkeepsie, New York grounded in the liberal arts education. Accommodating over 6,000 students, the college aims to develop their intellect and character necessary to enjoy ethical and productive lives in the modern community. The college offers more than 47 undergraduate majors and numerous on-site and online graduate programs.

The Master of Arts in School Psychology at Marist’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences provides a broad coursework and hands-on training in practical aspects of school psychology such as development, assessment, consultation, counseling, research, interventions, and neuropsychology. The 3-year program exposes students to the discipline through internship and practicum experiences in local school districts. The courses in the curriculum, all offered at the main campus in Poughkeepsie, include Developmental Psychology, Psychopathology for School Psychologists, Neuropsychology of Learning, Social, Emotional & Behavioral Assessment, Academic and Behavioral Interventions, and Multicultural Counseling. More details can be seen a t marist.edu.

Acceptance Rate

49.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Located in the heart of San Antonio, Texas, Trinity University is a private university known for its collaborative and resourceful community that allows students to learn and grow on their own pace. Founded in 1869 by the Presbyterian Church, the university accommodates more than 2,500 students aiming to prepare them in pursuing a meaningful life with a purpose.

The Masters degree in School Psychology offered at Trinity's College of Education is a 3-year, 60-hour licensed program providing students with a solid foundation and best practices in using research-based knowledge to support educators and students. Throughout the program, students understand, master, and utilize the theories of behavior, learning, and emotional development of students to assist teachers and families. Some of the courses in the curriculum are Human Development & Learning, Behavior Management & Special Education, Multicultural Issues in School Psychology, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, and Developmental Assessment: Infants & Young Children. Graduates of the program are eligible to become a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology awarded by the National Association of School Psychologists and Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, respectively. 

Acceptance Rate

28.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of Washington (UW) is one of the oldest public research universities based in Seattle, Washington. Consistently recognized as one of the top universities in the world, the university has been continuing to educate more than 54,000 students annually through undaunted research and scholarship since its founding in 1861.

The 3-year School Psychology degree at UW College of Education is an Education Specialist program that aims to prepare scientists and practitioners who practice psychology based on scientific knowledge in enhancing the socio-emotional and educational competence of children. The program teaches students on assessing children and adolescents’ educational and social- emotional needs as future school psychologists. Since school psychologists commonly work in school settings, students are trained to provide assessments, interventions, and consultation services to students, teachers, and parents as well. Graduates of the program can earn the certification as an Educational Staff Associate which is the equivalent certification for school psychologists in Washington. A similar Ph.D. program is also available in the college. Go to education.uw.edu to view the program curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Baylor University is a private Baptist research university based in Waco, Texas. Established in 1845, it is the oldest continually operating university in the state that provides a vibrant and strong community for almost 16,000 students from 98 countries by integrating interdisciplinary research and educational excellence into its programs.

Students taking the School Psychology program at Baylor’s School of Education may choose to take the program leading to an Ed.S. degree or a research-based Ph.D. degree. The Ed.S. degree is offered in both Waco and Dallas while the Ph.D. degree is only available at Waco campus. Both programs are also approved by the National Association of School Psychologists. The Ed.S. degree in School Psychology employs a comprehensive curriculum following the scientist-practitioner model of training. Through the model, students are trained to acquire the skills necessary to provide psychological services as well as the scientific knowledge needed to understand and conduct research in answering the psychological and educational problems. Graduates are then expected to use scientific research and data-based decision making to deliver the best psychological practices in schools. For further details, visit baylor.edu.

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

As one of the 23 institutions under the California State University system, San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in San Diego, California. The university, founded in 1897, has a student body of more than 35,000 enrolled in various bachelor's, master’s and doctorate programs in 100 different areas of study.

The School Psychology degree at SDSU Department of Counseling and School Psychology is a 4-year integrated program of graduate and professional degrees like Education Specialist in School Psychology and Masters of Science in Counseling with Concentration in School Psychology. Students in the program must finish the different degree, credential, and specialty project requirements in order to complete the program. There are also 2 school psychology credentials in the program namely Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Psychology and School Psychology Internship Credential. Throughout the program, students are trained to use evidence-based practices and data-based decision making in implementing prevention and intervention strategies while promoting safe and academically enriching environments in schools. To know more, go to education.sdsu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

Yeshiva University (YU) is a private Jewish research university with 4 campuses in New York City namely Wilf, Israel Henry Beren, Brookdale Center, and Jack and Pearl Resnick. Students can begin their studies in Israel through the S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program which is a formal arrangement between YU and yeshivot and seminaries in Israel. The university provides a unique dual curriculum of Jewish studies and liberal arts and sciences courses in its undergraduate and graduate programs.

The School-Clinical Child Psychology major at YU Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology is a doctoral-level program that combines school and clinical psychology in order to train professionals in assessing children, adolescents, and families as well as adults, parents, and couples. The program provides students with the necessary knowledge and competence to deliver psychological and psychoeducational services in different settings like schools, medical centers, mental health facilities, and early childhood centers. The courses in the curriculum cover developmental psychology, psychotherapy, assessment, developmental disabilities, family and systems theory, psychopathology, neuropsychology, and school psychology. Prior to graduation, students are required to finish a year-long psychodynamic psychotherapy treatment and a year-long CBT treatment in the university’s clinic. Access the program requirements at yu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

55.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Operating under the 23-member California State University system, California State University - Long Beach (CSULB) is a public research university located in Long Beach, California. Initially named the Los Angeles-Orange County State College, CSULB was founded in 1949 with the goal to enhance communities by providing high impact education, superior teaching and research, and action for the public good.

Ranked as one of the top programs in School Psychology, the Educational Specialist in School Psychology at CSULB College of Education is a 60-unit program designed to prepare students who want to pursue a career as school psychologists in PreK-12 school to provide direct and indirect behavior, social-emotional, and academic support to children and youth. The 3-year program meets the standards of the Commission on Teacher Credentialing making graduates eligible for a California Pupil Personnel Services credential in School Psychology. The courses in the curriculum include Counseling and Mental Health in Schools, Quantitative Research Methods In Education, Psychoeducational Assessment, Advanced Assessment for Intervention, and Developmental Risk and Resilience. Inquire about the program at csulb.edu.

Acceptance Rate

39.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university based in Fairfield, Connecticut founded by the Society of Jesus in 1942. It is also part of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Fairfield provides high-quality liberal arts education to more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students under 44 majors, 16 interdisciplinary minors and 41 graduate programs in the fields of engineering, health sciences, and business.

Offered by the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions at Fairfield, the Master of Arts (MA) in School Psychology are programs meant to develop students’ competencies in the areas of assessment, consultation, and direct intervention. Both programs are built on the school’s conceptual framework that emphasizes respect for diversity, scientist–practitioner model in teaching, hands-on and reflective practice, primary prevention, and mastery of developmental and systems theories. Through a combination of classroom instruction, faculty support, and clinical opportunities, students are able to apply their growing knowledge and skills in school and clinical settings. The MA program consists of courses like Behavioral Statistics, Psychology of Personality, Treatment Models for School-Age Youth, and Multicultural Issues in Counseling while the SYC program covers Introduction to Clinical Child Neuropsychology, Collaborative Consultation, Psychoeducational Assessment, and Psychotherapeutic Techniques for School-Age Youth. Explore both programs by viewing the curricula at fairfield.edu.

Acceptance Rate

57.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Located in the heart of Tampa, Florida, the University of South Florida (USF) is a preeminent research university with more than 180 majors and concentrations across 14 colleges and schools. USF has been empowering students since 1956 to build successful careers in business, engineering, arts, and health in order to have impactful contributions to the community.

The School Psychology degree at the USF College of Education, in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences, offers two programs that train and qualify students for the professional practice of school psychology. The Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in School Psychology is a full-time program where students earn a Master of Arts (MA) degree by the end of the first year. It includes a full-year internship and a thesis where students can apply the knowledge and skills they acquired throughout the program. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, on the other hand, provides students with advanced leadership coursework and various specializations where they can choose courses in their chosen area in school psychology such as school-based mental health services, organizational consultation, pediatric school psychology, and intervention. It also includes an advanced practicum, a 2,000-hour internship, and a dissertation related to their specialization. For further information about the program, visit usf.edu.

Acceptance Rate

47.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Texas A&M University is the state’s first public institution of higher learning chartered in 1876. The university is one of the largest institutions in the country with over 69,000 students in its College Station campus alone. Texas A&M is dedicated to preparing future innovative leaders by offering more than 400 undergraduate and graduate degree programs as options for study.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in School Psychology offered at Texas A&M College of Education and Human Development is a program designed to impart a thorough and comprehensive knowledge to students related to the methods of research and competencies necessary for practicing the profession. Throughout the program, students get a grasp of the discipline and develop certain skills such as the ability to do independent research and the competence to support children, teachers, and families as health service professionals. For students who have a master’s degree in the same discipline, a minimum of 64 hours in the degree plan is required to earn a Ph.D. degree while for those who completed a baccalaureate degree only, a minimum of 96 hours is needed to get the same degree. Graduates of the program work in different environments such as public and private schools, universities, hospitals and medical clinics, community-based health organizations, and educational organizations. Read more about the program at epsy.tamu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Recognized as the top private university in the state, Chapman University is an academically distinguished university located in Orange, California. The university, established in 1861, accommodates nearly 10,000 students across its 10 schools and colleges in the fields of engineering, science and technology, film, and media arts.

Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and the International School Psychology Association, the Attallah College of Educational Studies at Chapman offers different degrees and credentials under the School Psychology program. The program aims to prepare students for a career as school psychologists to children ages preschool through high school. The Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology is a full-time, 3-year program that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skill in the assessment for intervention, behavior management, and mental health counseling to assist teachers and parents. The program may also be modified to part-time, making the average completion time 4 years. Students in the program also earn a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology and have the option to take courses to earn a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology. To get started, visit chapman.edu.

Acceptance Rate

55.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Founded in 1963, the University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public research university based in Orlando, Florida. The university has one of the largest student bodies in the country with nearly 70,000 students. UCF is consistently recognized as one of the most innovative colleges in the United States as it aims to fuel academic excellence and provide exceptional learning opportunities in order to create a better future for the world. 

The School Psychology degree at UCF College of Community Innovation and Education is a unique specialization degree in psychology and education ideal for students who want to become certified School Psychologists. The program involves formal preparation with focus on psychological foundations, psychoeducational assessment, remediation or intervention techniques, and counseling skills. Students gain hands-on, practical experiences through the required full-time two-semester supervised internship in a public school setting. At the end of the program, students are expected to apply relevant knowledge and skills from a variety of areas of school psychology to the learning and adjustment problems of school-age children. There are also training on consultation with teachers and parents, direct and indirect services to children and young adults, and direct and indirect services to school and community organizations which are some of the ways school psychologists can serve the children. Inquire about the program at ucf.edu.

Acceptance Rate

44.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

30:1

The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) is a public research, land-grant university based in Amherst, Massachusetts. The Amherst campus is also considered as the flagship institution of the UMass System. Since its founding in 1867, it has been offering world-class education to over 31,000 students while providing research and community outreach programs for the common good.

The College of Education at UMass Amherst offers two school psychology programs approved by the National Association of School Psychologists and American Psychological Association namely Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in School Psychology, respectively. Both programs aim to develop practitioners in the dissemination of school psychology information, policies, and practices to help children, families, and schools in assessing and resolving learning and adjustment problems of school-age children. The Ed.S. program is ideal for highly-qualified school psychologists who want to practice in public schools or related educational environments. The program consists of 72 semester hours of coursework which includes a 10-month supervised internship in school psychology. The Ph.D. program, on the other hand, trains professionals through a broad coursework and practical experiences which emphasize discipline-specific knowledge and profession-wide competencies. To view the entire curriculum, go to umass.edu.

Acceptance Rate

63.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Founded in 1891, the University of La Verne is a private university in La Verne, California offering 60 undergraduate, graduate, and online degree programs across its 4 schools and colleges and eight regional campuses in Southern California. The programs offered at La Verne are mostly in the arts and sciences, business, public management, education, and law.

Offered at the La Verne and Bakersfield campuses, the University of La Verne’s Master of Science in School Psychology is a 3-year integrated program with a Pupil Personnel Services credential. The program aims to produce ethical, culturally responsive school psychologists who promote safe and diverse PK–12 learning environments encompassing children of different behavior and abilities. Throughout the program, students are trained to master different aspects of mental health such as psychoeducational assessment and behavior intervention. These knowledge and skills are communicated to school administrators, teachers, and families in order to enhance the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional lives of children. Students are further trained through a series of supervised internships in different schools and educational settings. Learn more about the program at education.laverne.edu.

Acceptance Rate

54.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Situated in Denver, Colorado, the University of Denver (DU) is a private research university founded in 1864 as the Colorado Seminary. It is among the oldest independent private universities in the state. DU is one of the first institutions that established business schools in the United States as well as the social work schools in Colorado.

The degree in School Psychology at DU’s Department of Teaching and Learning Sciences offers three programs in the discipline that prepare students to become school psychologists in education, mental health, and research settings. The program specifically embraces ecological and social justice orientations by providing training that enhances the academic, social, and emotional development and well-being of all children in all of the settings. The Master of Arts in School Psychology is an unaccredited program that prepares students for a further study in the university’s Ph.D. program in the discipline. The department also offers an Educational Specialist in School Psychology which provides practical coursework and experiences with the option to earn a concentration in Early Childhood School Psychology. All of the programs build a strong foundation in different developmental, psychological, and learning theories as well as in legal, ethical, and professional standards of the practice. Check the program curricula at morgridge.du.edu.

Acceptance Rate

58.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University at Buffalo (UB) is one of the most exceptional public research universities in the country located in Buffalo, New York. Established in 1846, it is considered the flagship of the State University of New York system. The university which started operating as a private medical college serves students with over 500 undergraduate and graduate programs.

The MA degree in School Psychology is a program that employs a practitioner-scientist model of training and focuses on educational and psychological foundations, assessment, consultation, and direct and indirect interventions. The model, as recommended by the National Association of School Psychologists, prepares students to work in school-based settings by conducting psychological assessments to guide interventions, studying psychoeducational and mental health interventions, and learning to collaborate with parents and teachers. Some of the courses in the curriculum are Perspectives in School Psychology, Foundations of Counseling Theories, Collaboration for School Safety, Process of Consultation, and Interventions to Develop Academic Skills. Graduates of the program are eligible for initial certification as a school psychologist in New York. For further information, go to ed.buffalo.edu.

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

With nearly 35,000 students, Temple University is a top-tier public research university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university provides a dynamic and nurturing learning environment to help students prepare for their careers in their chosen fields and make a real impact. Since 1884, the university has been dedicated to excellence in academics, research, and the arts as it put its motto “Perseverance Conquers” into life.

The School Psychology programs at Temple’s College of Education and Human Development follow a scientist-practitioner model which emphasizes the students’ basic skills and thorough understanding of the science of psychology. The Educational Specialist in School Psychology is a 3-year, full-time program that equips individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to satisfy children’s behavioral, emotional, and learning needs as well as conduct the appropriate steps in tackling developmental challenges. The program also includes a robust clinical component of 1,200-hour internship and practicum placements which can help students also complete the required annual portfolio. The Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology, on the other hand, is a program where school psychologists sharpen clinical and research skills in order to support students academically, emotionally and socially. Graduates under the program are also eligible for a school psychologist certification in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. More information can be found at temple.edu.

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Top School Psychology Degrees

For prospective students seeking to earn an online psychology degree or classroom based degree, there are myriad options.  The range of programs include undergraduate degrees through graduate degrees.  With the advent of distance learning, students now have virtually twice as many options as the previous generation.  To learn more about online colleges and online degrees, simply utilize our matching portal or request information from top schools listed below to learn more about their programs.

Bachelor Degree in School Psychology

Online degrees in school psychology can be conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) of Bachelor of Arts (BA).  Bachelor degrees are 4-year programs that blend liberal arts education with core psychology courses.  General education courses often found in a school’s course catalog include communications, history, statistics, philosophy, sociology, and creative writing.   Core curriculum in school psychology will vary by school and program type.  Classes will include a variety of psychology-based courses from general to abnormal and developmental to disorders with an emphasis on students and their support individual systems.   School psychologist will learn to work with students and parent’s one-on-one and as part of an interdisciplinary team.  Professionals in the field will learn about theories and real-world cases of challenging behaviors and emotional difficulties of students.  A school psychologist will provide a vital link from school to home and school to community for students and families.

Master Degree in School Psychology

Master’s degree programs in school psychology will take a student 3-years to complete in most cases with part-time students taking longer.  Upper-level courses found in a master’s degree program will often include behavior management, cognitive assessment, diversity, learning principles, assessments, learning problems, counseling children & adolescents, statistics, research methods, social psychology, and a cognitive psychology.  Most master degree program will require students to complete a practicum, internship, and a thesis.  Make sure to check with the school’s individual requirements as some colleges offer a non-thesis option which is offset by additional course work.  Students earning a master’s degree in school psychology or school counseling can launch a career as a school psychologist, teacher at a college or university, research analyst, program director, child/adolescent program manager, human resources specialist, or on pace to complete a PhD program in the field.

Doctorate Degree in School Psychology

Doctorate degrees in school psychology is the highest degree conferred in the field of study.  As a result, the doctorate degrees is known as a terminal degree.  Degrees are conferred as either a PhD or PsyD depending on the program emphasis.  The PsyD emphasizes clinical training often without the requirement of a dissertation.  A PhD degree, on the other hand, is a research-based degree with a standard dissertation required prior to completion of the program.  In either case, the doctoral degrees will take 4-6 years to complete as a function of pace and course load.  Areas of specialty in a PhD or PsyD program can include clinical psychology, counseling, developmental psychology, forensic, behavioral, leadership, and organizational degree tracks.

Educational Requirements for School Pschologists

Though some programs at the bachelor level may offer a specific education in school psychology, a majority of students will earn a  general psychology degree followed by entry into a master's program to continue their education and pursue their specialization. Doctoral graduates will have a more in depth study of their specialization, greater employment opportunities, and may conduct research related to school psychology.

A curriculum in school psychology may include:

  • Research Methodology
  • Education and Psychology
  • Psychological Theory
  • Behavioral Science
  • Learning Disorders
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities in School Psychology

School psychologists will be able to find positions in public and private educational institutions in order to apply psychological principles to specific learning environments and helping school administrators adjust curriculum based on information and research relating to education in their specific school. Additionally, individuals will work with students to identify issues and problems, or assist in their development as part of their job to provide care and assistance. As more individuals become interested in how education affects their children, the field of school psychology and the role of school psychologists is expected to grow. Due to the high level of education typically required to secure a position, opportunities should be available to those who complete a program.

School Psychologist Career Outlook

School psychologists can expect to earn between $32,000 and $96,000 per year. Individuals in this field will see increased salary based on location, experience and employer, with larger institutions typically offering higher pay due to increased work and responsibility. Additionally, private institutions tend to offer higher pay than public institutions on average, though this can once again vary based on size. Research positions may also have higher pay, though can be limited in availability as grants and positions are highly competitive.

Individuals interested in school psychology may also be interested in applied psychology, clinical psychology, or forensic psychology. For more information, check out our Career Guide in Psychology on the MatchCollege blog. Further research is available by reading our blog that illustrate the Top Jobs in Psychology by degree type, industry, and specialty or connecting with the NASP.

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