Before pursuing a master's in school psychology, you typically need a bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or a related field.
Online school psychology programs feature courses in psychology, statistics, and child development. Some programs also require an internship. You can complete online psychology programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. But, you need an advanced degree to become a psychologist.
After earning an online school psychology degree and licensure, you can work as a school psychologist in public or private K-12 schools. You can also become a therapist, school counselor, or behavioral specialist.
This guide explores typical admission and graduation requirements. The ranking below lists the top online school psychology programs.
Featured Online Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online School Psychology Programs
School Psychology Master's Quick Facts
Credits Required: 30-66 credits
Completion Time: 1-3 years
Average Cost: $350-$1,350/credit
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, 2.75-3.0 minimum GPA, prerequisite courses, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose
Key Skills Learned: Legal, ethical, and professional practice; data-based decision-making; instructional and intervention skills; understanding, interpreting, and applying scientific literature
Why Get a Degree in School Psychology?
For those who enjoy helping others and working with children in schools, earning a school psychology degree can lead to a rewarding career.
Along with an increase in mental health awareness, demand for school psychologists has grown in recent years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school psychologists earn an average salary of $87,550 per year. The BLS projects employment for school counselors to increase 10% from 2021-2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Busy learners often choose online school psychology programs. The flexibility of online learning can help students balance coursework with full-time employment or family responsibilities.
How Much Does a School Psychology Degree Cost?
The cost of a school psychology degree varies by school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of graduate tuition and fees was $19,792 for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Along with tuition, learners pursuing their school psychology program online should budget for lab fees and textbooks. Degree-seekers may also need to cover transportation costs for programs requiring in-person components.
Most students need 1-2 years to earn a master's degree in school psychology. Some programs require an additional one-year internship.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learning often costs less than on-campus programs. However, students in online school psychology programs may need to pay for new technology or faster internet speeds. Online programs may also charge a technology fee to cover tech support and virtual learning platforms. Degree-seekers may also pay a graduation fee.
Some online school psychology degrees require campus visits or in-person meetings. Prospective students should budget for potential travel expenses.
Graduates typically need additional credentials to qualify for school psychologist positions. The cost of certification and licensure varies by state.
How Much Do School Psychology Graduates Make?
Common positions for school psychology majors include psychologist, social worker, and school counselor. School psychologists can work in school, healthcare, and government settings. They earn a median annual salary of $81,040. School counselors earn a median of $60,510 per year.
Graduates of master's programs can pursue a doctoral degree to increase their earning potential and job prospects. Doctorate-holders may secure high-paying psychology jobs such as psychiatrist, industrial-organizational psychologist, and clinical psychologist. Industrial-organizational psychologists earn a median $139,280 salary annually.
Courses in School Psychology
Psychology students develop skills in data collection and analysis and mental health interventions. They also hone behavioral assessment and consultation abilities. Degree-seekers gain interpersonal and communication skills.
Students pursuing an online school psychology degree can specialize in research or practice. They may also specialize in a certain age group.
The following sample curriculum features courses common to online school psychology programs. However, course availability varies by program.
Developmental Psychology: Students in this class learn how human behavior changes with age. Participants learn to distinguish between normal and abnormal development and intervene when necessary. Coursework focuses on children and adolescents to prepare learners for roles in school settings. Degree-seekers explore research methodology, current observable evidence, and contemporary developmental psychology theories.
Group Counseling in Multicultural School Settings: This course examines contemporary theories and historical perspectives on group counseling. Students participate in group counseling sessions. They learn to identify group dynamics that benefit children and families in multicultural environments. Learners practice techniques to resolve conflicts useful in school settings.
Remediation of Learning Problems — Students With Special Needs: Students in this course prepare to assess various learning problems and intervene using individual and group techniques. Coursework covers drug treatment, diet modification, role-playing, and counseling. Participants learn to create optimal learning environments for students with special needs.
How to Become a School Psychologist
School psychologists typically hold a master's degree or an Ed.S. degree. Some school psychologists hold a doctorate. Each of these degrees requires an internship or clinical hours.
School psychologists' responsibilities vary by employer. However, these professionals often conduct psychological tests and evaluations. They also discuss academic and personal issues with students and facilitate group counseling sessions. In addition, they might meet with parents, provide emergency and grief counseling, and help develop intervention plans.
Licensure for School Psychologists
Not all states require school psychologists to hold board certification. However, many schools prefer to hire certified candidates.
Graduates of school psychology master's programs can obtain the nationally certified school psychologist certification from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). The certification fee costs $110 for NASP members and $210 for nonmembers.
Certification requirements include a series of supervised experiences and a 1,200-hour internship. At least 600 hours of the internship must occur in a school setting. Applicants must also pass the Praxis School Psychologist Exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Psychology
What exactly does a school psychologist do?
School psychologists help students in grades K-12 improve their mental health, relationships, and coping strategies. These psychologists also collaborate with parents and teachers to support students.
How many years does it take to be a school psychologist?
School psychologists generally complete a four-year bachelor's program and a 1-2 year master's program. Some programs require an additional one-year internship.
Is a school psychologist a licensed psychologist?
Licensing requirements for school psychologists vary by state. Psychologists working in public schools often need licensure from their state's department of education.
