School Psychology Degrees and Careers
(found programs from 465 schools)

Online School Psychology Programs

Because most school psychology programs require at least two practicums, which must be performed on-site, it can be challenging to find online programs in school psychology. Depending on the degree or certificate you wish to receive, study time can take as long as two-and-a-half years or as little as a few months.

Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but most states require the completion of a master's or doctorate program in school or educational psychology from a credentialed school. They also require students seeking licensure to receive a passing grade on the Praxis II exam and often an exam about state laws of practice as well. Finally, school psychologists must obtain continuing education credits throughout their careers. There are many more options for earning continuing education credits in school psychology online than there are for getting one's initial degree.

Online Programs in School Psychology to Consider

Seton Hall University: Seton Hall University offers an online Master of Arts in school counseling. The program requires students to earn at least 48 graduate credits, and usually takes between two-and-a-half to three years to complete. Online students should be aware that they will have to complete three semesters doing on-site clinical work and two weekend residencies.

Kaplan University: This online program offers a Master of Science in educational psychology. Candidates are taught how to evaluate students' progress and assess the design and efficacy of school policies and instructional methods. Students graduating from this program are not taught any type of counseling or principles related to clinical practice. A degree from this program will not lead to a license.

Kansas State University: Kansas State University offers a 15-hour online academic advising graduate certificate program. It is designed for those looking to pursue a career in academic advising. The pace of this program can be dictated by the learner, but most people complete it in two years or less.

Introduction to School Psychology Careers

If you are interested in educational psychology, enjoy working with students, and wish to practice in a school setting, you should consider becoming a school psychologist, which U.S. News & World Report lists as one of the 50 best careers of 2010.

Useful Resources

• National Association of School Psychologists - Approved Graduate Programs
• National Board for Certified Counselors: School Counselor Certification
• American School Counselor Association

School Psychology Job Description

School psychologists apply principles of educational psychology within a school setting in order to optimize the educational experience of each student. They do this by focusing on design, assessment and treatment. For example, school psychologists help design courses, train educators, assess students progress, and help remediate any problems discovered in the process. School psychology is often practiced holistically; that is, while the primary focus is on the student, effective problem-solving requires engagement with parents, teachers and administrators-the entire educational universe.

School Psychology Requirements

Many educational psychologists begin their academic journey as undergraduates majoring in psychology or education, though graduate programs vary in the degree to which they require these courses of study. Most accredited graduate programs require that candidates for admission have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Doctoral programs grant either a doctorate of philosophy in psychology (Ph.D.) or a doctorate of education (Ed.D.). Either degree requires approximately five years of graduate study, and the differences between the two are more imagined than real. Historically, the Ph.D. was more research-oriented; in recent years, this distinction has largely dissipated, but some programs still adhere to it. While those with masters degrees in educational psychology generally cannot practice as educational psychologists, a few states will confer licensure upon appropriately qualified masters holders. These masters holders typically cannot call themselves "psychologists," but may perform tasks such as curricular development, training and assessment (though not treatment). Other states will license those who possess a specialist in education (Ed.S.), which is a post-masters but pre-doctoral degree, which takes about three years to complete.

Either way, degree-holders must obtain government licensure by passing an examination and demonstrating satisfaction of professional experience requirements. These experience requirements vary from state to state, typically ranging from 1500 to 3000 hours (one to two years) of supervised clinical internships. School psychologists who wish to assess and treat students, particularly children, should be personable, understanding and patient.

School Psychology Career Outlook

The majority of school psychologists work within elementary and high schools, though some are also employed by universities, government agencies and as private consultants. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, the mean salary within the field was $60,581 in 2004-2005. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that for 2008, national median annual earnings for educational psychologists (a category including school psychologists) was $68,400. The BLS also predicts that from 2008 to 2018, employment of school psychologists will grow 11 percent.

School Psychology Trends

The federal No Child Left Behind Act, which was enacted in 2002, is likely to continue to increase and maintain the demand for school psychologists, as it emphasizes implementation of scientifically-based research practices in the classroom, along with scholastic improvement and accountability.

School Psychology Degree Programs

Welcome to the most complete directory on the Web of School Psychology programs. It contains all the nationally accredited programs, from 465 schools across the country.

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