Master's in School Psychology Online Programs
Updated September 10, 2024
Edited by
Reviewed by
Enrolling in a master's in school psychology can jumpstart your career working in public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities, or educational and family support services. It can also prepare you to enter the field of child and adolescent psychology. Learn more about online school psychology programs to help you decide if this degree is right for you.
Popular Online Master's in Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Comparing Online School Psychology Master's Programs
According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), you can divide online master's programs in school psychology into two distinct categories: master's level and specialist level. These categories hold various requirements and offer different career opportunities.
Master's-Level Programs
Degree Types: Master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), master of education (M.Ed.)
Master's-level school psychology programs typically require less than 60 credits, take approximately two years to complete, and typically do not include an internship. Coursework can often be completed entirely online. These degrees may not qualify graduates for licensure as a school psychologist, though graduates may be able to secure related job titles, such as an educational diagnostician.
Specialist Level Programs
Degree Types: MA; MS; certificate of advanced study (CAS) or certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS), typically awarded along with an MA or MS; education specialist (Ed.S.); specialist in psychology (Psy.S.)
Specialist-level school psychology programs require a minimum of 60 credits, take approximately three years to complete, and include a full-time, in-person internship. These programs are considered entry-level school psychologist degrees and typically qualify graduates to pursue state certification or licensure. Graduates also qualify for the nationally certified school psychologist (NCSP) credential.
Why Get an Online Master's Degree in School Psychology?
-
Rewarding work
School psychologists can make a meaningful difference in students' lives by helping them become effective learners, improving their chances of earning a college degree, and broadening their career prospects. -
Projected job growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school psychology employment is expected to increase as educators become more aware of the connection between learning and mental health. -
Alleviating shortages
A nationwide school psychologist shortage means that you could fill a much-needed position. The NASP's professional standards recommend a 500:1 ratio of students to school psychologists. During the 2022-2023 school year, the national ratio was 1,119:1. Ten states reported a greater than 2,000:1 ratio. -
Salary
-
Benefits
School psychology employers typically offer solid health insurance and retirement benefits. School psychologists often enjoy a stable career with advancement opportunities. They can collaborate with parents and educators and work in myriad settings with different age groups.
Courses in an Online School Psychology Program
Online school psychology programs offer asynchronous or synchronous coursework and may also require an in-person internship or supervised fieldwork. Distance learners can often arrange on-site positions in or near their home communities. The school psychology master's curriculum focuses on populations and age groups, professional roles, and theoretical orientation. Students gain knowledge and skills in counseling, crisis intervention, professional ethics, and research methods.
Course content may vary depending on whether you enroll in a master's degree or a specialist program. Some courses might include:
- Human Learning and Achievement Motivation: In this course, students apply the principles of human learning and achievement in education and day-to-day life, including behavioral, cognitive, and social-cognitive orientations.
- Life Span Development: Students learn about the different stages of life through contextual, cultural, and developmental perspectives. Instructors introduce assessment tools and activities to identify, analyze, apply, and compare and contrast life-stage theories and models.
- Research Methods: This class emphasizes comprehension of educational research literature. Topics include locating, summarizing, and critiquing published research, along with research design and scientific method.
- Trauma-informed Care in Schools: Foundations and Interventions: Students examine the impacts of adverse experiences and traumatic stress on adolescents and children and the competencies, interventions, and knowledge educators use to promote growth and learning.
School Psychology FAQs
How long does it take to get a master's degree in school psychology?
A school psychology master's degree requiring 60 credits or less should take about three years to complete. Most specialist degrees require more than 60 credits and take four years to finish, including a year-long internship.
What education is required to be a school psychologist?
Most states require a specialist or doctoral degree to become a licensed school psychologist. A master's degree can be a stepping stone to a school psychology doctoral program, while a specialist degree and 1,200 internship hours provide entry into the school psychology profession.
Does a school psychology program need to be NASP-approved?
While NASP accreditation is the national standard, not all states require graduating from an NASP-approved program to earn a license. However, almost all state-approved schools are NASP-approved.
What's the difference between a school psychologist and a school counselor?
A school counselor helps students with a wide range of emotional, social, or academic issues, working specifically with psychological issues. School psychologists often work in special education departments and with at-risk students, whereas school counselors tend to work with the general student body.
What Can You Do After an Online School Psychology Program?
School psychology career opportunities vary depending on which degree you earn and whether you complete an internship. A master's in school psychology may qualify you for licensure and a job as a school psychologist in one or two states, but the majority require a specialist degree at minimum.
A specialist degree can lead to an entry-level position as a school psychologist, and career advancement can come with experience. A master's degree confers eligibility for a doctoral program in school psychology. Doctoral degree-holders also work as school psychologist practitioners, but they can also pursue careers in private practice or academia.
Most school psychologists earn an education specialist (Ed.S.), a post-master's degree that takes a shorter time to complete and is less intensive than a doctorate.
Licensure and Certification
The majority of U.S. states require a license or certification to work as a school psychologist. Licenses and certifications typically require the same educational and internship criteria, but check with your state to ensure you are on the right track. To earn licensure or certification, you may need a passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist examination. Some states require their own exams.
Further Education
Both master's-level and specialist-level school psychology graduates can take steps to advance their careers in the school psychology field.
Master's program graduates, who did not complete an internship and qualify for school psychologist certification or licensure, can enroll in standalone CAS or CAGS programs. These programs, also offered in conjunction with specialist degrees, provide the clinical education and practical training needed to become a school psychologist.
For specialist program graduates, who typically do qualify for school psychologist state licensure or certification, doctoral degrees in school psychology can offer broader career opportunities. These include moving into school administration positions, branching into private practice, and finding employment in hospitals, research, and academia.
Career Opportunities
Social Worker
Social workers meet with patients, listen to their concerns, and develop plans to help improve their quality of life. In addition to schools, social workers can be employed in a variety of settings, such as child welfare and human service agencies and healthcare providers.
Average Salary: $55,230
Behavioral Health Specialist
Behavioral health specialists conduct interviews and perform psychological tests to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health conditions. They maintain records and data to develop treatment plans and refer patients to other support services when necessary.
Average Salary: $60,550
School Psychologist
School psychologists work in public and private K-12 schools to help students with issues affecting their learning and social development, including bullying, peer pressure, and depression. They collaborate with teachers, school staff, and students' families to design, implement, and evaluate performance plans and strategies.
Average Salary: $84,940
Professional Organizations
- American Psychological Association: The APA's School Psychology division and its Student Affiliates in School Psychology provide communities for practitioners and students. The division hosts meetings for school psychologists at all stages of their careers and features resources that include journals and newsletters, grants and awards, and mentoring.
- National Association of School Psychologists: NASP accredits school psychology programs and offers networking events, practitioner certification, professional development opportunities, and resources and publications.
Now that you have read about online school psychology programs, learn more about master's programs in psychology and research specific online school psychology programs.