How to Become a School Psychologist
Want to work as a school psychologist? Discover the steps to become a school psychologist and your earning potential.
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Key Takeaways
- School psychologists aid K-12 students with academic, emotional, and behavioral problems.
- The steps to become one involve a master’s degree, an internship, and state licensure.
- Demand for school psychologists is projected to grow, with a median annual salary of about $85,000.
School psychologists work closely with students, educators, and families to create supportive learning environments. Because school psychologists don’t need a doctorate, it takes less time to enter this field than many other psychology specialties.
Discover how to become a school psychologist, including licensure requirements and salary data.
Steps to Become a School Psychologist
School counselors need strong problem-solving, communication, and counseling skills. Becoming a school psychologist also requires meeting education, experience, and licensure requirements.
- 1
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
School psychologists need a bachelor’s degree to meet the requirements for graduate programs. Earning a bachelor’s degree takes about four years and requires 120 credits.
Majoring in psychology or a closely related field helps prepare graduates for advanced study in school psychology. While applicants can get into graduate programs without an undergraduate psychology degree, they may need to complete prerequisite courses.
- 2
Pursue Graduate Education
A master’s in psychology prepares school psychologists for licensure. Candidates can meet this requirement with a master’s in school psychology or an education specialist (Ed.S.) degree.
In many states, licensure requires at least 60 credits at the graduate level, which typically requires two to three years. The National Association of School Psychologists provides additional resources on the licensure requirements by state.
- 3
Complete an Internship
Psychologists complete internship requirements to gain supervised experience. School psychologist programs incorporate internship placements in educational settings. Graduate students work with young learners during an internship to apply the theoretical knowledge developed during coursework.
Most states require at least 1,200 internship hours. Review the licensure requirements in your state for more information.
- 4
Obtain State Licensure
After completing education and experience requirements, school psychologists can apply for a state license. To meet licensure requirements, applicants must pass a national exam, such as the Praxis School Psychologist exam or the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.
In many states, licensed school psychologists must complete continuing education requirements to maintain their credentials.
How Long Will Becoming a School Psychologist Take?
Becoming a school psychologist typically takes 6-7 years. School psychologists spend around four years completing a bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years earning a master’s or Ed.S. degree.
Because school psychologists do not need a doctorate, the timeline to become a school psychologist is faster than several other psychology careers.
| Job | Time to Become |
|---|---|
| Educational Psychologist | 8-10 years |
| Clinical Psychologist | 8-12 years |
| Child Psychologist | 8-12 years |
| Counseling Psychologist | 10-16 years |
How to Continue Your Education as a School Psychologist
Psychologists with a master’s degree can continue their education by earning an Ed.S. or a doctorate. These degrees can lead to new job opportunities or career advancement.
How Much Does a School Psychologist Make?
School psychologists earn a median annual salary of about $85,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Degree level, location, experience, and job setting all impact earning potential. For example, school psychologists in Colorado, California, and New Mexico earn the highest salaries.
$84,940
Average Annual School Psychologist Salary
$40.84
Average Hourly School Psychologist Salary
Source: BLS, May 2023
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a School Psychologist
School psychologists typically need a master’s or Ed.S. degree. Most states require a minimum of 60 graduate-level credits, which grad students can complete in 2-3 years. During a graduate program, school psychology students also complete an internship.
